Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #33: Manipulation (10/2/97)
Veraik stands by Alea protectively....My Donor.
Alea rolls her eyes and pats Veraik's arm with the patience of a Donor
Alea: of course, Veraik
Alea: everyone here recognizes that I am your Donor
Veraik: I know.
Alea: by the way Veraik...did I mention I'm moving to the Distect Saturday???
Alea innocently forgets that is his transfer day
Alea grins mischievously at Veraik
Veraik grimaces. "I think we had better look at B'Cal. Lead the way."
Tarsh walks in "Hajene, had you -*" [glares]
Tarsh: "Have you looked at that import waiver paperwork?
Veraik: Veraik zlins Tarsh.
Veraik: I see you are post.
Alea decides to leave the area
Tarsh: [coldly] "Yes Hajene. Thank you."
Veraik: Alea. I need you for work today.
Alea is stuck there
Veraik: I am very glad. And I zlin that your systems are recovering nicely.
Alea thinks UNLIKE Veraik's which are still a mess
Tarsh: "You're busy, Hajene. I'll speak to you later."
Tarsh goes out.
Veraik: Tarsh.
Tarsh stops.
Tarsh: "What?" [without turning around]
Veraik: I'll have your paperwork as soon as I can see to B'Cal.
Tarsh: "Very good "Hajene."
Veraik goes to Tarsh.
Veraik: Tarsh. [whispering] I know this is hard for you.
Tarsh: ~~no kidding~~
Alea trying to look inconspicous, like the water stained walls by her
Alea thinking Tarsh shold really be grateful since hajene Veriak helped him
Veraik: We have to talk about this. You know that.
Tarsh: ~~doesn't see why~~
Veraik: I want you to be safe.
Veraik: You must understand that.
Veraik: You and Alea want each other but it's not healthy for you.
Veraik: Come to me. I'll work with you.
Veraik: Together, we will find a way for the two of you if that is what you want.
Tarsh: "Safe from, or safe for?"
Alea is surprised at Veraik's words
Alea: excuse me, hajene...but I have no desire to give Tarsh transfer...you're mistaken
Veraik looks down and takes a breath. "Both."
Tarsh: ~~doesn't buy it~~
Alea 's mouth snaps shut at Veraik's words
Veraik: "Zlin me Tarsh and see that I am telling you the truth.
Veraik: Alea. I never said that you and Tarsh could have transfer.
Veraik: What I am offering is a way for the two of you to live together safely.
Tarsh turns and ostentagiously zlins.
Veraik: ~~~~ zlins truth the way that Veraik sees it~~~
Tarsh: "Like I could outzlin a First."
Alea only raises an eybrow, saying that's how she interpreted the remark
Veraik lowers all barriers. "Zlin me now and see for yourself"
Tarsh: "Hajene, I don't have any illusions about my self-control."
Tarsh zlins.
Veraik: I am willing to work with you Tarsh.
Veraik: With your self-control and with Alea.
Veraik: Alea isn't fully trained either.
Veraik: I promised to help you both
Alea bristles at Veraik's words
Veraik turns to Alea. That IS what you wanted, isn't it?
Tarsh: "I See."
Tarsh: "Will there be anything else, Hajene?"
Alea: of course, hajene
Veraik: The relationship between a renSime and a Donor is precarious at most and with Alea being a Farris, the balance is totally out.
Veraik: No Alea, I require your help in the infirmary. B'Cal is there.
Alea nods
Tarsh walks out.
Veraik: If you want to stay together, you both must be willing to make sacrifices and compromises.
Alea only wishes this conversation was not taking place in the hall
Veraik: Well, we talk about it more later.
Alea sighs in relief
Alea: about B'cal
Alea: she's in room 8, sleeping last I heard
Veraik: Yes, [points tentacle] Lead the way.
Alea goes to room 8
Alea: by the way, Veraik...I hate to bring this up now...but as your Donor, since you have acknowledged it....
Alea: as of today, I want you back on a regular work day to get rid of that entran...
Veraik: What are you talking about? I'm perfectly fine.
Alea: you can lie to yourself but not me, hajene
Alea: I've treated you twice now...and I refuse to allow you to do this to yourself any longer
Veraik: Treated me? When? [innocent look]
Alea: we have the work and your lateral is healed
Alea pushes the door to room 8 open
Alea gives Veraik a "get real" look
Veraik follows her inside and ignores the look.
Veraik goes to B'Cal.
Bcal is laying on the bed, conscious and coherent..
Tarsh takes a clipboard and goes down to the basement.
Linn opens the door to the lobby, inspects it for Simes, and slips inside when she sees that it is empty.
Veraik zlins the Donor. [softly as he takes a hand in his ventral] How are you?
Bcal looks up dully, lifelessly
Bcal: recovering
Veraik: I can see that. You're going to up and ready for action real soon.
Linn checks the halls--empty--and settles down on the couch to wait. She pulls out a stack of spelling papers and her red pen.
Bcal 's eyes drift away, back toward the ceiling
Alea moves up behind Veraik standing there in case she is required
Tarsh comes back into the lobby, studying his clipboard intently.
Tarsh goes over to his desk with typical sime grace and sits down.
Linn , busy marking "rootabagga" wrong, doesn't really notice that the desk is now occupied.
Linn looks up at the sound of rustling papers, and sees that the receptionist has returned, and is sitting with his back to her.
Tarsh reaches for a folder from the IN basket.
Linn takes a moment to mark "sellery" wrong as well, then puts down the stack of tests.
Tarsh recognises that nager and stiffens.
Linn stands and starts towards the desk.
Linn: Excuse me...
Tarsh makes sure he has his tentacles in and turns only his head till Linn is barely in view. "I'm sorry for what happened, Miz Haskins."
Tarsh: "I really am."
Linn recognizes Tarsh and stops short with a gasp.
Linn considers sprinting for the door, but Tarsh is between her and it.
Tarsh stiffens more under the fear.
Tarsh: "Excuse me, I have an appointment."
Linn tries backing slowly away instead, looking wildly down the hall in hopes of seeing Alea or one of the channels.
Tarsh picks up his clipboard and walks briskly out the door into the street.
Linn keeps backing up until she bumps into the couch and abruptly sits down. She sits there shaking for a few minutes before she can make herself go back to her grading.
Lowren walks in briskly, carrying a folder and dressed not unlike Tarsh.
Alea: If you'll excuse me, hajene, I'll go back and get B'cal's report for you to review
Alea exits the room
Alea is relieved to get out of the room with the Donor that looks like the living dead
Linn looks up at the new arrival, and nearly has a heart attack when she thinks it's Tarsh again.
Alea hurries down the hall to the lobby...to the filing cabinets
Lowren backpedals at Linn's face.
Alea digs through the filing cabinets, searching through the few new files that have been set up since the flood
Linn looks a second time, and then realizes that the new person isn't Sime.
Alea hurries on to Veraik's office, thinking the file must be in there
Lowren: "What's the matter, lady?"
Linn: Nothing. I mistook you for someone else, that's all.
Alea quickly goes through Veraik's personal files and then to his drawers
Lowren wonders who he resembles and why his twin is so frightening.
Alea digs through the mess on his desk, accidently knocking files off into the floor
Lowren: "Uh, do you know where the desk clerk is?"
Linn: He went somewhere, in rather a hurry.
Lowren: "Oh. ... I had a donation appointment."
Alea hurriedly picks them up, trying to shuffle them and only making more of a mess
Linn pales a bit, wondering how Lowren can be so casual about it.
Alea sees the mess she's made, and knowing Veraik is in one of his foul moods....carefully takes her time to stack the folders until they're all in a nice neat pile[even though they weren't like that before]
Linn herself is counting the few days left before her second donation with all the trepidation of a death row inmate whose appeals have run out, living in a state with a Republican governer.
Alea carefully goes through them one by one, looking for B'cal's file
Lowren: "I need to get finished and get back to my roommate. He's been feeling better since his transfer, but I'm still worried about him."
Linn: Well, I imagine that the receptionist will finish his errand soon enough.
Linn goes back to grading papers.
Alea finally finds the file, second from the last and starts to head back to Veraik's side..but pauses to read it
Lowren: "I hope he gets back quickly."
Linn is quite willing to wait.
Lowren tries to make conversation. "So, you been donating long?"
Briel stretches sorely in bed
Briel: oh, sheeeeeen
Briel rubs absently at her aching head.
Briel pushes herself up and totters over to the cabinet where she finds some fosebine and downs enough to knock out the pain
Linn looks up briefly, wondering why strange men are always trying to strike up conversations with her.
Linn: No, I haven't.
Briel grabs her aching head...decides she just can't handle this...sinks down to the floor
Lowren: "But the extra cash sure is nice, ain't it?"
Briel wonders when someone will come by her room and note she woke up and is in the floor...decides she doesn't care and lays over to rest right where she is
Linn: Yes, it is.
Linn reflects that she'd never have been able to pay Ola to look after Alice without the check from her first donation.
