Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #34: To Each her Own (10/3/97)
JonDrake notices that the Sime Center is as quiet as a tomb before it opens for business...
Alea comes down the hall....carrying an enormous tray of food
Alea: oh, hello Jon
Alea goes to empty front desk and sets the tray down
Alea: I lost my keys again
Alea drops down in the chair and looks at the six separate plates on her tray
Alea: I was sorta hungry this morning
Alea: and I couldn't figure out which one to try
Alea: but it's amazing... this sudden appitite
Alea picks up for and begins to eat...the cucumber and strawberry omlet
Alea then procedes to try a bit from the other five plates
Alea: you know, hajene Veraik said I should eat more....
JonDrake: Well, you're certainly eating more...
Alea shrugs and continues to eat...until food is half gone
JonDrake: You'd think you were eating for two..or even three!
Alea: I think I ate a bit too much
Alea sits the fork down
Alea 's stomach is suddenly feeling not so good
Alea looks up oddly
Alea: it's a known fact that even though I'm pregnant I don't have to eat more to feed the unborn child
Alea leans back in the chair and groans
Alea: I was only following hajene Veraik's advice...I feel awful
Alea gets up and moves to her door and jiggles the doorhandle
Alea finds the door locked... and moves to Veriak's office
JonDrake looks in the kitchen to see if he can find anything to relieve an upset stomach.
Alea jerks the door handle and finds it opens
Alea: excuse me, Jon
Alea runs into the office and is horribly sick
* JonDrake finds nothing.
* JonDrake calls out "I'm going to pick up something for your stomach."
* JonDrake hurries out the door.
* Alea rinses her mouth, grabs a Liorie shirt, and drops it over the mess... intending to find Zethraim
* Alea goes back out into the lobby, looks at the food, and can't believe she is hungry again
* Alea picks up the tray, dumps it out the window...and goes to the couch and sinks down on it...refusing to eat another bite
* ragmuffin darts across the road and grabs the food that fell out the window
* ragmuffin crouches under the window stuffing food into its mouth
* Alea goes to the desk clerks desk...starts searching for keys so she can unlock her door...
* ragmuffin stands up and peers over the windowsill with bright beady black eyes, inspecting the lobby
* ragmuffin ducks back down
* Alea sees the child, stops what she is doing and goes to the door
* Alea pushes the door open...glad it's not locked
<Alea> hi, there.
* Alea smiles gently
<Alea> what's your name?
* Alea steps out on the porch
* ragmuffin stands up slowly, inspecting Alea
* Alea sees the food and realizes what must have happened
* ragmuffin finishes its inspection and then puffs itself up cockily, a humorous sight
<ragmuffin> I'm Muffin. [points boldly at self]
<Alea> would you like a glass of milk? we have some in the kitchen.
* Alea smiles
<ragmuffin> Yeah! [greedily]
<Alea> I'm Alea. It's nice to meet you
* Alea steps back and holds the door open
<Alea> come on in
* ragmuffin scampers into the lobby and starts fingering everything
<ragmuffin> ooh
<ragmuffin> this is neat
* Alea chuckles, glad there's not anything dangerous laying out
<Alea> you live around here?
<ragmuffin> no...
* Alea motions down the hall, encouraging Muffin to follow her
* Alea nods
* ragmuffin scampers after Alea, looking in all the doorways
* Alea goes into the kitchen
* ragmuffin follows
<Alea> if you're hungry, we can get you another plate of food to go with that milk too
<ragmuffin> yeah!!
* Alea gets some food and milk and brings it to a table
<Alea> here you go
* Alea sits down across from the food
* ragmuffin grabs the food and starts stuffing its face greedily, sitting down rather belatedly
* Alea gets up and goes and gets a wet cloth for muffin's hands
<ragmuffin> [a white clean folded piece of paper falls out of muffin's raggedy pocket]
<Alea> so, tell me...do you go to school around here?
<ragmuffin> nope...
<ragmuffin> [stuffing face]
* Alea picks up the paper
<ragmuffin> [it says B'Cal on it]
* Alea lays it on the table for Muffin..then sees B'cal's name
* Alea frowns
* ragmuffin glugs the milk
<ragmuffin> mmm...
