Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #31: What a Mess (9/30/97)
Alea steps through the mess that was/is the Sime Center
Alea: Oh, dear...Veraik is really going to be upset
Briel: Why do you say that? Accidents happen
Briel thinking about how she ended up junct in the first place before finally disjuncting and coming to the Sime Center to work as a low first order channel
JonDrake is off somewhere else.
Alea picks her way over to her office and pushes open the door
Alea: oh, no!
Alea stares in horror at the art on her wall...the colors have all bled together
JonDrake is avoiding the inevitable.
Briel looks up at the pictures and frowns
Briel: who made you put those up?
Alea looks affronted
Alea: I realize you've been gone a bit, Briel...but ...
Alea: well...
Alea sighs, realizing no one is going to like her art it seems
Alea looks around at her couch, glad it's leather and will survive
Alea glances at her desk and is glad it's soaked...maybe she'll get a bigger one like Veraik's though WHERE she'd put it in this small space
Briel: it's going to take time to clean this place up
Briel zlins the Center....
Briel: no one in here at least
Briel: glad someone remembered to come over and lock up last night
Alea: I don't think it'll be that bad
Alea: after all most of the floors don't have carpets....
Alea: the furniture in the Transfer rooms just have to be wiped down good
Alea: actually, we could start using the Center almost immediately... after a good cleaning
Alea: it'll just be the offices and our private quarters that are going to take time to clean up
Alea doesn't even want to think of her room and what a mess it must be
Alea: you know, actually this is Snake's fault...if she had made sure they hooked the sprinkler system up right...then only Veraik's office would have been ruined
Briel turns toward the stairs...wondering just what she'll find up there
Alea: at least most of your supplies are outside in your suitcase....
Alea starts down the hall and finds hajene's suitcase, the one he'd stashed in a corner when trying to leave a few days ago
Alea sits it up on the table and opens it, wondering what was ruined inside
Alea: Tecton uniforms.
Alea: More Tecton uniforms
Alea rummages around
JonDrake is wandering around the town.
Alea: Household Liorie things
Alea: Oh!
Alea smiles
Alea: a PICTURE album
Alea was wrapped in clothes so it wasn't ruined
JonDrake figures that with everyone set up at the new temporary site, it would be safe to take a look at the damage in the Center.
Alea thinks at least not TOO Badly
Alea opens the first picutre....
Alea: Oh, how...interesting....Veraik on a trin rose rug
Alea thinks no wonder he like likes Trin roses so much
JonDrake walks into the lobby, the carpet squooshing beneath his shoes.
Alea flips a few more pages...seeing many of Veraik...most of them at his House
Alea flips the next page and her eyes widen
Alea: now when did he take that?
Alea starts flipping...looking through more and is shocked at what she sees
Alea puts the album back
Briel: well, hello [to JonDrake]
JonDrake looks at all the water damage. He likens it to his personal state of affairs here....
Briel is just coming down the stairs
JonDrake rouses out of his personal pity party enough to say hi to Briel.
Alea digs through the suitcase to see what else is salvageable and takes the suitcase upstairs to Veraik's room
JonDrake: Oh, Hello. It's a shame, isn't it?
Briel shrugs
Briel: it's fixable, I imagine
Briel: I've seen worse during hurricanes
JonDrake: I don't know [he mumbles] the damage seems pretty major.
Briel zlins him curiously
Alea decides maybe if Veraik's room looks neat, he won't get so angry
JonDrake isn't really thinking about the physical damage to the Center.
Alea goes to the closet and jerks on the door...hard before it finally comes open
JonDrake smiles at Briel.
Briel returns the smile
JonDrake: Oh, it's nothing. So much has happened since I've been here.
Briel: This Center is right on the Sime/Gen border
JonDrake: Maybe I'm a bit of a jinx.
Briel: and I can tell you..plenty happened here before I took a small vacation...
Briel: oh no no!
Briel: not at all
Briel: I was in the original building before you showed up...believe me...this place is just Jinxed...regardless
Briel zlins past Jon out the doors
JonDrake wonders what has gotten Briel's attention. Turns.
Briel: all of the patients are being cared for....