Alea 's eyes widen at B'cal's impressive record...wonders how such a dragon can actually suceed at anything...gets up and hurries out of Veraik's office
Alea sees Lowren and Linn
Linn goes back to her papers, rather than dwell on the subject of donations.
Lowren: "Besides, if you go around high-field you get all those strange looks from Simes."
Linn forbears to mention that if one has the sense to stay away from Simes, one doesn't have to receive any looks from them, strange or otherwise. After all, Linn can hardly claim to be practicing such a sensible course of action.
Alea: Hajene will be right with you
Alea nods and goes down the hall
Alea rushes down the hall and back to B'cal's room...carefully enters and lays the folder on the bedside table for Veraik
Alea: sorry, hajene [mumbles, realizing she's been gone too long]
Veraik looks up. "Oh, thanks Alea." [Takes chart]
Linn finishes grading the tests and pulls out her book to record the grades.
Linn wonders who will award the final grades for her class if the school board decides to fire her.
Veraik looks at chart and then over the sleeping B'Cal to zlin every node.
Veraik: Suddenly, Veriak straightens up and goes to a chair.
Veraik: Pulling it forward, he offers with a tentacle. "Alea. You zlin tired. Please sit down and rest."
Alea frowns
Alea: hajene Veraik, we dont have time to rest
Alea: we have a transfer waiting and then Linn is here
Alea: and while we're on the subject of Linn......
Veraik: Please, Alea. We are really on the same side. You should think of yourself. I won't be long. I just have to reasure myself that B'Cal is progressing.
Veraik: Transfer? Linn?
Alea: yes, hajene
Alea reluctantly sits down next to him...thinking it's entran again with him
Veraik: Yes, I guess it is that time.
Veraik: [heavy sigh] Let's go get Linn.
Alea: uh...I have a small confession to make...something I felt I couldn't divulge before now
Veraik: I am sorry if have to follow me around but I just want you near me. You understand, don't you?
Veraik: [fidgets]
Alea projects her desire to serve Veriak, reaching out to touch his elbow, forcing her own worries aside
Veraik: Turns to Alea. "Yes."
Alea: of course, Veraik. I'm your Donor
Alea: we can discuss it on our way to get Linn
Alea stands and motions to the door
Veraik zlins Alea then follows her to the door.
Alea: you see...I was Snake's Donor....and well, I assisted her on the usual things
Alea: including donations
Veraik nods.
Alea clasps her hands
Alea: one of those donations was Linn's first donation and there's some things I think you should know
Alea: I feel I can divulge it in light of Snake's actions yesterday
Veraik: What were they?
Veraik zlins Alea's strange nager.
Alea: when Linn came to talk, she was unsure about giving a donation.. however.... Snake....... blackmailed her..... telling her she wouldn't reveal information she had on Linn's students if she didn't donate... Linn agreed but was frightened and so Snake uh, well.... forced the Donation
Veraik stops dead in his tracks. FORCED????
Alea stops and looks reluctantly back at Veraik
Alea: well she wasn't exactly in agreement, hajene
Veraik rubs tentacle over eyes. [depressed] Forced.
Veraik: No wonder she is a Simephobe.
Alea: she was scared before....
Veraik: [nervous laugh] I bet.
Alea realizes she should have said something before
Veraik: ~~~ depressed~~~
Alea: you should know that hajene. Normally I would have waited until ... later
Alea reaches out nagerically to support him
Alea: but you needed to know it before your meeting with Linn today
Veraik: I realize but we are going to see her now and I have to be informed of everything. Thank you.
Alea: I think she's due to go to Snake again in two or three days
Alea: for the blackmail information/Donation
Veraik starts to zlin Alea but retreats within himself.
Veraik: And Snake isn't here.
Alea: no, she's not
Veraik: so no blackmail information...no donation.
Alea: but I wouldn't put it past Snake to go hunt Linn down...to keep her entran down
Alea: but if you can help her...it might make her grateful and she'd continue to donate here
Veraik starts to leave then stops dead with what Alea has said.
Veraik suppresses entran before Alea can see it.
Alea: I'm sorry to dump all of this on you now when you're not at your best, hajene
Veraik: [snaps a tentacle] That's fine. I...I had to find out.
Alea starts on to the lobby
Veraik: The question now is how do you protect Linn from Snake without
Linn knowing that that is what we are doing.
Veraik: how do you - how do we
Alea: I have no idea
Alea enters the lobby and smiles
Alea: Good after noon, Linn, Lowren
Alea looks around, notices Tarsh isn't there and sighs a small sigh of relief
Linn: Good afternoon.
Veraik smiles and hands out a hand for Linn to shake. Hello Linn. So good of you to come.
Veraik: Lowren? [nods] It's good to see you. Someone will be with you shortly.
Linn automatically reaches for the hand to return the courtesy.
Lowren: "Hello, Mr. Veraik."
Veraik smiles with her progress. "Shall we go to my office?"
Linn: Certainly.
Veraik unconsciously waves a tentacle at the Gen then uses it to gently direct Linn in the right direction as the trio leave the front lobby.
Linn is eager for an update on whether Veraik can help her with the school board.
Linn shies away from the tentacle, and drops back until she is far enough behind Veraik to be out of arms' reach.
Veraik zlins Linn's reaction but ignores it outwardly.
Veraik: When they enter his office, Veraik realizes that Alea been shuffling his files again.
Alea pushes open the door and enters Veraik's office
Linn wishes Hajene Veraik would keep his tentacles sheathed.
Alea pushes the door to and locks it before going over to one of the chairs in front of Veraik's desk
JonDrake comes downstairs from his quarters....
Veraik zlins that Alea is not overtaxing herself but knows he must zlin her anyway.
Linn once more has her back turned when Alea locks the door, and thus misses it.
Veraik motions for the women to take and seat while he goes behind his desk.
JonDrake notices that he's starting to get anxious again...
Veraik pulls Linn's file and makes a notation.
Linn waits for Veraik to be safely behind the desk before taking her seat.
Veraik looks at an smiles.
Veraik: I was in contact with the Tecton and I've recommended you for the OutStanding Teacher of the Year Award.
Veraik makes another notation.
Veraik: The Tecton is very particular about that award.
Linn: The Tecton has an award for teachers in Gen Territory?
Veraik: Yes, they do.
Alea smiles at Linn
Veraik pulls out a different file and pushes it towards Linn then waits for Linn to lean closer.
Linn wonders if Veraik and Alea realize just how strongly receiving such an award would prejudice the school board against her.
Veraik zlins Linn then tries to smile.
Linn realizes that Veraik and Alea mean well, however, and she knows that many are nominated but few chosen. She turnes to return Alea's smile.
Linn: Your arms!
Alea blinks
Veraik: This is the one award which is recognized by your government.
Alea: what?
Veraik: What about her arms?
Linn: They're bruised.
Linn points towards purpling marks on Alea's arms from Briel's tentacles yesterday.
Linn remembers how bruised her own arms were after Snake took her donation, and rubs her right wrist absently.
Alea looks down at her arms and remembers yesterday
Alea glances guiltily at Veraik, thinking she should have worn long sleeves for this meeting
Alea: Linn...it's not what ....
Alea sighs
Alea: Briel was injured badly...very bad....
Alea: she was terrified, trying to...
Alea lifts a hand feebly trying to explain
Alea: trying to keep herself from dying...
Alea thinking how to explain this to an Out Territory Gen Simephobe....
Alea: what happened to me was the bruises only...a minor inconvience if it meant saving her life
Veraik: I'm sorry, Alea. I forgot to heal those for you yesterday.
Alea: I didn't even notice that she was holding me that tightly
Alea nods to Veraik
Alea: there were other more important problems, hajene. I'm fine
Linn reflects that this only proves what she'd suspected all along: Alea is stark raving mad.
Linn: I see.
Lowren looks up. "Hello Mr. Drake. How are you today?"
Alea: no, Linn, you don't
Alea: but that's okay
Veraik tries to smile but does quiet make it.
Alea: you see....a Gen, a Donor has this desire in them to help a channel
Alea: it means more to them than ANYTHING else
Alea glances meaningfully at Veraik
Veraik almost goes hyper in front of Linn.
Alea: a Donor can't really be fulfilled unless she is able to work and help channels....so, it's only natural that I would want, above anything, to help Briel when she was injured and would consider anything else minor compared to the succes we achieved with her
JonDrake: Hello, Lowren. I was a lost in thought.
Alea: there is something very special that you haven't discovered yet in Donating and it's even moreso with a channel and his Donor
JonDrake: How is Parnul doing?
Lowren: "Do you know when I'll be able to donate? I want to get back..."
Alea again looks at Veraik, hoping he will get the message she is giving to him as well as Linn
Alea: it goes back to the fear....
Lowren: "He's doing OK. I have him back at my room for the moment."
Alea: when your fear is gone...you'll get a glimpse of what I mean
Veraik relieved that Alea was able to explain it to Linn since he believes that only an explanation from another Gen would satisfy Linn.
Veraik nods in agreement.
Linn reflects that she'd rather leave this "special thing" undiscovered if it involves donating, or letting oneself be grabbed and mauled that way.
