Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #30: How the Mighty Have Fallen (9/29/97)
* Bcal stumbles down the street, rubbing her aching back
* Bcal wipes a bit at the grime on her face, looking around, wondering if this is the neighborhood that bully Gen had given her before she left Sticky's
* Bcal looks at the disreputable houses...sees a man outside a house hocking women, men, young boys
* Bcal sees most of the people are drunk as they stagger along the streets
<Bcal> I'm gonna find her before I return to that Center and prove to Veraik he was wrong about my honor
* Bcal ignores the man named Garon who calls out to her and continues on, watching the people that pass....
<Bcal> it would have been nice if the report had mentioned that Snake was from this area...and that she hadn't spent her ENTIRE childhood at Zeor
<Bcal> shendoni screw-ups
<Bcal> Farrises are raised at Zeor
<Bcal> why didn't someone beside Tormer mention about Snake to me
* Bcal wipes at the soot, looking at her ruined gray suit, feeling that her hair is now hanging limply about her face
<Bcal> how the mighty have fallen...
* Bcal pushes her hair back in disgust
* Bcal sees another house of prostitution...next to an incense store
* Bcal heads toward the incense store
* PrettyBoy is standing in the doorway of the house of prostitution
* PrettyBoy calls out to B'Cal
<PrettyBoy> Hey... hi there. Do you need a friend?
* PrettyBoy smiles
* Bcal stops surprised
<Bcal> I'm afraid now
<Bcal> not
* PrettyBoy has a dazzling smile
<PrettyBoy> Come on... everybody needs a friend. You seem... lonely.
* Bcal thinks it's a shame for such a young one to be out on the streets
<Bcal> lonely or not, I don't think so
* Bcal walks on over to the incense store
* Bcal looks through the window
* Jirelle sniffs some of the samples
<Bcal> where in shenned is that tea shop they told me they'd seen her at
* Bcal spots Jirelle
* Bcal drops her head, not wanting to see anyone from the Center
* Jirelle is wearing a Tecton uniform
<Bcal> of course...she'd be here
* Jirelle asks the clerk "I don't suppose you have any waterproof incense?"
* Bcal thinks maybe the young girl whom she'd heard about wouldn't remember her name if she goes in and speaks to the shop owner
* Bcal goes inside
* Bcal walks up to wait and talk to the clerk
* Jirelle sees B'cal waiting and goes to look at some more samples
* Bcal thinks Jirelle looks like a very nice young Channel..one she wouldn't mind serving with
<Clerk> [to B'cal, somewhat dubiously] May I help you?
<Bcal> yes, my name is Bcal...I was looking for a local tea shop
<Bcal> Sippin Susans?
* Clerk 's forehead wrinkles in confusion
<Bcal> suppose to be in this area somewhere
<Bcal> look, have you heard of it or not?!
* Clerk is taken aback
<Clerk> What is your problem, lady?
<Clerk> [various customers look up curiously]
* Bcal frowns angrily at him
<Bcal> I am in a bit of a hurry and would appreciate a reply
<Clerk> Well, then I guess the answer is no. Sorry. [doesn't sound sorry at all]
* Bcal turns and starts out the store..only to hook a low heel on a loose nail
* Bcal goes flying
<Bcal> well shen!
* Bcal rolls over, looks at her shoe and sees the gouge in it
* Jirelle hurries to help B'cal
<Jirelle> Are you all right?
* Jirelle zlins B'cal
* Bcal glances up, near tears, at Jirelle
* Bcal swallows them away and nods
<Bcal> I'm sorry, hajene for my clumsiness
* Bcal gathers her purse and stands
<Jirelle> You must be B'cal. There can't be two Gens with that field in Bender Cove.
* Bcal sighs
<Bcal> yes, I am
<Bcal> and you are....the new channel?
<Jirelle> I'm Jirelle... yes, I just started a few days ago.
* Bcal nods politely
* Bcal thinks the girl seems nice enough...good quiet and knows her job...smooth at it...not a First though
<Jirelle> I heard you asking about a tea house... I know of one just down the street, would you like to sit and have a cup with me?
* Bcal really surprised at Jirelle's offer
* Bcal thinks about Snake...but is exhausted
<Bcal> yes, thank you
* Bcal biting her tongue not to be rude to her
<Jirelle> Just let me buy these... [takes incense packages to counter and pays for them, also buys some candles... returns with bag]
* Bcal is actually surprised the young girl is nice, considering most of the other people she has ever met normally react very negatively to her
* Bcal of course, to B'cal's humiliation, she realizes this is the first time she has not been "perfect" in front of someone...especially a channel
<Bcal> which way?