Briel sees Jon's actions
Briel: Was just checking what was going on...wondering if the work crew was here yet.
JonDrake: Oh. I see.
Alea frowns at the door, but smiles when she sees most of the clothes aren't ruined
JonDrake: What has this place been like?
JonDrake: Is it really jinxed, as you say?
Briel chuckles, rubs her tentacles slightly with memories
JonDrake is still trying to put all of the conflicting information into perspective.
Briel: let me just say that they had this crazy Farris channel who resented the fact that people were turning this into a Sime Center
Briel: she calmed down...though her method of acquisition was rather unorthodox, she proved to be an asset
Alea goes to Veraik's suitcase and hangs up his clothes
Alea leaves the personal stuff inside and goes to her room
Alea: oh, no
JonDrake: I just don't know what to make of all of this. It's all so confusing sometimes.
Briel smiles
Briel: that's life at a Sime Center
Briel: You'll get used to it
JonDrake: Are all of the others like this one? This all I've known except what I've read in the last week or so.
Alea goes through her stuff, wishing she had closed her drawers and cabinets
Briel: well, actually this is my first assignment away from my house
Briel remembers how she rather feared leaving her house and being back out in the world after being disjuncted but was sent here....
Briel: I imagine they're all the same
Alea closes her door and walks down to Tarsh's room
Alea pushes the door open and sighs at the mess
Alea casually walks around the room, noting what is and isn't ruined, checking closets...and drawers....
Alea realizes he must keep most of his stuff at his apartment
Briel zlins him again
Briel: when do you start your training?
JonDrake: I'm just trying to make some sense of it. On one hand, I sometimes feel that I'm finding purpose and direction, at other times, it's all so convoluted.
Briel chuckles
Briel: that's life
JonDrake: I start any day now, I think.
Briel nods
Briel: good....a field like yours could really tempt a renSime or be a danger out on the streets
JonDrake: That's probably a contributory problem. I hate waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Alea goes out the door and to the stairs...slowly descending
JonDrake: That's too real a part of life on the other side of the border.
Briel zlins toward the stairs
JonDrake: As it is, I'm having a hard time understanding all of the chains of power.
JonDrake: How does the local governments relate to the Tecton, now do they relate to the Householdings?
Alea sees Jon and Briel and pauses...wondering just what they were discussing
JonDrake: Who's in charge of whom?
Briel: you'll learn all of that in training. Veraik is a very patient teacher
Briel thinking ... at least with men
Tarsh walks slowly into the lobby.
JonDrake: It all seems like wheels within wheels....
Alea sees Tarsh...glad not to have to confront Jon right now
JonDrake: I don't know if I can understand the politics.
Alea: Tarsh. Hello.
JonDrake: I don't know if I can get the hang of relationships on this side of the border.
Tarsh is stoop shouldered and red eyed.
Briel turns and zlins Tarsh, her features turning down as she does
Tarsh looks up. "Hello Alea."
JonDrake winces at the mention of her name and looks up guiltily.
Alea moves forward
Alea: what happened to you?
Briel: you'll get it in time. But till take time
Tarsh: ~~is 2 days from transfer~~
Alea moves foward and lays her hand on his arm
Alea: you haven't slept....
Alea voice drops
Alea: needmares again?
Tarsh: "Just need. And side effects of the cream."
Tarsh: "Yes. I have been sleeping, that's the problem."
Alea: perhaps you ought to think about staying here until further notice...I don't think, with the condition you're in, you should be out and about until after your transfer
JonDrake: Pardon me if I'm getting too gloomy. I haven't been sleeping well lately.
Briel: not at all
Briel: this place looks pretty gloomy right now
Briel: but it'll be better
Tarsh: "That might be a good idea."
Briel zlins Tarsh again wondering who he is and why a Donor is so worried about a renSime...why a channel isn't there
<Alea> do you feel up to working or maybe we should just put you on sick leave
<JonDrake> I sure hope I can get a better handle on all of this.
<Tarsh> ~~Tarsh is dizzy from using ronaplin inhibitor (a prescription medication)~~
<JonDrake> I think I'm going to go back out and get some fresh air. Maybe it will cheer me up.