Veraik: So Linn, what I was saying was that the award I supposed for you is held high in Gen Territory.
Veraik gets and and walks over to Linn to show her.
Linn: In the bigger cities, yes. The small towns like Eastcove are less... cosmopolitan.
Veraik: [pointing with a tentacle] See this chart. These are the requirements for the award.
Veraik: As far as I can see, you qualify. You only have to bring me some of your students' work along with your efforts to achieve Unity.
Linn leans as far away from Veraik and the tentacle as she can, without getting up from her chair.
Linn: I see.
Linn adds to herself, and wouldn't THAT make the school board happy.
Veraik gets excited and uses two tentacles without thinking as he points. "You see, here and here and here. You appear to qualify for several awards.
Linn imagines herself the target of a lynch mob of angry parents, led by Brett Salvo.
Veraik: I know that you don't believe me so I'll write this down for you.
Linn is more immediately concerned with the flying tentacles.
Veraik: [using a tentacled pen to write] Look in your library under.....
Veraik: You will see all the information in your own journeys there and you then can decide for yourself whether this award is a waste of your time.
Linn is now leaning so far away from Veraik that she is in danger in falling off of the chair.
Veraik finally notices Linn then backs off.
Veraik: Turning away, I'm sure you will agree once you see it in your own documentation.
Veraik grabs Linn's chart and makes the appropriate notations using the tentacle pen.
Alea rises and heads toward the door, thinking they are done talking
Linn wonders if Veraik will believe that the Eastcove school board doens't WANT their teachers to associate with Simes, or get Tecton awards, when he sees their firing of her documented in the newspaper.
Linn: I'm sure I will.
Veraik goes to Linn. Please. Just promise me that you will look at the award.
Linn relaxes just a bit as Veraik turns away, then tenses as he returns.
Alea stops by the door and leans against the wall, staying out of the way so Veraik can work easily with her
Veraik: In its final stages, it doesn't even say Sime, Tecton, or In-Territory on it.
JonDrake: I'm glad that Parnul is ok. I was afraid that I was going to lose him. I'm lucky that Wisesnake and the rest showed up when they did.
Linn: Everyone knows, though. I've heard of these awards before, and it's common knowledge who's awarding them.
Veraik pats Linn on the the back with a hand but adds a tentacle on the last pat. Please just believe in me.
Linn is beginning to wish that Veraik would stop wandering around the room and SIT DOWN, preferably safely behind the desk.
Linn decides that if she can explain, Veraik might lose some of his excess excitement.
Veraik: Oh. BTW, Linn, I understand you are due for your donation in two days. [rubs tentacle on forehead]
Lowren: "Oh, yes. I hadn't thanked you for saving him. If there's ever anything I can do for you, just ask."
Veraik: Would you like me to take that Donation? I can, you know, and then we can continue to discuss the award after you have had a chance to read about it.
Linn loses track of her explanation, and stiffens at the offer, remembering the last time a channel "offered" to take her donation.
JonDrake: Don't worry about it.
Alea sees her stiffen and her anger at Snake returns
Alea: hajene Veraik is much much different, Linn
Alea said softly
Veraik backs away a step, remembering what Alea had just told him.
JonDrake: I could say that I learned a few things....
Linn isn't sure that Veraik would be any less scary than Snake, after the last half hour of waving tentacles. She is, however, very sure that Veraik can't provide information on her wayward students.
JonDrake rubs his arms...
JonDrake: The hard way!
Linn: No, thank you. [firmly]
Alea sighs and looks helplessly at Veraik, wondering what they are going to do
Veraik goes to Alea. Well, the choice who who you offer your donation to is, as always, your choice.
Veraik almost slides into entran but covers it up in time.
Alea reaches over and unlocks the door
Veraik: Whatever you would like, Linn? I will try to help you as best I can.
Alea rubs wearily at her eyes
Alea wonders if she should go ahead and get Lowren set up in one of the transfer rooms
Linn nods, not completely trusting Veraik to respect her refusal.
Alea decides she'd better not leave Veraik because she still doesn't believe he is as okay as he says
Veraik offers a hand (without tentacles) as a show of his acceptance to her decision.
JonDrake: Have you been able to set yourself up in town?
Linn reaches to shake Veraik's hand, somewhat reassured.
Veraik shows a little smile then releases Linn's hand.
Lowren: "I found a room in a decent part of town. But Parnul says he wants me to come work for him in his business."
Linn is feeling hopeful enough to try to explain once more.
JonDrake: What kind of business is he in?
Linn: Hajene Veraik, I do appreciate your efforts with respect to the awards. However, I don't think you quite realize that the problem isn't to convince the school board that I'm doing a good job with the Sime Center unit, but rather to convince them that I shouldn't be fired for teaching about it at all.
Lowren: "Some import export deal, crossborder trade, like that. He says he'll want me to handle the out-t side when I'm up to it."
Linn: A number of parents have complained about the materials Hajene Snake passed out when she came to vist my classroom, and others object to the -- frankness -- of what their children were allowed to see during our visit here.
Veraik: hummmmm...OK then I will work on that angle as well.
Veraik: I'll see you about it in say.....two days?
Linn: That would be fine. I'm free at three, if that works for you?
Alea pulls open the door
JonDrake: Ah, I see...
JonDrake: How do you feel about it?
Veraik: It works for me. [wraps tentacles around arms with the tips at the wrist then offers a final hand shake.]
Linn starts to reach for Veraik's hand, then starts and shies back as she sees the emerging tentacles.
Alea accidentally moves in front of the door when she sees Veraik's action unknowingly blocking Linn's exit
Veraik withdraws his tentacles to their sheaths and continues to offer his hand.
JonDrake: Is it the kind of work you'd be happy with?
Linn stares at Veraik's offered hand, heart pounding, wondering how she could have shaken it so unthinkingly before.
Lowren: "I... I'm not real good with people, but he says he'll teach me, and he's the only friend I have."
Veraik: I..I'm sorry, Linn. I didn't mean to frighten you.
Alea looks at Veraik concerned and moves forward to him
JonDrake: I know that feeling. I thought I had friends back in Farfall.
JonDrake: I thought I knew them. Little did I know...
Alea slips her arm to Veraik's increasing her presence ... reassuring him
Lowren: "What happened?"
Veraik tries not to squirm in front of Linn.
Linn gradually loses some of her tension when Alea goes over to restrain Veraik.
Veraik: I'll work on it, Linn...promise. I won't fail you.
JonDrake: It was a few years ago. It was before I established.
Linn nods politely, not offering to shake hands.
Lowren: "I never knew I had, until they told me at the border.
Linn edges cautiously towards the open door, hoping that Alea can continue to hold back Veraik.
JonDrake: I had already run away from home and was on this side when I established.
Veraik holds open door and escorts Linn out.
Linn follows Veraik at what she hopes is a safe distance.
Alea follows by Veraik, concerned for him and not noting Linn's sudden uneasiness
Alea: Lowren?
Veraik nods at Linn, trying to keep from zlinning the nice Gen women.
Alea nods to Jon, smiling
JonDrake manages a fairly decent smile.
Alea: Are you ready for your Donation???
Linn looks at Lowren and thinks, 'better him than me', but then remembers that her reprieve is only temporary.
Lowren: "Hello Alea. Yes, anytime."
Alea: hajene Veraik will be working with you today
Veraik zlins Linn as she walks down the hall towards the lobby then remembers Snake and what Alea said about Linn's first donation.
Veraik: Suddenly, Veraik augments down the hall to the back door and out of the building.
Alea: SHEN
Alea: excuse me, Lowren
Alea turns and takes off after her channel
Lowren looks bewildered.
Linn starts at the sudden movement.
Linn: I wish they wouldn't DO that.
Alea rushes out the back door and sees the gate open
Alea catches site of Veraik hurrying down the street
Alea: where the shenned is he going...has he lost his MIND?
Alea puts on a burst of speed, hurrying after him
Lowren: "I'm sure he has a good reason."
Veraik continues on to the shiltpron parlor.
JonDrake is a little confused by what has just transpired.
Alea continues to look for Veraik
Briel the medicine finally taking affect, pulls herself up and changes clothes...going out into the lobby to see what has transpired since yesterday
Briel looks about the lobby, sees Tarsh gone and no one else in sight...
Briel looks at Jon Drake
Briel: where is everybody?
JonDrake: Greetings, Briel! I heard you had some problems yesterday.
Lowren doesn't recognise this Sime.
Alea muttering under her breath stalks down the sidewalk...thinking she is going to wring his neck when she finds him
JonDrake: Veraik just augmented out the door with Alea running to keep up.
Briel blinks
Linn remembers that this is the Sime who bruised Alea so badly, and decides to stay well away from her clutches.
Veraik doesn't quite make it into the building before Alea sees him enter the palor.
Briel: is someone helping you[to Lowren]
Lowren volunteers "Mr Veriak and Miz Alea just went out that way." [points]
Alea growls murderously when she sees where he goes
Alea: what IS the attraction of those places!
Lowren: "Well, I did come here to donate today."
JonDrake: Well, I can't help you there!