<Jirelle> This way... [walks down street]
* Bcal reluctantly follows, used to always leading
* Jirelle waves cheerfully at various prostitutes... it's unclear whether she realizes what they are or not
* Bcal is horrifed by Jirelle's actions
* Bcal realizes the young girl must just be friendly to everyone
* Bcal wearily B'cal pushes at her hair, trying to restore some order
<Jirelle> I just love Bender Cove. Everybody is so... so full of life!
* Bcal then tries to straighten her torn jacket, thinking if anyone ever recongizes her....
<Bcal> you can certainly say that, Jirelle
<Jirelle> Here we are...
* Bcal looks around, grateful that it's a bit dark in here
* Jirelle approaches a cramped, dark looking tea house with small tables and chairs crowding the front of it
<Jirelle> The sign overhead reads "the Silver Ball"
* Bcal only wants a moment to get off her aching feet
* Bcal looks dispirited at the name
* Jirelle zlins B'cal discreetly, concerned by her emotions and general condition
<Bcal> do they seat us here?
<Jirelle> No, how about you pick the table while I go get the tea?
* Bcal bristles, but nods
* Bcal looks about and picks a table in the darkest corner
* Bcal squeezes into the corner...realizing she is a bit glad the girl deciding to get the tea and let her sit down
* Jirelle seems oblivious to B'cal's resentment
* Jirelle soon returns with the tea
* Bcal shakes her head at the girl in bemusement
<Bcal> thank you
* Jirelle sits down
* Bcal takes a drink, savoring the taste...the first thing she's had in over twenty-four hours
<Bcal> delicous
<Jirelle> Wow, it sure is great to be working in the big city like this... I just love all the -"
* Jirelle gulps, nearly overwhelmed by B'cal's reaction to the tea
* Bcal pauses to look at Jirelle wondering what she was going to say
<Bcal> you're from a small town?
<Jirelle> Yeah... the country, actually. This is all so new to me.
* Jirelle smiles at B'cal
* Bcal is too tired to realize her actions overwhelm the Second so
<Jirelle> How about you? Do you come from a small town?
* Bcal smiles thinking
<Bcal> I'm from V'lar which is a lot like the country
<Bcal> we're not big like Zeor, and we don't have a lot around us...
<Bcal> there is a small city nearby though
<Bcal> I'm not used to port cities
<Bcal> they're...crowded
<Jirelle> Oh. [smiles] I guess this must be new for both of us then!
* Bcal throngs of people where Snake could have hidden
* Bcal smiles politely
<Bcal> yes
<Bcal> I suppose it is
* Bcal thinks it is too, at least being totally at a loss for the first time in her life
* Bcal takes another sip of her tea inhaling the fresh scent
<Bcal> I hope you enjoy your time here, Jirelle
* Jirelle is only a 2nd, but she is no dummy; she knows B'Cal has been missing and the Donor is obviously in bad shape.
* Bcal enjoys the warmth of the cup against her hands, the heat as the flavorful liquid slides down her throat
<Jirelle> I hope to be assigned here permanently.
<Bcal> I'm sure Veraik would like that
<Bcal> he needs some good channels for this pet project of his
* Jirelle cocks her head curiously
* Bcal closes her eyes and sighs in delight
* Bcal opens her eyes and sees Jirelle's look
* Bcal stiffens
<Bcal> what?
* Jirelle zlins B'cal's defensive reaction and wonders what it's for
* Bcal sets her tea down, waiting
<Jirelle> I was just wondering if you were quit of the Center before you even started, or if you're coming back.
* Bcal has a flash of anger...but it quickly subsides as she realizes Jirelle is not questioning her honor
<Bcal> there is one thing you will learn Jirelle as you work with me...I never promise something then go back on my word, nor do I shirk my duty
<Bcal> ever
<Jirelle> You don't?
* Bcal feels the anger seeping back into her
<Bcal> no, Jirelle. I don't
<Bcal> right now I'm out trying to locate my channel
* Jirelle thinks about B'cal's words
<Bcal> and when I find her and we work some things out, I'll be back
<Jirelle> Who is your channel?
<Bcal> Snake
<Jirelle> Oh. I've never met her either.
<Bcal> She's a Farris. Shendoni possibilities of being one of the best...but has no sense of....is totally street minded
<Bcal> Veraik needs her
<Jirelle> [face breaks into a grin] Yeah, I heard all the stories in school before I came here.