* Briel moves forward to Tarsh zlinning his condition
* JonDrake is watching the staircase, afraid that Alea will be coming down any moment.
<Briel> excuse me but perhaps you ought to sit down [to Tarsh]
<Tarsh> "huh?"
<Tarsh> "Ok."
* JonDrake quickly excuses himself and leaves by the back entrance.
* Tarsh stumps over and splumps into a chair in the lobby.
* Briel uses her field to project a soothing field, helping to relieve Tarsh's intil
* Alea hurries over to support Briel
<Briel> how long have you been in this shape?
<Briel> and why are you wandering the streets like this?
<Briel> who are you scheduled transfer with this month?
* Tarsh leans back and his muscles loosen.
<Briel> He should be here treating you right now...not me
<Tarsh> "I'm assigned to Snake. In five days. It's been a rough month."
<Alea> FIVE days?
<Alea> but Tarsh, you've been augmenting
<Briel> yeah, well, he's not going to be able to last five more days
* Briel shoots a warning look at Alea for interupting
* Tarsh looks at Alea. "Yes. What is your point? What difference does that make to the Almighty Tecton?"
<Alea> oh, Tarsh
* Alea glances at Briel and then moves forward
<Alea> it makes a big difference...at least it will to Veraik...and he's Tecton
* Briel glares at Alea for interupting the fields
<Briel> I'll be right back...I'm going next door to see if your channel is there
* Briel turns and leaves
<Alea> when Veraik gets back, I'm sure everything will be fine
<Tarsh> "Veriak? What will he do?"
* Alea looks surprised at Tarsh
<Alea> Veraik is the controller and he cares for everyone here
<Alea> when he gets back today, you'll see that
<Alea> I'm sure he'll work everything out since Snake isn't here to um...give transfer
<Tarsh> "Oh great. No Snake."
* Alea realizes maybe she shouldn't have said that, but felt the need to prepare him for the realities
<Alea> everything will be fine, Tarsh
<Alea> Veraik is a good channel
<Alea> there is Jirelle and Briel too if you think you'd rather work with them
* Tarsh mutters something about wanting.
<Alea> what?
* Alea thinks she's just the tiniest bit angry at Snake for deserting them all and leaving them in a lurch like this
* Alea moves foward, taking Tarsh's hand waiting to see what he said
* Tarsh slides his hand up Alea's arm.
* Alea projects a comforting Gen field, tyring to help relieve anxiety
* Tarsh sighs.
<Tarsh> "Alea....."
<Alea> I'm here Tarsh...
* Alea hurting for him
<Alea> everything is going to be fine
<Alea> it's just...need
<Tarsh> "... alea ... I ... I don't ... I want."
<Tarsh> "just?" "need?"
<Tarsh> "There's nothing just about need."
* Alea thinks oops
<Alea> no, you're absolutely right.
<Tarsh> "no justice. Just need."
<Alea> look...what I actually meant is there's no reason to fear yesterday happening again
<Tarsh> "There's every reason to fear it."
<Alea> we will handle the need. I didn't want you worrying about another incident...
<Alea> if you say so
* Alea thinking not smart to argue with a Sime who is in need--all of them are irrational
* Alea realizing what she said and wants to smack herself again
<Alea> I'm sorry, Tarsh if I sound insensitive
<Alea> I certainly didn't mean to
<Tarsh> "I'm sorry Alea."
* Alea tries to make up for it by projecting a soothing field to envelop him with
<Alea> no reason for you to apologize, Tarsh. I was the insensitive one
<Tarsh> "you're the most sensitive person I know."
* Alea chuckles
<Tarsh> "ahhhh."
<Alea> well, I haven't been today
<Alea> the rooms upstairs are a mess...we'll probably not be able to sleep in them a few days
<Alea> however, the rest of the Center should be up and operational...or at least, I'm thinking it might be...
<Alea> any estimations on that?
<Tarsh> "oh good. I don't want to sleep anymore. It's even worse than being awake."
<Alea> Tarsh, I could help keep the needmares away if you'd just let me
<Tarsh> "how deep was the water?"