Veraik orders a porstan and grabs the first magazine in sight....a PlaySime.
JonDrake holds up bare arms.
Briel sighs thinking what a way to get back into work
Briel: why don't you come with me, Lowren
Briel motions down the hall with a tentacle while zlinning Lowren
JonDrake: Are you up to it?
Alea slows down as she gets near the place, her stomach turning at the smell
Briel smiles at Jon
Veraik tries to zlin the picture.
Linn stares in horrified fascination, unable to believe that Lowren will really do this.
Briel: I'm the only channel here.
Briel: I'll be with you in a bit [to Linn--zlinning her]
Briel goes down the hall
Briel not waiting for a reply
Lowren follows Briel.
Alea stops and takes several deep breaths, leaning against the side of the building, trying to decide if she's going to lose what she ate earlier...slowly recovering as she stands there....
Linn remembers that she never did confirm the time of her next appointment with Veraik, to discuss the advisability of the awards, and sits down to wait with a sigh.
JonDrake asks Linn if she has any questions, and wonders if she remembers him from her wild run through town.
Briel shows Lowren into a room and then opens his chart...
Briel: how long have you been donating, Lowren?
JonDrake: Have you donated before, Linn?
Alea finally straightens
Lowren: [Donated once 5 weeks ago, no difficulties.]
Linn: Yes. Once.
Lowren: "Just last month, to Miz Snake."
Briel nods, making notes in the chart
JonDrake: How was it? Was it difficult?
Briel frowns, shuddering at the mention of the channel
Briel: I see that
Briel shudders again
Linn shudders.
Linn: Very.
Lowren: "It didn't feel like she did anything, actually."
JonDrake: I'm sorry.
Alea enters the parlor...noting how dark it is and begins looking around for Veraik -- very VERY high field since they are due transfer in only two days
Veraik pays the barkeep then almost takes a sip when he zlins Alea come in the door.
Lowren: "is something the matter?"
JonDrake: My first donation was pretty uneventful.
Briel: that's exactly how it should feel
Lowren gets up and tries to look at the chart.
Briel glances up, realizing she must be a bit more under the weather than she thought if she's not putting a Gen at ease
Linn: Oh?
Briel turns the chart to him
Briel: not at all
Lowren realizes he can't read the Simelan and steps back.
Briel: I always like to compare notes, ask the donor questions in case something was left out from last time...make sure everything was recorded properly
Briel: it's always good to make sure you have the right chart and nothing was left out.
Briel: or recorded inaccurately
JonDrake: Yes. The second one was a little more interesting, mainly for what has happened since.
Veraik stands and goes to Alea. What are you going here?
Alea: staying by my CHANNEL...what are you doing here?
Briel smiles and drops the chart and motions to the couch
Lowren: "I've only been in-territory a couple of months. Since I was sent here."
Linn remembers the old curse about "interesting times", and decides not to ask.
Briel: really?
Veraik: Head dropping, Veraik turns away and walks back to the bar.
Lowren: "Miz Snake said she could kill me if I really wanted her to."
JonDrake: Soon after that time, my system started becoming more active. They feel that I have the potential to be a good Donor.
Briel seats herself
Briel: she what....
Lowren sits down on the wrong end of the couch.
Briel shudders and thinks she knows that to be true
Alea raises her voice slightly
Lowren: "Well, I was real worried, because my father always..."
Alea: gee, hajene...is it SAFE to leave me here alone?
Briel: yes?
Alea allows her field to show her desire to give transfer
Veraik shudders then slowly turns and zlins Alea.
Veraik walks towards his Donor's field.
Linn: You want to become a Donor.
JonDrake: Last week, I was escorting Lowren's friend to a hotel when we were attacked. Parnul was stabbed.
JonDrake: I'm finding a satisfaction here, even though I've only been here for a while.
Briel stands and motions Lowren to the correct end of the couch
Alea: I mean, honestly, hajene...it's so dark in here, a Gen can't see a thing...who knows who might see my field and think my invitation was for them
* JonDrake frowns a moment thinking about the situation here.
* Linn wonders what kind of a nutcase would not only want to be a Donor, but find a mugging "satisfying".
* Lowren gets up and moved to the other end, red faced.
<Briel> it doesn't matter Lowren...
* Veraik wraps tentacles lightly around on of Alea's arm, remaining hyper, and slowly walks her back to the Center, leaving his porstan and girly magazines behind.
<JonDrake> Parnul was bleeding, but I was luckily able to keep him alive long enough for help to arive.
<JonDrake> Arrive.
* Briel slides onto her side of the sofa
* Alea smiles at Veraik, relieved
<Briel> are you ready to give your donation or do you want to talk a bit?
* Lowren gingerly holds out his hands, palms down.
<JonDrake> In some ways, the people of this Center has become like family--more family than the family I thought I knew.
* Alea goes up the back steps and leads Veraik into a side room
* Briel goes into her working mode and slides her hands to Lowren's
* Veraik zlins the intense colors of the hue walking besides him.
<Briel> you were right about not feeling a thing, Lowren...from your chart, I noted that you did great last month.
<Briel> I forsee no problems
* Briel allows her tentacles to lash around his arms
<JonDrake> When my half-brother Kane changed over, my family called out his murderers.
* Lowren twitchs. ~~repressed fear~~
* Briel zlins him, watching his reactions
* Briel waits
<JonDrake> The the whole neighborhood screamed out for his blood.
* JonDrake takes a deep breath to recompose himself.
<Alea> we're going to get this entran straightened out and then you're going back in there to Lowren...
* Lowren remembers that miz Snake said to not pretend.
* Lowren allows his nervousness to show.
<Briel> I'll tell you what, Lowren...you don't try to hide your reactions from me and feel free to ask me anything you want and I'll give you all the time in the world
<Briel> that's it
* Veraik cramps with entran at the reminder of work. "Ahhh"
* Briel smiles approvingly
* Alea reaches out and takes Veraik's arms...
* JonDrake figures it was best not to mention the attempted kill during the mugging.
<Alea> why have you done this to yourself?
<Alea> why are you running from the work, Veraik.
<Alea> I'm your Donor...your partner...talk to me
<Lowren> "Uh, I've found a friend. I guy from school who turned intoa De-* ... changed over. He got hurt looking for me,"
<Briel> ah... Parnul. I heard the story
<Lowren> "They fixed him up good here, but I said he could stay with me for a while."
<Briel> that was nice of you
* Lowren licks his lips nervously. "Can I ask you something?"
* Veraik zlins Alea but refuses to talk. "Naztehr?" [collapses onto wall so he doesn't hurt Alea]
<Briel> you can ask me anything...it'll be confidential
* Alea moves forward, leaning aginst him, afraid he's going to slide down the wall
<Alea> you shendoni flecken idiot [with concern]
* Lowren glances either way and leans closer.
<Veraik> Alea???
<Alea> yes...
* Briel waits patiently
<Lowren> [whispers] "Is it safe for me to live with him? I mean I heard that if I hurt myself, he might..."
<Veraik> Hides face in tentacles.
* Alea engages his field
* Alea trying to soothe him
<Briel> he is renSime of course and there is always a danger
* Veraik responds.
* JonDrake changes the subject...
<JonDrake> If you don't mind me asking, how was it with Snake?
<Briel> it's good to learn things about renSimes
<Briel> for instance...things like turnover, when he would be more sensitive to accidents than other times....
<Briel> we have training classes we teach here
<Lowren> "Uh, how do I make sure that I don't, y'know, make him ... hungry?"
* Briel smiles
<Linn> I don't think I've ever been so terrified in my life.
<Briel> I'd suggest the classes. Both you and Parnul should attend them. And then donating is the best way to also help that.
<Lowren> "classes? Like in Simelan? he said I should learn it for the job he's gonna give me."
<JonDrake> Hmmm....
* Alea wonders if she should flip on the light in the room, small room but decides there is enough light to work on Veraik here....she considers her options for the mess she's allowed him to get in
<Briel> well, yes, there are Simelan classes
<JonDrake> She is quite a character...
<Briel> but these other classes...they'll help educate you...a Gen from Out Territory about the way of life here and how to live with those around you
<Lowren> "Like why you can't get a burger anywhere, like?"
* Alea thinks Veraik is going to strangle her for this later...but since he is fighting her on working for reasons unknown...
<Linn> I suppose that's one way of describing it. The phrase "grease weasel" also comes to mind.
<Briel> yeah, things like that
* Briel smiles
* JonDrake chuckles...
* Alea increases her desire to serve transfer and slides her hands up Veraik's arms
<JonDrake> I've actually only had a little personal contact with her. She was helping me with some of my decisions a few weeks ago. I haven't seen much of her since, though.
<Lowren> "I suppose I'd better come to them then. And I though I was done with school..."
* Alea thinks she's never given transfer in a closet...but since Veraik is off guard and malleable it's now or never...or he might run again and get away this time
<Linn> I've seen her around town a few times.
* Veraik zlins the rich Gen nager and takes transfer grip.