<Bcal> stories?
* Bcal wonders if she even wants to know what this nice young thing has heard
* Bcal slips her hands around her tea and picks it back up, absorbing the warmth again
<Jirelle> This Sime Center is famous! What with the Ghost, and the Dark Channel, and the... well, I'm sure you've heard them too.
<Bcal> no. I haven't
<Bcal> Ghost? Dark Channel
<Jirelle> You never geard about the ghost of Donor that was murdered in the Sime Center, and now haunts the place breaking glass objects and setting things on fire?
* Bcal sips the last of her tea and sets the cup back down
<Bcal> no. I'm afraid I missed that story
<Jirelle> I was so excited when I learned there was a position available here - imagine getting to see a ghost first hand!
<Bcal> yeah, just imagine
* Bcal thinks it's probably the screwups doing all the stuff not a ghost
<Jirelle> I missed my chance today by mere minutes. I was going to go down and ask Veraik something, and I had to get something else done first, and wouldn't you know it - just when I would have been in his office asking him, the ghost made Alea set the place on fire.
<Bcal> set the CENTER on FIRE?!
<Jirelle> I think the ghost was responsible for the sprinkler system going off too... or maybe that was just how it was designed. Everything is soaked and there are 4 feet of water in the basement.
* Bcal picturing the little lovebird that runs everytime she enters the room...wonders why they don't kick her out...then snorts
<Bcal> it figures
* Jirelle zlins the contempt in B'cal and is saddened by the lack of tolerance
<Jirelle> Well, if you want to come back and sleep tonight, don't go to the Center, there are cots set up for us in the church next door.
* Bcal sighs wearily and leans her head forward, rubbing at her temple
<Bcal> oh, no...I'm not going to stop until I find Snake
<Bcal> I've been going what...two, three days now?
<Bcal> do you know how long?
<Bcal> since I got out of jail
<Bcal> well, it doesn't matter
<Jirelle> No, they don't tell me anything. [laughs]
<Bcal> I take my duties seriously and I'm going to find Snake before I do anything else
* Bcal looks at the grime that comes away on her hand and grimaces...before grabbing a napkin and trying to wipe it off
<Jirelle> Don't you think it would be easiest to meet up back at the Center?
* Bcal pauses, her gaze jerking up to Jirelle's
* Bcal studies her...sees the question was again innocent and sighs
* Jirelle seems genuinely curious, somewhat puzzled
<Bcal> Snake is angry right now...she's not going to come back to the Center. She probably thinks I'd slit her throat if she got within a mile of it
* Bcal nager is filled with weary defeat before it's quickly covered
<Jirelle> You?? Why would she think a Donor would do something like that?
<Bcal> it's a long story
<Bcal> suffice to say, when she acted very unTecton style and unZeor I was angry with her...
* Jirelle obviously doesn't believe anybody would do something like that, and it's hard to imagine anybody thinking someone would
<Bcal> I told her to go away when I felt she had betrayed me...and it looks like she took me at my word
<Bcal> but I'll find her if it's the last thing I do
<Jirelle> .... Oh. [puzzled little frown]
* Bcal leans back and closes her eyes stretching her neck
* Jirelle sips her tea
<Bcal> I take it the reason you're out buying incense is because yours was ruined by the fire?
* Jirelle laughs a little
<Jirelle> Yes, but also I was almost out. I use it all the time.
* Bcal opens her eyes to see why Jirelle is lauging
<Bcal> oh
<Bcal> is it Farris approved?
<Bcal> with two Farrises in the Center you should be careful what type you have
<Jirelle> They are already making fun of me at the Center because... oh? Farris approved? I don't actually know...
* Jirelle opens the bag, takes a package out, reads the label.. finds no mention either way
<Bcal> check that. If it's not...go exchanged it before you go home
<Bcal> here, let me see
* Jirelle hands it to B'cal
* Bcal reads the label shakes her head
<Bcal> no...look, here and here and here...these ingredients will bother a Farris
* Bcal opens her purse and pulls out a pen and paper and starts making a list
<Bcal> when you go back, make sure none of these things are listed on the label
* Bcal hands her the list
* Jirelle takes the list
<Bcal> you could cause real problems for one of them if you use it and it someone gets into the air system and ends up in their room
<Bcal> and if it affected Snake, I'd become very angry since I'm trying to help her straighten her systems out
<Jirelle> Oh. Well I wouldn't want to cause anyone any probl.. um, okay.