<Alea> well...downstairs it was about four feet
<Alea> it wasn't really standing here though...drained really quick
<Tarsh> "What did we have downstairs?"
<Alea> I'm afraid the floor above has quite a bit of damage
* Alea averts her eyes, wondering if she should tell him about Veraik's files
<Alea> just different things
<Alea> we had a couple of extra transfer couches that we didn't have room for, misc. stuff....boxes of supplies, all ruined of course
<Tarsh> "how are my files?"
<Alea> ruined
<Alea> soaked clear through
<Alea> somehow the filing cabinets fell over
* Tarsh sighs.
* Alea thinks she knows EXACTLY how they got knocked over AGAIN
<Tarsh> "I should just give up and keep everything on a chalkboard."
<Tarsh> "have a basket full of money for the donors."
<Alea> and have people stroll by running a finger across it without realizing what they're doing?
<Alea> I'm sure they'd like that
* Alea grins
* Tarsh winces.
* Alea sobers
<Alea> sorry
<Tarsh> "oh god, what would a Donor doing that zlin like." [shudders]
* Alea backs away and strolls over to the files
<Alea> wanna find out?
* Alea grins again as she bends down and hauls the filing cabinet back into place
<Tarsh> "Please no."
* wisesnake slips in the back door of the Center
* Alea filing cabinet falls into place with a thunk
<Tarsh> "Stop that! That's bad lifting practice!"
* Alea jumps
<Alea> well, they have to be set up
<Tarsh> "I need to hold one of those safety lectures."
* Alea thinks the gloomy rain as well as need has put him in this mood
<Alea> of course, Tarsh.
<Alea> Why don't you schedule one as soon as we get this place cleaned up
* wisesnake notices that the sprinkler system has been set off recently and the place is practically deserted
* Alea goes to the other filing cabinet and pauses wondering if she should try it in front of Tarsh or wait until he's out of the room to lift it
* Alea smiles innocently
* Tarsh is looking down at the floor again
* Alea concerned, forgetst he cabinet and goes back over to Tarsh
* wisesnake slips down the hallway and into one of the treatment rooms
* Alea uses her field to ease tension
<Alea> was it this bad last month, Tarsh?
* wisesnake discovers that the lock has been changed on the medicine cabinet
* Alea thinking she remembered his post and surely he couldn't have been this bad before
* Tarsh looks up.
<Tarsh> "What?"
* Tarsh gets up and moves to one side, zlinning.
<Alea> you're in awful shape. Were you like this before....
* Alea trails off...wondering what he zlins
* Alea steps back out of the way
<Tarsh> "Is there someone working back there?"
* wisesnake thinks about breaking the glass, but after a wild moment recognizes this as far too dangerous to be worth the risk.
<Alea> no...the place is empty
<Tarsh> "no it isn't."
* Alea feels a bit of fear crawling up her spine
<Alea> it was minutes ago
<Alea> I checked it myself
* Tarsh walks forward to the end of the corridor.
* Alea follows
<Tarsh> "that punk kid must be back..." 1
* Tarsh starts stalking down the corridor.
* Alea relieved
<Alea> wait...maybe you'd better let me handle it.....
* Alea hurries after him when he takes off
* Alea thinking please don't get hysterical again..not again...oh shen...
* Tarsh stops. "Why am I going *towards* him?"
<Alea> I'll go check
<Alea> can you zlin if it's Sime or Gen?
* Alea stays behind not wanting to interfere with his zlinning
<Tarsh> "hold on."
* Tarsh sidles forward
* wisesnake produces a set of thieves' picks and proceeds to fiddle the lock on the medicine cabinet; takes about 15 seconds.
<Tarsh> "No, its a Sime. Zlinning."
<Alea> shen
* Alea starts forward
<Alea> a looter most likely
<Tarsh> "all we need."
* wisesnake takes what she can't get anywhere else, and recloses the cabinet
<Alea> where is he?
* Tarsh tiptoes forward toward the treatment room door.
* Tarsh gestures to a door.
* Alea nods
* wisesnake puts the picks away, then turns to the door
* Tarsh flattens to one side of the door.