<Briel> none of us are ever done...there's always things to learn
<Briel> so, are you ready for your donation
* Briel glances down to where she is still holding his arms, her laterals now out and in palce
<JonDrake> Being that you're so close to the border, how do they treat changeovers in town?
<Linn> With a shotgun.
* JonDrake blanches.
* Veraik goes for the 5th transfer point then diverts and lays his head on her shoulder for an entran outfunction.
* Alea gladly accepts his decision...seeing that he is willing to work with her
* JonDrake can feels his pulse racing. He fights hard to keep from losing it.
<Linn> Yes. That's why I spent five years fighting to get a unit on the Sime Centers into the curriculum.
* Veraik stays ever still as his systems readjust to preTransfer state.
<Lowren> "Yeah,.... OK."
<Briel> tell you what, Lowren...I'll let you make the fifth contact point... whenever your ready
* Lowren moves forward, but pulls back.
* JonDrake relaxes.
* Briel sits still waiting
<Briel> take your time....
<JonDrake> Oh.
* Lowren tries again but chickens out an inch short.
* Briel chuckles
<Briel> come on, Lowren...I don't bite
<JonDrake> It's important. We can't continue murdering the children.
* Lowren tells himself to just pretend he is kissing a girl.
* Briel thinks or kill.....now
<JonDrake> That's why I ran away from home. I couldn't take it any longer.
<Lowren> [then remember he hasn't kissed many girls]
<Briel> it'll be fine...just touch your lips to mine
* Lowren closes his eyes and leans forward and puts his lips to Briel's cheek.
<JonDrake> This is a sensitive topic for me. Did you...did you ever have a close relative change over?
* Lowren moves sideways to find lip contact.
* Briel sighs glad she didn't have to try to do the alternate point like that...thinking her system just couldn't handle that
<Linn> I was an only child.
* Briel begins to draw slowly nothing to alarm Lowren
* Briel makes sure it's slow enough that he doesn't feel a thing
* JonDrake considers that Linn may have been lucky in that regard.
* Briel quickly completes the process and then retracts her laterals
* Briel leans back a bit.
<Briel> all done, Lowren
<Linn> But I've lost a lot of friends, students, and colleagues to changeover.
<Alea> are you okay, Veraik?
<Lowren> "I still didn't feel anything."
<Briel> you aren't supposed to.
* Veraik slowly opens eyes. "Yes. Thank you, Alea."
* Briel smiles
* wisesnake looks and zlins both ways before slipping out of the alley across from the Sime Center, to intercept a RenSime heading toward it
* Lowren remembers he was kissing a woman and blushes.
<JonDrake> It's all such a waste...
* wisesnake talks to the renSime for a few moments, then they both disappear down the alley
<Alea> Jon Drake needs his field taken down so he can be put in synch with a channel...we're going to go do that now...and I'm not letting go of you until you are done. Do you hear me, hajene?
* Briel grins at Lowrens red cheeks and releases his arms
<Briel> I wish all of my donations were as good as you are
* Briel winks
* Lowren goes as if to wipe his arms on his pants, but then stops.
* Briel standing, she goes over to the table and gathers up the chart and scribbles some information in it
* Veraik fouses intense eyes upon Alea and nods.
* Lowren blushes deeper. "I did it right?"
* Alea leads him out of the room to where Jon is standing
<Veraik> [rubbing tentacles over forehead] Where?
<Briel> you did it PERFECT
<Alea> this way, hajene
<Lowren> ~~pride~~
<Alea> we'll gather jon and go to a transfer room
<Briel> you be sure and come back and see me next month, okay?
* Linn gets tired of waiting for a receptionist, or for Veraik to return, and leaves the Sime Center.
<Briel> I'd love to have another easy session like this
<JonDrake> Bye
<Lowren> [shyly] "Well maybe, next month?"
* Veraik follows Alea.
<Briel> great!
* Briel hands him his voucher
<Alea> Jon
<Alea> hajene Veraik is ready for you
* JonDrake looks up
<Briel> by the way, I'm Briel
* JonDrake is surprised.
<JonDrake> Ok. Thanks.
* Linn shies away as a renSime comes out of the alley, then inspects it more closely before passing.
* JonDrake head out to see Veraik.
* wisesnake is lurking in the alley
<wisesnake> Hello, Linn.
<Linn> Snake!
<Lowren> "Thank you Miz Briel." [Holds out hand.]
* Veraik zlins JonDrake.
* wisesnake looks and zlins in all directions at Linn's exclamation
* Briel slips out her hand
* wisesnake looks, if anything, greasier, scrawnier, and scarier than ever before
* JonDrake enters the transfer room where Veraik is waiting...
* Lowren shakes her hand briefly. "Ok. Till next month then."
<wisesnake> You seem to be feeling better... are you?
* Briel opens the door and goes out into the lobby
* Linn looks at Snake and thinks, Yep, kid in trouble.
* Alea closes the door behind them and follows Veraik
* Lowren goes out and down towards the Bursar's office
* wisesnake notes Linn's high field
<wisesnake> You were visiting the Center?
<Linn> Well, yes and no. I'm over the flu, but I'm afraid I may lose my job.
<JonDrake> Hajene?
* wisesnake looks haunted
<wisesnake> Lose your job why?
* Veraik takes chart and suppresses a sharp pang.
* Briel looks around for the woman and sees she is gone
<Linn> Yes, Hajene Veraik promised to help me if the school board gave me trouble.
* Briel glad...and goes over to sink down on the sofa..her headache returning in earnest
<Veraik> JonDrake.please be seated. indicates a chair.
* Tarsh sits in a corner booth of the porstan parlor. Glaring at the closet where Alea and Veriak were.
* JonDrake sits down.
<Linn> Some of the parents whose kids were playing in Sime Territory decided to blame me and my Sime Center unit.
<Linn> They're asking the school board to dismiss me.
<Veraik> I know you were looking forward to this transfer however, I have a counter offer.
* wisesnake edges farther back into the alley as they speak
* Alea moves up beisde Veraik
<Veraik> You've meet Briel?
<wisesnake> I've never understood the way people in out-Territory think and act.
<JonDrake> Yes I have. We were talking a little bit a few minutes ago.
<Veraik> How would you like to take transfer with her?
* Linn shrugs, unwittingly following Snake into the alley as she tries to keep the proper conversational distance.
<Linn> What's to understand?
<JonDrake> She seems nice enough, but... I've been feeling that stirring, but it's still early, isn't it?
* Tarsh broods about the way Alea was flaunting her field in front of the whole place.
<Linn> They don't like Simes, and they don't want anyone who associates with Simes teaching their children.
<wisesnake> What is the Center doing to help you?
<Veraik> Yes, she is. I know, she's a week ahead of you.
* Tarsh he gulps down his portsan and calls for another.
* Linn smiles wryly.
<Veraik> What I can do for you is to partially take down your field so that you will be in synch.
<Veraik> That is, of course, if she agrees to take a transfer with an untrained Donor.
<Linn> Not much so far. Hajene Veraik offered to nominate me for a Tecton award for teaching excellence. That would make them twice as eager to fire me.
<JonDrake> Heh!
* wisesnake looks at Linn curiously. "What do you think would be more helpful?"
<JonDrake> I wonder how I'll be at ah, high field. I haven't had much chance to experience normal build up the last few weeks.
<Linn> The only thing that might help would be to convince the school board that firing me--and eliminating my Sime Center unit from the curriculum--would make them public laughingstocks.
<wisesnake> So you think your situation is hopeless?
<wisesnake> Or... are you willing to do that one thing?
* Briel stands and wearily walks to the window to look out, thinking this headache isn't going to go away without some more medicine
<JonDrake> So, by slowing me down again, I should be in sync with Briel when she's due?
<Veraik> That's right.
<Veraik> Alea? Could you go get Briel? The final decision is hers so I think we should ask her now.
<Linn> What do you mean? I was hoping that the Tecton authorities might be convinced to put in a good work for me with the Genside educational authorities. They don't often choose to overrule a school board, but it was the only chance I could see.
<Linn> Do you have a different idea?
<Alea> of course, hajene
* wisesnake frowns
* JonDrake sits, pensive...
* Alea slips out the door and goes down the hall to the lobby
* Veraik goes to the medical counter. Come here JonDrake.
* Briel zlins Alea's approach and turns in inquiry
<JonDrake> Hajene, about my incident last week...
<JonDrake> Yes?
<wisesnake> Getting overruled by the educational authorities would make a laughingstock of the school board?
* JonDrake goes over to Veraik.
<wisesnake> I confess I had imagined something a little more... colorful.
<Veraik> Forget about it right now. We'll talk about it late. ~~~need~~~
<Linn> Well, it might if the press decided to get involved.
<Alea> excuse me, Briel, but hajene Veraik requires you in the transfer room...
<Veraik> Let me show you how to mix fosebine.
* Briel rubs at her aching head
<Briel> of course.
<Linn> I do have a college friend who became a reporter.
* Briel follows alea back to the room
* JonDrake pays close attention.
* wisesnake considers
<Veraik> Measure 1 teaspoon per dose and place it in 6 ounces of water.
* Alea pushes open the door and leads the way in
<wisesnake> I have a different idea.