* Bcal reaches for her cup again, realizes it is empty and sits it back down
* Bcal digs through her purse, pulls out some money and drops it on the table
* Jirelle wonders if B'cal was actually threatening her... seems so incredibly unlikely that someone would do something like that, but it sure sounded like it.
* Jirelle decides she must be imagining things
* Jirelle smiles at B'cal
* Bcal sighs at the girl's look...can't believe she missed the message...feels like she kicked a puppy
* Bcal smiles back
<Bcal> I'm sure you wouldn't do anything to endanger my channel so we won't have to worry
<Jirelle> Maybe you could come back with me. Everybody would be so happy to see you again, since you've been gone.
* Jirelle smiles encouragingly.
* Bcal thinks in a pig's eye
* Bcal knows she has no friends there and wants no friends...
<Bcal> I don't think so, Jirelle. I have to find Snake
<Jirelle> You'd probably have much more luck finding her if you had some rest...
<Bcal> do you happen to know where the Sippin Susans is?
* Bcal chuckles
<Bcal> rest?
<Bcal> yeah....rest...
* Bcal thinks that's unlikely too
* Bcal rubs again at her forehead, feeling a headache coming on...not wanting to bother the channel...she does her best to hide the condition
<Jirelle> Don't you know that true health can only be attained if both the physical and the spiritual selves are healthful and in balance with each other?
<Jirelle> If you can't stay healthy physicaly, then how can you be healed spiritually by the finding of your lost friend?
<Bcal> yeah...balanced, like a Donor and a Channel...and I need a channel right now [mutters]
<Bcal> I'll be balanced when I find Snake again
<Bcal> we'll be balanced
<Bcal> Is it cold in here to you?
* Jirelle looks around
<Jirelle> No, but you know, Simes and Gens...
* Bcal looks up suddenly at Jirelle
* Jirelle shrugs
<Jirelle> But of course you will become sick if you run around with no sleep and nothing to eat.
* Bcal blinks at a Second telling her something like htat
* Bcal thinks about giving her a good set down, then forgets what is was she was going to say
<Bcal> The Sippin Susans...do you know where it is?
<Jirelle> I think I've heard that name before... maybe... I am kind of new in town. Only a few days.
<Bcal> yeah, they said someone had seen Snake there
<Bcal> oh..yeah, that's right
* Bcal stares back down at her cup, trying to figure out where to go next
<Jirelle> The rumors used to say... well, they're probably just rumors. [blushes]
<Bcal> yes?
<Jirelle> Well someone at the Center told me before Snake came to work there, she made money off giving killmode transfers, and gave away free healing to avoid entran.
* Bcal stares aghast
<Bcal> killmode transfers [barely above a whisper]
<Jirelle> That's suppose to be why so many people owe her favors, because of the healing. And all her big connections came from giving transfers.
* Bcal drops her head wearily
<Bcal> shen
* Jirelle laughs
* Bcal thinking about what that must do to Snake's system
<Jirelle> But some of the rumors I've heard have been so ridiculous... I don't know if a person can really believe any of them.
* Bcal wishes at the moment she was as innocent and carefree as Jirelle
* Bcal shudders wrapping her jacket closer about her
<Bcal> yeah, you just can't belive everything you hear
* Bcal stands
<Jirelle> For example I had heard, right before I got here, that there was one person sent to the Center because she was in total disgrace and had only one chance left to prove herself...
* Bcal wonders who that could be...then realizes that if Veraik had been saying the things he probably had...people might think it was her
* Bcal realizes she wasn't in disgrace but owed Tramila a favor and is suddenly furious that someone was spreading a rumor like that
<Jirelle> But the reason was supposed to be that she had filled out a lie on a piece of paperwork, maybe by accident, but because it looked like it was on purpose, they thought she might be a liar, and that was enough to leave a bad mark on her name...
* Bcal forces herself to calm down...thinking maybe it was that Donor
<Jirelle> I just had to laugh when I heard that one, I mean, who can be thrown into utter disgrace over one line on a piece of paperwork?
* Bcal that sounded like something they'd do to a Farris
<Bcal> if you're a Farris?
* Jirelle shrugs
<Bcal> it can happen to a Farris, believe me
<Jirelle> I don't know... it seemed over the top, to me. Maybe somebody made that rumor up.
* Bcal thinks doubtful
<Jirelle> I sort of thought the same thing about the kill mode transfers... I could believe somebody giving away healing, but selling killmode transfers? Nobody would do that.