* wisesnake ponders the situation and decides it would be stupid to walk out there and risk getting creamed by Tarsh before he realizes who she is; waits instead.
<Alea> well? [whispered] now what?
<Tarsh> "Shuven!"
* Alea jumps
<Alea> what?
* Tarsh throws the door open and steps back. "Come out, whoever you are!"
* Alea clasps her hands together thinking maybe this wasn't such a good idea
* wisesnake comes out, looking mostly wary but a little bit amused also
* Alea eyes widen in shock
<Alea> Snake!
<Tarsh> [surprised] "Snake?!"
<wisesnake> Who did you think I was, Jirelle's ghost?
<Tarsh> "I'm sorry Hajene, I thought you were ... someone else."
* wisesnake gives a sort of lopsided grin as she edges around the two
<Alea> where have you Been?
* Alea moves to block the back exit
<Tarsh> "Uh, Jirelle isn't dead, Hajene." 2
<wisesnake> Around... everywhere.
<Alea> well now you're here...and boy, do we need your help. It's about time you came back
* wisesnake looks haunted
<wisesnake> I'm not back.
* Alea mouth falls open and her gaze shoots to Tarsh
<Tarsh> [puzzled] "You look like you are."
<Alea> of course you are
<wisesnake> I can't come back. Not to how it was before.
* Alea feels her anger at Snake coming back
* Tarsh gestures around. "There have been changes."
* wisesnake shakes her head
<wisesnake> Not the right kinds of changes.
<Alea> you have responsibilites here, Snake.
<Tarsh> ~~fear~~
<Tarsh> "where does that leave me then?"
* wisesnake 's pale eyes flick up to study Tarsh
* wisesnake zlins Tarsh
<wisesnake> How did you get into that state?
* Alea moves over to Tarsh, trying to calm his fear
<Tarsh> ~~2 days from hard need, which is 3 days early~~
* Alea thinks what do you care..not your responsibility anymore...wondering how Snake can just shirk her responsibilities because things aren't to her liking
<Tarsh> ~~dizzy from ronaplin inhibitor~~
<Tarsh> "Two bouts of healing, two of kil-* ... hunting mode, lots of augmenting."
* wisesnake is torn between helping Tarsh and leaving (which Alea's emotions are telling her to do)
<Tarsh> "Am I to go back to my old habits then?"
* wisesnake looks away from them both.
* Alea looks up, confused, wondering just what Tarsh means by that
<wisesnake> I'll give it to you, Tarsh, but not here.
<wisesnake> You know if you put the word out, I will find you.
* Alea looks back at Snake wondering just what Snake means by that
* wisesnake shifts restlessly, looks back toward the rear door.
* Alea has an inkling but doesn't want to believe it
* Tarsh looks less anxious.
<Tarsh> "Do you realize how many forms I'll have to fill out for this?"
* wisesnake 's eyes meet his briefly, then slide away
<wisesnake> No forms
<Tarsh> "What about your gnome friend back there?"
* wisesnake looks at Tarsh incredulously
<wisesnake> My... what?!
<Tarsh> "In the garden." [grins]
* wisesnake looks confused.
<wisesnake> What are you talking about?
<Tarsh> "Never mind."
* Alea feels like she has stepped into a story and has no idea what is going on
* Alea wondering what gnomes have to do with anything and why Tarsh is suddenly grinning when he was so anxious moments ago
* wisesnake sweats
<wisesnake> Look, I only stopped in here for a few minutes. I have to go now.
* Alea is saddened and a bit angry that Snake can't think of anyone else--especially the people at the Center who require her help
<wisesnake> Maybe I'll see you later, Tarsh.
* wisesnake edges around Alea, avoiding her eyes and trying to avoid her negative nager
* Alea steps out of her way and goes up the hall...leaving Tarsh and Snake alone
* wisesnake leaves by the back door
* Tarsh looks first one way, then the other. One way, then the other.
* Tarsh slides down to sit against the wall and puts his head in his tentacles.
* Alea hears a noise and turns...sees Tarsh on the floor
* Alea sees Snake is gone
* Alea didn't realize Snake was leaving immediately...thought they might have some more things to talk about
<Alea> Tarsh....