<JonDrake> One teaspoon, six ounces...
<Linn> Oh?
<wisesnake> I'm not sure that making a laughingstock of the people who will be your employers for years to come is a particularly good idea.
<Veraik> In this case, please mix a triple. It's been a hard day for me.
<wisesnake> Unless, of course, you feel up to defending your job until the end of time...?
* Alea sees what Veraik is doing and goes over to him, touching his arm
<Alea> hajene, you should have told me
<Linn> Oh, I hope not. What time would that leave for teaching the children?
* Alea projects concern
* Veraik zlins Briel's headache.
* wisesnake smiles, a bit grimly [too far into need for a real smile]
<Veraik> I'm...I'm ok Alea.
* Alea tells him plainly in her nager what she thinks of THAT statement
* Veraik takes the triple from Jon Drake. "Could you make another?" and goes to Briel.
* Tarsh stumbles out of the parlor and off down the street.
<Veraik> Briel. Take this . You really require it.
* Briel looks up and smiles, gratefully accepting the drink
* Veraik brushes off Alea's concern to deal with Briel.
* JonDrake mixes another Fosbine...
<Linn> What is your idea?
* wisesnake edges farther back into the alley's darkness
<wisesnake> This school board... how many people are on it?
* Veraik wrapes tentacles around the hot spots on Briel's headache and opens the veins for better blood circulation. "Better?"
* Briel sighs
<Briel> yes....
<Briel> much
<Veraik> Good.
<Veraik> Won't you sit down?
<Linn> Five. Norton has been reasonably supportive of my efforts, Ullim and Forrest hate Simes and anyone who associates with them, and the other two will vote whichever way is most likely to get them reelected.
* Briel seats herself
* wisesnake considers
* Veraik pulls a chair over for Alea to sit at his side in the most comfortable spot for ambient control.
* Alea smiles her thanks and slips to where Veraik wants her
<wisesnake> They're all upper class citizens, I imagine?
<Linn> Pretty much. They're not the wealthiest people around, but they don't have to worry about gutting their paychecks to fund their retirement, either.
* Alea realizes Jon is still fiddling with the fosebine and gets up and goes over to take it from him.
* wisesnake smiles again, sort of
* Alea takes it, her concern for her channel making her a bit abrupt, and takes it to Veraik
<Alea> hajene...
* Alea proffers the glass
<wisesnake> What do you think about the idea of a... a little field trip?
* JonDrake turns to see what's going on.
<wisesnake> And I don't mean to the Sime Center.
<Veraik> Oh...[zlins] Take you, Alea.
* Linn steps a little closer to hear Snake's soft voice.
* Alea slips back into her chair
<Linn> What sort of a field trip?
<Veraik> JonDrake, [waves tentacle] please join us.
<wisesnake> To an in-Territory school. To see how a changeover is handled here.
* JonDrake moves in closer.
<JonDrake> Yes?
* Veraik places both hands on table and wraps tentacles over the pair.
<Linn> That would certainly make an impression.
* wisesnake zlins Linn
* Veraik looks at Briel. How would you like to have your own Donor between now and your transfer?
* wisesnake judges Linn's reaction, considering how to proceed
* Briel looks up, zlins Alea then Jon
<Veraik> It's JonDrake.
<Linn> Finly, the Superintendent, worked his way up through the ranks. He's a nonvoting member of the board, but they respect his opinion.
* Briel zlins him closer, her cheeks losing a bit of color
* Linn thinks again about see a changeover, and shudders.
<Veraik> If I took down his field to your level, she would be ready for transfer at about the same time as you would be.
<Briel> would it be wise, hajene, to pair me with an untrained Donor?
* JonDrake doesn't like the look of that reaction, but works to remain calm.
<Linn> Yes, I don't see how it could help but make and impression.
* wisesnake studies Linn, pale-eyed
<Veraik> Of course, it goes without saying that Alea and I would be monitoring.
<Briel> yes, he would
* Briel relaxes a bit
* JonDrake feels a bit of a tingling in his hands...
* Briel responds to Jon Drake's field, zlinning again
<wisesnake> They would see Gens like themselves acting in a calm, coordinated fashion to deal with what is a one-in-three occurence in our town just as it is in yours.
<Veraik> The benefit would be to all.
<Briel> I...of course...I am just over a week from transfer now and had wondered who I would be paired with
<Veraik> You would have a Donor. JonDrake would finally gets his transfer and he requires training.
<Briel> I can see that
* Briel looks at Jon drake
* JonDrake relaxes. Without realizing it, he's enjoying slight tingle.
* Linn considers.
<Briel> I'm disjunct...do you know what that means?
* JonDrake smiles at Briel.
<Veraik> AND you, Briel, would get the chance to train a Donor....which is something that you would normally not get the opportunity to do.
* JonDrake pauses. "It means that a Gen has died in transfer with you."
* Briel wipes her suddenly sweaty palms on her pants
<Briel> yes, it does
<wisesnake> They would see the same terrifying event that occurs in your school... properly handled. Nobody panicks, nobody goes through any more pain than absolutely necessary, and *trained* personnel deal with the Sime both before and after changeover.
* JonDrake tries to loosen the mood. I guess that makes us even.
* Veraik zlins the pair.
<Linn> That wouldn't convince Ullim, and probably not Forrest. But the others might start to understand the waste of our current system.
* Briel doesn't lighten easily over this subject
* Veraik reaches out to touch Alea's hand and to zlin her to assure himself that she is still there.
* wisesnake shakes her head
* Alea wraps her fingers aroudn his hand
<wisesnake> The field trip isn't to convince them, its only the excuse for what we'll really be up to.
<JonDrake> I'm sure I can work with you. I don't think you need to worry.
<Briel> hajene, I would like my own Donor...I owuld like the chance to help in the training
<Linn> What's that?
* wisesnake 's eyes shine a little with her growing plot
* Briel --at Jon Drake's words she falls silent and studies him again thinking he doesn't realize at all what she's gone through
* JonDrake amateurishly projects reassurance.
<Veraik> Good, then it is settled.
* Briel smiles at Jon's actions and decides that maybe, if he is this willing, it will work out
* Briel wilts in relief
<Briel> I'm willing to try, hajene
* Briel said cautiously
<wisesnake> Ullim and Forrest are the difficult ones... that makes them our targets.
<Veraik> Jon Drake. I think it is time that I took your field down. Please. [indicates the couch]
<Linn> Targets for what?
<wisesnake> Never try to use your sure people to sway your enemies... it never works.
* Veraik zlins pleased.
* JonDrake wants to let his selyn flow already, but he realizes it's not time.
* Alea stands
<wisesnake> But convince Ullim and Forrest first, and the others will follow gratefully.
* JonDrake moves over to the couch, smiling.
* Veraik follows JonDrake
* Alea is greatly relieved that Veraik is finally working
* Alea wonders what he is going to do when he finds out she has him scheduled for many many more donations today
<Veraik> Briel, you stand behind JonDrake, find the neutral point and zlin but do not interfere.
* Briel zlins
* wisesnake watches Linn searchingly
<wisesnake> Do you understand me?
<Veraik> Alea, please be with me.
<Linn> And how do you convince a pair like that, whose careers have been built on hatred of Simes, that they should support pro-Sime schooling which outrages their supporters?
* Briel moves to where was indicated
* Alea goes to Veraik's side
* Veraik sits on the transfer couch. "Please offer me your arms."
* JonDrake holds out his arms.
* JonDrake 's arms pulse with antici
<JonDrake> pation
<wisesnake> Let me ask you this, Linn... if a child is cut by glass, do you try to heal his wound around the glass, or do you remove the glass first?
* Veraik zlins the harmony of four and signs with relief at the power that he feels.
* Veraik entwines his tentacles around Jon's arms then allows the laterals to be put on the pulsating selyn field focal points.
<wisesnake> Let me ask you another way. Do you value their careers more than your own?
* Linn smiles wryly.
* Briel continues to zlin...wanting to see just how her Donor operates under this easy conditions
* Jergen comes into the lobby and begins chatting with the receptionist.
* JonDrake feels his pulse quickening...
<Linn> I put in long hours trying to prevent them from being elected.
<wisesnake> I think it's time for something a little more... direct.
* JonDrake is not afraid, he is feeling his anticipation.
<Veraik> Taking a breathe, Jon....when you are ready, make the fifth contact.
<Linn> But what?
* JonDrake probably doesn't take as long to prepare before he leans forward...
* JonDrake makes 5th contact.
* Briel continues to zlin
* Veraik takes lip contact and holds the connection in neutral until Jon relaxes and zlins ready for the donation.
* JonDrake initially tries to push selyn, but gets a clue and relaxes.
* Briel shudders at Jon Drake's clumsy attempt thinking of their upcoming transfer
<wisesnake> Understand, of course, that I cannot be particuarly specific without knowing the people involved yet...
* Linn nods.
* Veraik is patient as he waits for Jon to learn the important of control and acceptance.
* JonDrake somehow realizes that Veraik is waiting so he relaxes even more.