* Bcal thinks about Snake and the shape she is in and doubts that
* Bcal looks toward the door
<Bcal> look, Jirelle, you'd better go replace that incense and I've got to go find Snake
* Jirelle looks surprised; they had been having such an interesting conversation.
<Jirelle> Okay... well it was nice meeting you.
<Jirelle> I'll tell everybody I saw you and you said Hi, okay?
<Bcal> fine fine
* Bcal turns toward the door, thinking every bone in her body is aching and she is no closer to finding Snake
<Bcal> where the shenned are you, Snake
* Bcal stumbles again, to her mortification and then makes it outside
<sign> [a paper-plastered wall has one particular bit of paper that catches your attention:]
* Bcal starts down the street but sees something and stops
<sign> TORN BY TENTACLES?
* Bcal reaches up to smooth the paper and read it
<Bcal> torn by Tentacles? Disgusting
<sign> Gens with death wish sought for scorching donations
<sign> You will be satisfied or twice your money back.
<Bcal> oh shen.....
<sign> [underneath that is a symbol that looks like a entwined snake]
* Bcal looks for address..anything to hint where to go
<sign> [there is nothing but the symbol... it is apparently intended to be sufficient information]
* Bcal turns back around and goes back to the incense story
* Bcal goes up to the clerk, with the paper in her hand
<Clerk> Yes, may I - oh, you again.
* Bcal slaps the paper down
<Bcal> where can I find this?
* Bcal points to the paper
* clerk recoils from the words and image
<Clerk> "Oh!" [distaste]
<Bcal> well?
* clerk points at the image, not coming to close
<Clerk> That's Snake.
<Bcal> I SEE the imagine...where can I find Snake
* Bcal wonders what disreputable place around here would put up with that and knows there are way too many
<Clerk> She'll usually find you if you let it be known someone's looking.
* Bcal she could be anywhere....shiltpron parlor, whorehouse, Sime Center like this screwed up one
<Clerk> [manner makes it clear he doesn't find anybody who WOULD look for Snake to be quite right in the head]
<Bcal> I want to find her...not the other way around
* Bcal sneezes
<Bcal> give me an idea here which way to go
<Clerk> Everybody knows, Snake doesn't have a place. She goes where the business is.
<Clerk> All house calls.
* Bcal frowns
<Bcal> I have to find her
* Bcal blinks tiredly waiting for more information
<Bcal> as soon as possible...is there anyone around here who might be able to help me?
<Bcal> ANYONE at all?
* clerk thinks
* Bcal pulls at her jacket..thinking the room is awfully hot and wishes this man would hurry up
<Clerk> Well, you might try the Post Office, four doors down... she did some work there yesterday and might have said where she was going next.
<Bcal> thank you
* Bcal hurries out the door
* Bcal breathes in the cooler air, her nose turning up at the stench...and starts down the street
* Bcal finds the post office and goes inside
* Bcal goes up to the counter
<Clerk> [The POST OFFICE appears to be a huge whorehouse with racing casino/marquee style lights rippling across its entire facade]
* Bcal realizes she is NOT in the post office...but another store and exits
* Bcal goes down one more building and sees what the clerk meant and sneers in disgust
<Clerk> [Yep... it's definitely the POST OFFICE]
* Bcal shudders again
* Bcal forces her mind to funciton clearly and goes to the door
<Clerk> [it's right next door to the POST PARADE]
* Bcal taps the door
* Bcal pauses to feel her head and realizes she is running a pretty high fever and is angry and furious over this
* Voluptua opens the door and poses sensuously for B'cal
<Bcal> I'm looking for someone here
<Voluptua> Why, Hello, Darling [oozes]
* Bcal reaches down for flyer and realizes she has lost it
* Bcal glances up at Voluptua's words
<Bcal> hello
<Bcal> as I said, I'm looking for someone
<Voluptua> Well we have someone for just about everyone here, honey pie.
<Bcal> this person is about this high...[holds out hand] female
<Bcal> she goes by the name of Snake
* Voluptua shimmies and glitters, jiggling like only a Gen can.