* Alea hurries back over and slides down next to him
* Alea slides her hand down his arm, taking his hand
* Alea thinking how it must have felt, to be in need and see two fields leaving him at the same time....to the emptiness
<Tarsh> "Alea, I don't think I'm going to make it."
* Alea doesn't give him empty words this time but maintains a steady nager for him to lean on...seeing him like this, she realizes he really believes what he is saying
<Alea> do you want me to go ahead and get one of the channels over here...I'm pretty sure I can "convince" one of the second orders to do what I say.
<Tarsh> "With Snake, I had a chance. Without her.... "
<Tarsh> "yes. please."
<Alea> Jirelle?
<Tarsh> "OK."
<Alea> can I leave you?
* Alea not sure she trusts him out in the condition he is in...afraid to leave him alone
<Tarsh> "I... don't know."
<Alea> come on, let's go into the transfer room and just let me help you relax first, okay
* Tarsh struggles to his feet.
* Alea slips an arm around him
<Alea> right here
* Alea pushes open a door and helps Tarsh inside
<Alea> why don't you lay down right here
* Tarsh leans on Alea and follows her to the couch.
<Alea> let me help you
<Alea> we'll get you stabilized as best as possible and then I'll go get some help
<Tarsh> "All right."
* Alea helps tarsh lay down on the couch,
* Alea reaches out with her field trying to engage Tarsh's field..slips her hands into his
* Veraik enters the Center and stops dead with the wet mess which used to be the Center.
<Alea> just close your eyes
* Tarsh leans back on the couch.
* Tarsh closes his eyes.
* Alea projects peace and comfort, reassurance that everything is going to be okay
* Veraik goes in search of Alea or Tarsh to find out what happened.
* Alea closes her own eyes, concentrating on helping Tarsh
<Alea> no one is going to leave you. remember that...you'll be perfectly fine...a channel will be here in a bit
<Veraik> As Veraik passes Transfer room 2, he notices the occupancy signal is lit.
* Veraik signals the room.
* Tarsh relaxes under Alea
<Tarsh> 's nager.
* Veraik signals again.
<Alea> will you be okay for me to check that, Tarsh?
* Alea watching him carefully, unwilling to leave if he's is unable to handle it
* Alea allows him to feel her need to give, to let him know she isn't going to desert him
<Tarsh> "Don't be long."
* Veraik shrugs and moves away to investigate the rest of the damage.
* Alea carefully releases Tarsh's hands and moves back
* Alea goes over to the door and opens it
<Alea> Veraik
* Alea relief
* Veraik turns back.
<Veraik> Alea?
<Alea> it's Tarsh
<Veraik> What happened?
* Alea ignores his question and hurries back into the room
<Veraik> What's the matter with him.
* Alea slides back down by Tarsh's side
<Alea> hajene Veraik is here, Tarsh
* Veraik enters the room and zlins the pair.
<Alea> everything is going to be just fine
* Alea slips her hand back into his to reassure him
<Alea> he's had to augment a bit and is coming up short...we're having a minor crisis..he requires help
<Veraik> Alea? [warning tone] [Goes to where they are.]
<Alea> I've been sitting here with him...I was going to wait until he felt better and then go get a channel...you showed up just in time
<Veraik> [hyper] Alea. You must do exactly what I say. Do you understand?
* Alea surprised
<Alea> of course, hajene
<Veraik> Support Tarsh but slowly sit up then back.
* Alea hesitates, thinking that she really doesn't want to just leave him ...
<Veraik> Alea...he is fixed on you. Now do you understand.
* Alea finally obeys, being very careful not to worry Tarsh
<Alea> that's not true
* Alea moves back anyway
* Alea slowly releases his hands
* Veraik slides onto the transfer couch behind Alea and tries to match her projection as close as he can.
* Tarsh stirs as Alea moves away.
* Alea hesitates
* Veraik zlins Tarsh and Alea and readjusts his nager to Tarsh's comfort.
<Veraik> Now closely stand up but keep a hand on my shoulder.