<wisesnake> But I think it would be best if the field trip is either Forrest's idea, or Ullim's idea, or both.
<wisesnake> That is to say, that one or both of them be... persuaded... to bring the idea before the board.
* Linn looks thoughtful.
<Linn> It might be possible, if they could be convinced that it would aid their cause, not mine.
* Briel relaxes a bit when she notes Jon drake took Veraik's signal
<wisesnake> Everybody has his price. Rare is the person.. particularly the person fortunate enough to have something to lose... who cannot be persuaded by one who speaks the right words.
* JonDrake is not used to holding this position.
<wisesnake> I think you know that if the reason is good enough, it will not matter whether it aids your cause or not.
* JonDrake works to focus on the task at hand and ignore the irritant.
* Briel stiffens a bit at Jon's reaction
* Linn nods, reflecting that Snake certainly found HER price.
* JonDrake relaxes again.
* Veraik initiates a slow, even flow of the GN level 1 then takes only a very small piece of GN level 2 stopping when he zlins Briel's level is a match for Jon's.
<wisesnake> I think I have furnished you with a very good outline of a way to handle the situation to your distinct present and future advantage.
* Briel stops zlinning
* Veraik holds the gratiant neutral once more and lets Jon simply feel the time and position that a normal transfer would take.
<Linn> It might work.
<wisesnake> The outline is yours to act upon, if you choose to do so. I give it to you as a gift.
* Veraik finally breaks lip contact and holds for Jon to recover.
* Linn raises an eyebrow, not expecting Snake to give anything away for free, particularly information that she knows Linn wants.
* JonDrake leans back.
<wisesnake> But I cannot help you carry it out. My own price has become nearly too high to support itself, of late.
<Veraik> Briel? Come here and replace me.
<Veraik> You know the drill.
* JonDrake felt a tiny bit, but is just a little disappointed.
* Briel moves over to Veraik
* JonDrake brightens.
<Veraik> As I slide out of the grip, we transfer so you end up with it.
<Veraik> Jon...hold very still.
* JonDrake holds position.
<Veraik> Be relaxed.
* JonDrake breathes regularly.
* Linn looks at Snake's bedraggled condition and agrees that Snake is obviously in no condition to help anyone.
<Veraik> Very good
<Veraik> Briel....now slide your hands under mine.
* Briel gracefully slides her hands under Veraik's
<Veraik> and entwine as I unwind.
* JonDrake feels a subtle difference.
<wisesnake> By the way... [hesitates].. if they ask you, at the Center, where you have seen me, I would ask that you do not tell them where my brother lives.
* Veraik slides out and into Briel's position.
* Briel allows her tentacles to slip around Jon's arms as Veraik removes his
* Briel slips to where veraik was
<Veraik> Alea...just support Briel as you were supporting me.
<Alea> as you say, hajene
* Linn is surprised, but used to dealing with strange requests from paranoid teens.
<Linn> Very well.
<Veraik> Jon...do you feel the difference?
<wisesnake> You should also know that I am... no longer employed by the Tecton.
* JonDrake nods slightly. He is trying to immerse himself in the sensation.
* Linn puts two and two together (almost) and comes up with a runaway.
* Briel pulls back a bit at Jon's eagerness
<Veraik> Donors like Alea said that when their Channel is near, their bodies respond to the need cycle.
<Veraik> Jon....relax or you will hurt your channel.
<Linn> You've run away from the person who was bullying you.
<Veraik> Very good.
* wisesnake looks haunted
* JonDrake relaxes.
* Briel adjusts her field
<wisesnake> There's a lot more to it than that. But that was the straw that broke it.
<Veraik> Now Briel is going for the fifth contact but no selyn will flow.
<wisesnake> I never belonged there.
<Veraik> And Jon, if you try to initial transfer, it will hurt your channel and probably you too.
<Linn> Where do you belong?
<Veraik> A Channel/Donor pair is a delicate work.
* wisesnake manages a chuckle, but it comes out very bitter
* Briel patiently zlins Jon...hesitating only a moment, remembering how he had tried to initaite with veraik
<Veraik> You must trust each other.
<wisesnake> Nowhere. I belong nowhere.
* Briel finally leans forward, touching her lips to his...carefully
<Linn> Then you must make youself a place to belong.
<wisesnake> But this is what I know. If I have to live a short life of hell I would rather live it out in a place I understand, and the people understand me.
* Linn understands teenaged defiance, also.
<wisesnake> And there is always a chance that it might work out, for the long run... [tone indicates utter lack of belief in those words]
<JonDrake> Ok.
<JonDrake> I'll be careful.
* JonDrake reminds himself that there will be other opportunities to explore this sensation...
* JonDrake remains centered.
* JonDrake remains passive and at peace.
<Linn> I know it doesn't seem that way to you just now, but life has a surprising tendency to do just that.
* Veraik zlins the gradient between the pair.
* JonDrake remains calm and centered.
* wisesnake meets Linn's eyes, a penetrating, thorough stare
<Veraik> Very good. Now Briel....please withdraw fifth contact and then the rest only when you are ready.
<Veraik> Jon...always wait for the Channel.
<wisesnake> You don't know, do you? What happens to a channel who cannot work.
* Briel carefully witdraws, pauses...
* Briel sighs...then releases Jon's arms
* JonDrake slowly backs up, letting his hands slide slowly rather than pulling away suddenly.
<Veraik> Now just sit there silently for a moment and rebalance yourself
* Linn is reminded of Snake's snakiness, but holds her ground rather than lose her point by appearing to back away.
<Linn> No, I don't know.
* Veraik goes to his desk and gets two charts, comes back and writes several numbers.
* Briel retracts her tentacles and places her hands in her lap
* Linn refuses to apologize for her ignorance; she long ago gave up trying to be an authority on all subjects.
* Veraik zlins Briel and goes to her.
* JonDrake sits quietly.
<wisesnake> A channel must work to his or her full capacity, or suffer debilitating illness.
<Veraik> Picking up a tentacle, he looks and zlins her. You did a phenomial job.
<Linn> And you can't work outside the Sime Center.
<Briel> thank you, hajene
<Veraik> I zlinned your disjunction center shrink very slightly with your effort.
<Veraik> I thought that will happen again but I thought you should know.
<wisesnake> My particular kind was bred to serve more and harder than most. I must also expect to take the consequences harder, and to a greater extent, than most.
<wisesnake> You're right... the chances of getting what I require outside of the Tecton are very slim.
* JonDrake looks up.
<Linn> Then, since we're hatching plans, I'll suggest finding a way to make the Tecton accept you--on your own terms.
<Veraik> You should rest Hajene.
<Veraik> Jon Drake?
* JonDrake looks to Briel with the expression "Did I do alright?"
* Briel nods slightly at Jon drake
<JonDrake> Yes? How did I do?
* Veraik smiles.
<Veraik> Jon. Briel is only a week from transfer.
<Veraik> This is the time of needmares.
* JonDrake looks concerned.
<Linn> Or else find a way to turn that slim chance into a better one.
<Veraik> As a Donor, you should be with your channel at all times.
* Briel relaxes a bit at Veraik's words
<JonDrake> I understand.
<Veraik> That includes work, play, and sleep.
<JonDrake> I have a question. Do Donors ever have the equivalent of needmares?
<Veraik> You are official assigned to her.
* JonDrake blushes slightly.
* Briel stiffens thinking how his nightmares would affect her...
<Veraik> If you are hungry, make sure she is with you when you eat.
<JonDrake> Yes...
<Veraik> Simes don't eat during this time unless they are around a healthy Gen appetite.
* Briel wishes she was back home with her other Donor the one she had always relied on since going to her house....
<Veraik> Briel...he is knew remember that and explain everything to him,
<Briel> I will, Veraik
* JonDrake nods.
<Veraik> How you are feeling at all times. Where you want to to stand for your maximum benefit?
* wisesnake looks at Linn a few moments longer, then looks away, shrugs
<Veraik> Now let's see......[tentacle under chin]
* Briel nods
<wisesnake> Well. I always work on that.
<wisesnake> There are always ways, or at least there always have been so far.
<Veraik> oh yes. I will assign Jon to you as your post partner.
<Briel> of course, Veraik
* Linn looks at Snake closely.
* wisesnake looks awful
<Linn> It doesn't look like they've been very satisfactory, lately.
<Veraik> Between now, I want you to come to me, Jon, and we will discuss post transfer. Is that understood?
<wisesnake> When it's life or death, a person can't afford to be choosy. Even a channel.
<Linn> And you've been doing things you don't approve of?
<JonDrake> This will be very new to me. I will trust you and follow your lead.
* Alea stands, but continues to support Briel, looking to veraik tiredly
<wisesnake> I wouldn't say that, precisely.
* JonDrake is confused.
<JonDrake> Ok....
* Linn waits with teacherly patience for elaboration.
<JonDrake> Sometime in the next week, I'll meet with you about this.
<Veraik> now I think I had best take my next donation while you two get acquainted.
* Alea carefully moves back from Briel before turning to the door
<JonDrake> Yes, Hajene.
* Briel only wants to go rest.