* Bcal pulls her coat around her again and leans against the door, waiting, wondering why everyone seems to want to take so long to tell her anything
* Bcal smiles politely thinking she is never going to get information out of a woman who has to shake and shimmer constantly
<Voluptua> Ahh, I see, you want to find Snake. Doesn't everybody? [conspiratorial/hungry smile]
* Bcal thinks what she'd like to do is shake the information out of her herself
* Bcal thinks Bingo
<Bcal> why yes
* Bcal smiles conspiratorially back
<Voluptua> Well if you'll come inside, I'm sure we can get you all straightened out. [winks]
* Bcal reaches up and wipes at a sheen of perspiration
* Bcal smiles back
<Bcal> great
<Bcal> I really really need to find her
* Voluptua leans back just enough to let B'cal squeeze past
* Bcal stumbles trying to get past thinking she is taking up the entire door
* Voluptua closes her eyes in pleasure as B'cal shoves past
* Bcal wipes at her forehead again before digging in her purse
* Bcal begins to mutter as she moves further into the room
<Voluptua> [The room beyond is a small sitting room with white wood-and-leather furniture with white fringe all round, and a silver braid rug.
* Bcal looks up and is surprised...thinking all of these rooms were supposed to be really really tacky
* Bcal sinks gratefully down onto a couch
<Voluptua> [there is a small coffee table with a stupendously large bouquet in the middle, looks like it cost more than most people make in a month, and has some of the most erotic looking flowers imaginable]
* Bcal shoves some more stuff around then curses
* Bcal blinks at the flowers, shakes her head and blinks again
* Bcal shakes her head again and goes back to digging in her purse before finally sanpping it closed
* Voluptua goes to a small counter and gets a thick book and a pen, then comes back to sit beside B'cal on the couch.
* Bcal glances up at Voluptua
<Bcal> pardon me, but do you have any ....
* Bcal motions feebly at her purse, totally humilated again at having to ask for help
<Voluptua> Anything you'd like, sweet heart. What do you need?
<Bcal> I left my pills at the...well... I feel really bad. [wonders how she can tell this woman that she left her pills at the police station and decides that's best left unsaid...thinks if she just has something for her fever and headache she wouldn't feel so bad]
* Voluptua smiles in perfect understanding
<Voluptua> Don't you worry about a thing. Voluptua has everything all taken care of.
* Bcal thinks on second thought maybe she should just go back to the police station...but would take too long
* Bcal surprised
<Bcal> thank you
* Bcal second person who has been nice today...not sure if she is reassured or not
* Bcal thinks it must be the way she feels that is making people think they can be nice to her
<Bcal> now...about Snake ...
* Bcal rubs again at her head, wondering if she had actually asked this woman about Snake yet or not
* Voluptua sets the book aside and disappears into a side room, then comes back with a small white bag
* Voluptua sits down again and unzips the bag, opens it to reveal a neatly arranged, wide assortment of legal and illegal substances.
<Voluptua> See anything here you like?
* Bcal 's mouth falls open...just great
<Bcal> uh...well...I just feel....bad
* Bcal can't believe it...there are so many pills, things she has no idea what they are
<Bcal> do you always carry around this many drugs in such a compact area
* Voluptua laughs as if enthralled by B'cal's wit
* Bcal frustrated with the woman
<Voluptua> Oh of course not! This is just the Post Office's way of showing our customers we really *care.
<Bcal> oh...of course
<Bcal> well, just give me something to make me feel better
* Bcal digs through her purse for some more money...unable to believe that she would actually stoop so low as to buy drugs from a questionable source
* Bcal thinks Snake better appreciate this
* Voluptua selects a bottle and gets out a couple of pills, replaces the bottle.
<Voluptua> You'll like these. They're extremely popular amongst the Gens. And the Simes don't complain either!
* Bcal pulls out some money, relieved that she will finally get rid of this headache
* Bcal takes the pill and tosses them back without water
<Bcal> good, fine. How much do I owe you?
<Voluptua> Oh, don't worry, those are on the house. Like I say, we want our customers know we *care about you.
* Voluptua puts the bag away
* Bcal shakes her head, unable to believe the woman is continueing to be nice...a bit wary
<Bcal> okay...now...what was I saying?
* Bcal puts up her money and looks back at Voluptua
<Bcal> Snake...yeah, Snake...I really need ....
<Bcal> what did you mean Gens really liked them?
* Bcal doesn't care for any medicine she takes.
* Bcal only takes it when it's an extreme emergency
<Voluptua> Just that they're one of our most requested items. [smiles]
<Voluptua> Now then, about that appointment...
<Bcal> appointment?
<Voluptua> You did want to make an appointment for Snake's services?
<Bcal> oh, yes
<Voluptua> What day did you have in mind? Generally a certain amount of advance notice is advisable, unless money is no object.