* Alea does as Veraik asked, keeping her eyes on Tarsh in worry
* Veraik zlins and adjusts his projection as he intensifies his simulated Alea nager.
<Veraik> Very good.
* Tarsh zlins about puzzled by the two Aleas
<Veraik> Tarsh. I know this is hard on you but it must be done.
<Veraik> Try to lock on my nager as best you can.
<Tarsh> ~~more puzzlement~~
* Tarsh opens his eyes and tries to focus.
<Veraik> Alea. Slowly lose focus on Tarsh.
<Tarsh> "Hajene"
<Veraik> It must be done slow and steady.
<Veraik> Yes Tarsh.
* Alea hesitates then turns her attention to Veraik
<Tarsh> Do what? Why are you Alea?
* Alea forces her field neutral
<Veraik> Zlin me Tarsh.
* Tarsh zlins Veriak.
* Veraik projects need to give.
<Tarsh> [lip curls]
<Tarsh> ~~conflicted~~
* Alea sees Tarsh's reaction and is torn
* Veraik remembers Alea's nager and projects Alea.
<Veraik> [through gritted teeth] Alea, you are making it too hard on Tarsh. Please... Back off. Try to move to the other side of the room.
* Tarsh zlins from Alea to 'Alea' and back.
* Alea shrinks back...backing away
<Tarsh> ~~alarm~~
* Veraik zlins like Alea.
<Tarsh> ~~relaxation~~
* Veraik masks the real Alea and continues to be Alea.
* Veraik offers arms
<Tarsh> ~~hyper~~
* Tarsh reaches for arms.
* Veraik entwines tentacles and offers resistance.
* Tarsh pulls Veriak down for a 5th contact.
* Veraik pours selyn into Tarsh.
* Tarsh sucks in selyn, but then falters
* Veraik projects Alea.
* Tarsh draws again, but his system rebels.
<Tarsh> ~~confused~~
* AleaNager controls the abort and projects stronger image.
* Tarsh draws harder to get to the true Alea.
* AleaNager pushes selyn in a desperate need to give.
* Tarsh convulses, breaking lip contact.
<Tarsh> ~~SHEN~~
* AleaNager grabs Tarsh and take lip contact.
<AleaNager> ~~~~LOVE~~~~~
* Alea locks her hands together...seeing the problems but forcing herself not to move
<Tarsh> ~~chaos & confusion~~
* Tarsh hangs in position, undrawing.
* AleaNager remembers his love for Alea and projects all those feelings into the transfer.
* AleaNager projects strong need to give and love and desire.
* Tarsh starts drawing feebly.
* AleaNager intensifies the need to give laced with love.
* Tarsh draws moderately.
* AleaNager loses all thoughts but those of love and need.
* Tarsh draws selyn to his capacity listlessly.
* AleaNager closes the transfer with caring for the one she loves.
* AleaNager waits for Tarsh to move.
* Tarsh breaks lip contact with a pang of regret.
* AleaNager hugs Tarsh then motions with a tentacle for Alea to come to Tarsh's side.
* Alea sees the transfer is over and continues to wait for some signal that she can come forward
* Alea carefully moves forward
* AleaNager slides out of position and signals for Alea to take over.
* Tarsh opens his eys and sees he is hugging Veriak.
<Tarsh> ~~Shock Anger~~
* Tarsh shoves Veriak away.
* Alea eyes widen in dismay
* Tarsh doubles over, sobbing.
* Alea hesitates...looking from Veraik to Tarsh then reaches out to touch Tarsh
* Veraik signals again for Alea to take Tarsh.
* Tarsh suddenly grabs Alea in a crushing hug.
* Alea slides her arms around tarsh
<Tarsh> "Alea!"
* Veraik whispers to Alea. Take care of him then see me as soon as you can.
* Alea nods
<Alea> shh, Tarsh...it's okay
* Tarsh sobs in great gulps.
* Veraik walks to the door, looks longingly at Alea, then disappears out the door.
* Alea soothing, rubbing her hands up and down his back in long slow movements trying to comfort
<Tarsh> "Alea! I'm sorry! I .. I thought you I..." [sobs]
* Alea hugs him closer, helplessly
* Veraik surveys the damage on the way to his office.