<Briel> perhaps, Jon, you would allow me to rest for awhile first?
<JonDrake> Certainly.
<Briel> my room is second door on the left...
* Briel motions for him to come with her
* Veraik smiles at the new pair he just created.
<JonDrake> Uh, ok.
* wisesnake shivers
* JonDrake follows Briel dutifully...
* JonDrake nods to Veraik and even Alea.
<wisesnake> Sometimes I think the most frightening thing of all is knowing there aren't any more than a handful of people in this entire city who could understand the danger I am in.
* Veraik goes to make tea.
* Linn makes a sympathetic noise.
<Alea> hajene, we have three more people waiting
<Alea> one now
<Alea> and two a bit later
<Veraik> Alea, could you go to get our next donation. I think I'll do it here. I don't feel much like going to a donation room.
* wisesnake looks at Linn narrowly, decides she isn't listening with her soul
* wisesnake shrugs
<wisesnake> Well.
<wisesnake> My problems aren't your problems, be glad of that.
* Veraik zlins Alea....oh all right. Guess I can't say anything after the lecture I just gave JonDrake, can I?
* Alea stands and goes singals the front desk
<Alea> please send Miz Jergen to this room
<wisesnake> Good luck with your school board, and your students.
<receptionist> "Right Away!"
* Alea rubs wearily at her neck
<Alea> no, Veraik, you can't
<Miz Jergens> [comes in]
* Alea goes to get her tea but sees the eager donor is already here
<Linn> Thank you.
<wisesnake> We may not see one another after this, but I hope you'll remember what I asked.
<Jergen> "Why Hello Mr Verat! It so good to see you again after such a long time, it doesn't seem like just a month, does it?"
* Alea blinks, part of her exhaustion dispelled at Mz Jergen's exuberence
<Veraik> No. it doesn't Ms Jergen.
* Alea quickly moves to Veraik's side
* wisesnake sees that Linn already doesn't remember
* wisesnake shakes her head
<wisesnake> Never mind.
<wisesnake> Just take care.
<Jergen> "You don't look Well, Mr. Verat. have you been trying eat more like I said? I don't care what they say I think you would be better of with some more flesh on your bones."
* wisesnake leaves Linn alone
<Linn> You, too.
* wisesnake walks out the other end of the alley and disappears down a street
<Veraik> I eat when I can. [points to couch] Shall we?
* Linn blinks as Snake disappears, then makes her way out of the alley and towards home.
* Veraik takes chart, makes notations, and replaces it on the table.
<Jergen> [to Alea] "Why hello dear, I don't think we've met before, I'm Dolores Jergen, of the Eastcove Jergens. What is your name? Are you Mr. Verat's "Companion?" I hope so because the dear really does need someone to look after him."
* Alea smiles indulgently at Ms. Jergens
* Veraik moves the big comfy sofa chair close to the transfer couch and indicates that she should sit. "You seem tired, Alea. Have you eaten today?"
<Alea> I'm Alea Farris, Mz Jergens...and yes, I'm his....Companion
* Alea thinks...
<Alea> yes, hajene...this morning
* Jergen goes over and sits on the correct end of the couch. "Well my husband he did decide to get that selyn power system like you suggested, and I must say that it does seem to work very well, not like the old one which was always getting himup in the middle of the night."
* Alea moves over and sits down
<Veraik> I think after Ms Jergen's donation, you should eat again. [smiles like nothing is wrong]
* Alea knows that smile and knows she's going to get chewed again...
<Alea> of course, hajene
* Jergen wags her finger at Veriak. "And you go have something yourself young man! I mean you need to take care of yourself, without you this town would be in a terrible state like back before the built that old Sime Center here."
<Veraik> Sits on the Channel side of the couch, Ms Jergen...hold out arms...are you ready?
* Alea shakes her head slightly at seeing the Controller of the Center dressed down by the little ol lady
* Alea smile curves her lips
* Veraik adjust the ambient for the flighty elderly Gen women and Alea's lackluster due to no food field.
* Jergen holds out her arms, palms up. "Well yes I am and I doo need to get going because it's the Ladies Society rummage sale tomorrow and I'm supposed to help get everything sorted out and priced.
* Veraik entwines tentacles and waits for Ms Jergen to initiate lip contact.
<Jergen> "I heard someone say that there was another fire here, but I didn't believe it, I said 'They were burned out once, they'll certainly be more careful now, locking the barn after the Sime has run off, like my father always used to say.'
* Alea flushes slightly
<Veraik> that was quite the expression your father had.
<Jergen> "But these stories just go on and on like that terrible story about a Were-Sime that all the lower classes are going on about these days, I mean really..."
* Veraik pushes nager at Alea to indicate his acceptance of her.
* Alea glances at Veraik and then smiles slightly
<Veraik> Ms. Jengen. I thought you said that you had to prepare for the rummage sale. If you are not careful, you will be late. [smiles gently]
* Jergen remembers what she is here for and leans forward to make lip contact.
<Jergen> ~~nager burbles with things unsaid~~
* Veraik takes the lip contact and holds it to adjust for the lady's rolling systems then he begins to draw selyn in a slow, steady pace.
<Veraik> The GN3 level was flushed from Ms.Jergen's body to Veriak's secondary system in a flash then the level 2 voided and finally the GN1 level dipped in to, slowly drained into Veraik.
* Alea forces herself to concentrate her energy on Veraik...supporting him in case the dear woman decides to break off in the middle
* Alea thinks she's just the type to suddenly remember something she wants to say and stop the transfer
<Veraik> Holding a second longer, Veraik readjusts the systems then withdraws.
<Jergen> "Well I felt a little something like last time but nothing much and I still don't understand how you can get enough sellwine to feed a Sime for a month without me noticing, but you are the channel and went to all those schools which make you work so terribly hard, Like I read in a magazine the other day, It does't seem fair to make children work so hard right after they changed over."
* Zethraim shuffles slowly into B'cal's treatment room
<Veraik> Simes are adults MsJergen.
* Alea grins at Mz. Jergen's remarks
* Veraik goes to her files, copies a couple of numbers then hands the file to Ms. Jergen to take to the cashier's office.
* Zethraim pushes the mop bucket to a squeaking halt and leans the mop handle against the wall
<Jergen> "Why thank you Mr. Verat. I think I'll just give this to the Inter-territory friendship committee, they do such good work don't you think?"
* Zethraim pulls the dust rag out of his back pocket and pats his forehead with it
* Jergen goes out.
<Alea> quite a woman
* Alea grins
* Veraik makes the effort for her and smiles at her as she leaves.
<Veraik> Yes she is
<Veraik> And now....let's eat!
* Alea shakes her head
<Alea> you excited over food?
<Veraik> Geee Now **I** sound like the Donor.
<Alea> but I am hungry
* Alea chuckes at Veraik's words
<Alea> as a matter of fact...I bet I wouldn't be a bit tired if I went and ate
* Alea eyes brighten
<Veraik> You zlin like you starved. I can't take it anymore.
<Alea> I am....I didn't realize it until you started talking about food
<Alea> and since you have some free time...I have this meal I want to make you.......
<Veraik> No.
* Zethraim surveys the room, then stuffs the rag laboriously back into his back pocket.
* Alea pauses by the door
<Alea> no?
<Veraik> We are going to the cafe.
<Alea> oh?
<Veraik> You are too hungry to wait.
* Alea smiles
<Veraik> You are driving me crazy!!!
<Alea> well, that is true
* Alea thinks she is always driving him crazy about something...but is glad this time it's not in anger
* Zethraim grips the mop handle and slops the mop up and down, deliberately
<Veraik> Come on Ms Nager of Hungry, let's take care of you.
* Alea chuckles
<Alea> great
* Zethraim hoists the mop up and lets it fall heavily into the drain cage
* Veraik opens the door to his office and allows Alea to go ahead of him.
* Alea goes to the door
* Alea slips past Veraik and out the front door
* Zethraim steps on the squeeze arm, closing the cage down and pressing the water out of the mop
* Bcal glances blankly over at the man with the mop
* Veraik and Alea enter the cafe.
* Zethraim is a Gen, a crusty old geezer with a white bristly mustache and slow, deliberate movements
* Zethraim gives the squeeze arm a final push, nods satisfaction, and releases it.
<Bcal> is there something you wanted or are you just here to make my rest miserable?
* Zethraim hoists the mop up and turns around to place it moistly onto the floor.
* Zethraim twitches his mustache back and forth
* Zethraim peers across the room at B'cal
<Zethraim> I'm jest here to mop the floors, Ma'am.
<Bcal> figures
* Bcal turns her head away, closes her eyes to resume her sleep
* Zethraim begins to push the mop slowly, and evidently rather laboriously, back across the floor
* Zethraim breathes wheezily
<Zethraim> [to himself] A testy sort, in't she. I don't know whet Snake sees in her.
* Zethraim pauses at the counter to wipe it off with the rag.
* Zethraim finishes mopping the room, after a considerable time
* Zethraim puts the mop back in the bucket and leaves the room, squeaking and sloshing.
Go on to Episode #34: To Each her Own
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