<Bcal> as soon as possible
<Bcal> now if she's avaliable
* Voluptua gives the impression of having entirely not noticed B'cal's torn up clothes and unwashed state
<Bcal> as a matter of fact, is she here now?
* Bcal feels her headache going a bit and relaxes back against the couch
<Voluptua> Here now? No, more's the pity.
<Bcal> ah
* Bcal nods
* Voluptua pages through the appointment book studying the time slots
* Bcal stands up and begins to idly wander the room, checking everything out
<Bcal> as soon as possible...I'd really like ot see her.
* Bcal studies the different things lying around, but sees nothing of Snake's
* Bcal thinks the woman is probably telling the truth...Snake always left everything lying around
<Voluptua> Well, perhaps day after tomorrow... or three days from now?
* Bcal pauses and turns...rubs her head again
<Bcal> no, that's not possible
<Bcal> I need her now
* Voluptua pauses, studies B'cal really well for the first [noticeable] time
* Bcal stiffens at Voluptua's intense perusal
<Voluptua> May I ask which of Snake's special services you are in need of?
* Bcal remembers what the clerk said and thinks
<Bcal> actually two, if possible
<Bcal> healing and well...
* Bcal turns her back from Voluptua
<Bcal> we ... I...
* Voluptua studies B'cal from behind
* Bcal can't think of how to phrase it to make it sound believable
<Voluptua> Yes?
<Voluptua> Go on...
<Bcal> I just need her, okay
* Bcal burning that she has to tell this woman
* Voluptua obviously doesn't think the question has been answered yet
<Voluptua> What service do you, ah, "need" performed? Did you want to make a Donation?
<Bcal> I'd like to...well....transfer?
<Bcal> yes, Donation
<Voluptua> Ah. Please come and sit down.
* Bcal relieved goes back over and sinks gratefully, if a bit wearily down to the sofa
* Bcal thinking finally getting somewhere
<Voluptua> It is our policy to ask a few basic questions of anyone seeking donations... merely a formality, and if at any time the questions make you feel uncomfortable, you are free to go.
<Bcal> of course
<Voluptua> Are you aware that we cannot provide a Tecton trained channel and that we cannot assume responsibility for anything that may happen as a result of use of the channel that is provided?
<Bcal> yes
<Bcal> yes I understand
<Voluptua> Are you aware that transfer burns, even those deliberately endured, can leave lasting or even permanent damage to the nervous system?
<Bcal> of course
<Voluptua> Very well.
* Bcal sighs in relief
<Voluptua> Do you have the 1500 deposit with you, or would you like an escort to and from a bank?
<Bcal> 1500?
<Bcal> you have got to be kidding!
* Voluptua looks neither surprised or amused, just polite and friendly.
<Voluptua> No, I'm afraid that's right. The deposit will guarantee your appointment.
<Bcal> look I'm Snake's transfer partner. I am not paying that just to see her
<Voluptua> It's up to you. There are other channels who will provide the same service at a lesser price, though we don't employ them here.
* Bcal is furious--stands
<Bcal> I'll find her another way
* Voluptua either didn't catch the part about "transfer partner", or has heard such claims enough times to take it in stride
<Voluptua> Certainly. Well, we appreciate being considered for your business.
* Voluptua stands.
<Voluptua> Please come again if you change your mind.
* Voluptua opens door for B'cal
* Bcal goes to the door
<Bcal> do you know where the Sippin Susans is?
* Voluptua smiles (wistful/pouting) I'm afraid not. So sorry.
* Voluptua closes the door behind B'cal
* Bcal leaves
* Bcal goes down the street...
* Bcal is totally despondent that she was that close
* Bcal decides she'll find her .... if she has to go knocking door to door
* Bcal stops
<Bcal> if I were a snake...where would I hide?
<Bcal> under a rock
* Bcal smiles
<Bcal> decides there are more rocks here than she can count
* Bcal turns to the first door she comes to in this run down disreputable business district and knocks
* poisoner opens the door, looks out suspiciously
<poisoner> Yeaz, what ken I do fer yez---?
<Bcal> I need some help...I'm hoping you can provide it
<Bcal> Snake
* Bcal succinctly said
<poisoner> Snake?
<Bcal> Snake
<Bcal> I need her...can you point me in the direction of her or a tea house called Sippin Susan
* poisoner 's pointy little face squinches up when he says the name, like a cat that has tasted something nasty
* Bcal getting real familiar with that look
<Bcal> yeah...I see you know her
<Bcal> she and I are buddies....