<Alea> it's all right now, Tarsh
* Alea allows him to sob out his emotions
<Veraik> Shrugging, he decides that water, fire, and chaos is par for the course.
* Tarsh pulls back a tear-streaked face. "All ...? How can you ... I just ..."
* Alea confused...
<Veraik> Until he sees his office. [groan]
<Alea> It worked out, Tarsh. That's all that's important
<Tarsh> "Did it?"
<Alea> Didn't it?
<Tarsh> "I ... I thought. I don't know what I think. what I feel."
* Alea runs her hands absently down his back again
<Alea> I think I understand that
* Alea realizing for the first time that there might have been problems she wasn't aware of with Tarsh...regarding his transfer
* Alea looks up at Tarsh
* Tarsh hugs her tightly again.
<Alea> just what way of life were you refer....
* Tarsh looks away shamefaced.
* Alea breathing again she finishes her question
<Alea> referring to...about going back to the old way?
<Tarsh> "Alea, I ... I've done ... imprudent things."
<Alea> yes?
<Tarsh> "I've ... I haven't always ... made my transfer appointments."
* Alea thinks of Snake's words
<Alea> but you required transfer.....
<Tarsh> "Sometimes I have ... dispensed with the 'middlesime'."
* Alea waiting for him to tell her what, sinking, she already knows...already feeling guilty as she realizes Veraik was right about what he said, and that she was the fault of his problems today
<Alea> I see
* Tarsh breaks away and walks across the room to stand facing the wall.
<Alea> and so your problem with your transfers is that you prefer Gen transfer?
* Alea feels really guilty thinking back over the past weeks how she unconsciously tempted a renSime and thinks of earlier...winces
* Alea pushes herself to her feet and crosses to Tarsh
<Alea> I hope you can forgive me for the problems I've caused you, Tarsh
* Tarsh hangs his head down and whispers "yes."
<Tarsh> "It's my fault. I should have never let you. But you are so"
<Alea> yes, I can imagine how my field zlins to a renSime
* Alea dryly
* Alea reaches out and takes Tarsh's hand...rubbing it gently....sighs wearily
<Tarsh> "You're incredible."
<Alea> live and learn...though I wish there had been another way to learn about this...
* Alea smiles
<Alea> I guess I should have read your report too when I was reading everyone elses
<Tarsh> "Well, now you see how I met Melvin Garbage. Though he is a lower level of slime than me."
<Alea> yes, I do
<Tarsh> "I never touched a Gen that didn't know it and want it."
Veraik goes to his bedroom and gets ready for bed.
* Alea nods
<Alea> I know that without being told
<Veraik> yewowwww!!!
<Tarsh> But then that bible woman, and Miz Haskins. That wasn't the same, I felt ... ugly."
<Veraik> WET!!!!!
<Alea> Tarsh
<Tarsh> "That's what it leads to doesn't it?"
* Veraik searches for a dry room.
* Alea squeezes his hand
<Alea> work with the channels here...they'll help you
* Tarsh looks around at her.
<Tarsh> "Snake ... understood ... she could be almost like the real thing, almost."
<Veraik> After finding all the room wet, Veraik goes to Alea's room.
<Veraik> WET!!!!
* Alea sighs
<Alea> I wish I could help you
* Veraik searches Alea's room, finds a tarp to put on top of the bed then throws two semi-dry sheets on top, crawls in, and falls instantly asleep.
* Alea slips her arms around him and squeezes
<Alea> just let the channels work with you...everyone here is on your side
* Tarsh squeezes.
<Tarsh> "I think I could eat something now."
<Alea> sounds great
<Alea> you know...I haven't eaten today
* Tarsh waves a tentacle at Alea "tut tut"
<Alea> how about we go get some lunch....next door
<Alea> and then I have to find Hajene Veraik
<Tarsh> "Ok. Lets go."
Notes:
1) Tarsh is referring to the Torn by Tentacles groupie. [return]
2) Snake actually meant the ghost Jirelle believes inhabits the Sime Center... Aleiaa's ghost. [return]