<Bcal> I've come back to town and just have to find her before I go
<Bcal> I'd be grateful if you could direct me to her
<Bcal> any information at all
<poisoner> Well I suppose you might try the dockside area, she's always getting her little paws into everybody's business down there.
<Bcal> which way?
* poisoner sounds like he'd like to try to get his paws on some of that business himself
<poisoner> Just keep going downhill.
<Bcal> thank you
* Bcal nods and turns
<poisoner> And when you find her, tell her I want my money!! [shouted rather belatedly after B'cal]
* Bcal goes down to the docks and spends the next three hours searching
* Bcal is feeling really good
* Bcal thinking she hasn't felt this good in ages...
* Bcal with a bounce and a smile she interrogates every single person in sight
* Bcal pauses to look in a window, wondering if that poisoner was lying to her or not
* Verile is working on his boat, which is turned bottom up for maintenance
* Bcal turns from the window and sees someone she hasn't approached yet
* Bcal bounces across the street to the boat
<Bcal> Excuse me?
* Verile is a tanned, ruggedly handsome Seaman with windswept hair and a kind expression.
<Verile> Hello! A beautiful day, isn't it?
* Bcal forgets her extreme dislike of arrogant men and studies this one very thorougly
* Bcal looks around, noticing the day for the first time
* Verile smiles at B'cal
<Bcal> yes, it is
* Bcal returns his smile
<Bcal> I'm looking for someone...perhaps you can help me
* Bcal doesn't realize how out of character and absolutely BOUNCY she is or she would probably throw up
* Verile continues to smooth the boat's hull with smooth, competent strokes.
<Verile> Why, perhaps I can! Who are you looking for today?
* Bcal becomes mesmerized by his actions...everything blending beautifully together in swirls and colors and smooth nice feelings
<Bcal> her name is Snake
<Bcal> she and I are friends... I'd really like to find her... I'm really sad that I can't
* Bcal using the friendship thing she has used with everyone else thinking they'll feel pity and direct her to Snake
<Verile> I don't really know her that well [confesses]. A friend of mine sees her almost every day, though.
<Bcal> really?
* Bcal looks exicted
<Bcal> who would that be?
* Bcal moves forward eagerly
* Bcal begins to pace when he's not immediately forthcoming
* Bcal studies everyone in the area...looking to see if his friend is around
<Verile> her name is Linn Haskins and she lives in Eastcove...
<Bcal> Linn Linn...why do I know that name...where does she meet with her?
<Verile> Usually at the Sime Center. I only saw them together because they were rescuing a couple of kids that got in trouble a couple of blocks from here.
<Bcal> where?
<Bcal> the kids...where'd they find the kids?
<Verile> Oh... the old Hammer and Naismith building on Punt street.
<Bcal> great great...
<Bcal> thanks
* Bcal looks around deciding which route would be the fastest that way
* Bcal feels a niggling bit of a headache and wonders why it's coming back now...when she's almost caught up with Snake
* Bcal darts across the street and starts making her way up and down every street until she finds Punt street
* Bcal notes she is starting to feel bad again
<wreckage> [this is a heavily burned area of town where no reconstruction has begun]
* Bcal is frustrated, thinking she should have found snake by now...wondering why she's suddenly so tired
<wreckage> [the building in question is a huge multi-story brick warehouse that all the floors have fallen due to fire damage. The doors and lower windows are boarded up, and the upper window show through to sky]
* Bcal looks angrily from building to building as she realizes most of the buildings have no signs
* Bcal decides she will have to start searching one by one...looking for anyone that might have information
* Bcal sees the brick building and decides it is probably the most sturdy and therefore would house vagrants and heads toward it
* Bcal gets to the building and walks around it...looking around and decides to crawl in through a window that is partially uncovered
* Bcal realizes as she crawls throught hat it has started sprinkling a bit...thinking it had only been sunny minutes ago--then wonders if perhaps that had been a bit longer
* Bcal looks around in dismay...seeing only an empty shell
* Bcal notes there are no floors...and no one around
* Bcal also notes the rain is hitting her and looks up to realize that's because there's no complete roof
* Bcal exhausted beyond anything she has ever experienced, sinks to the ground and curls up, thinking just a bit of rest...not noting the black charred marks that are being left on her gray suit
* Bcal doesn't notice that the rain has increased or that she is not under cover...only that her body is claiming the rest she's denied it