* JonDrake rushes back in with some medicine for nausea.
* Alea picks it up and opens it
<Alea> I'm glad you like that...sweetie [said absently] how about some more
* JonDrake goes into the kitchen.
<ragmuffin> [it's just a piece of blank stationary with a picture of a twined snake near the bottom]
<ragmuffin> Yeah!!
<ragmuffin> [doesn't seem to mind that Alea is looking at the paper]
* Alea gets Muffin some more food and packs a napkin and ties it...then gets some more milk
* Alea places it before muffin
<Alea> would you like me to deliver this to Bcal for you?
* ragmuffin looks at the paper
<ragmuffin> You know her?
<Alea> yes, I do
<Alea> she lives here with me
<ragmuffin> I was suppose to bring her back.
<Alea> oh...
* Alea wonders if Bcal is well enough to travel
<Alea> would you like to go give this to her then?
* ragmuffin seems rather distracted by the food
<ragmuffin> Yeah... is she here?
<JonDrake> Ok, I got something that should help you, Alea. [friendly] Oh, hello! Who have we here?
* Alea stands
<Alea> oh, Jon
<Alea> this is Muffin
* ragmuffin is a dirty little ragamuffin
<Alea> we were just on our way to see Bcal
* ragmuffin grins impishly at JonDrake, beady little black eyes flashing
<JonDrake> Hello, Muffin?
<Alea> come on, sweetie...
<Alea> let's go see Bcal
* Alea has a sneaky suspicion about the note
* ragmuffin snatches up the bundle and follows close behind Alea, peering in every direction
<Alea> Jon, would you find Hajene Veraik for me please
<JonDrake> Right away.
* Alea not even wanting to know what Veraik is going to say since she isn't with him at the moment
* Alea goes down the hall to Bcal's room
* ragmuffin follows
* JonDrake looks for Veraik...
* Alea pushes open the door to Bcal's room
<Alea> right in here, sweetie
<Alea> I'll be right back
* Alea goes down the hall, planning to get back up to Veraik before he geets out of the shower and wonders where she is
* ragmuffin peers in cautiously, then struts right in, beaming about at the gleaming counters and furniture
* Bcal looks over at the dirty child in her room
<Bcal> may I help you?
* Veraik steps out of the shower and smells something.
* Bcal is dressed and sitting in a chair, putting on her shoes
* JonDrake decides to check Veraik's quarters...
* JonDrake knocks on Veraik's door.
<Bcal> well, child?
<Bcal> speak up
* Veraik grabs a robe then sees his Liorie smock is wet and reeking.
* ragmuffin stares a bit dubiously at B'cal... the kid thinks she has a bad "vibe"
<ragmuffin> Message for you. [holds it out]
* Bcal takes the message
* Bcal opens it up
<Bcal> Snake [hisses it]
<Bcal> where is she? Do you know?
<ragmuffin> I'm suppose to take you, if you want to go.
* Bcal eyes gleam with anger and she slowly pulls herself up
<Bcal> oh, yeah, I want to go all right
* Veraik goes to the closet and dresses quickly then leaves. "I don't think I'll eat anything for the next six months."
* Bcal feeling very weak from the pneumonia but determined to find Snake
<Veraik> Oh! JonDrake!
* Veraik quickly closes door behind him.
* ragmuffin wonders when B'cal is going to cough up the obligatory message penny.
<JonDrake> Good morning, Hajene. Alea asked me to find you...
<Bcal> well?
<Bcal> let's go
<Veraik> Snorts I bet.
* ragmuffin waits, sure B'cal will remember in a moment
* Alea goes into the lobby... looking for Veraik, relieved he hasn't come down yet
<Bcal> I havn't got all day
* Bcal mutters "And I bet Snake doesn't either"
* Veraik goes to the emergency phone in the hall and calls housekeeping to clean his room.
<Bcal> are you going to take me or not?
<Veraik> Please [show tentacle] I'll follow you.
* JonDrake leads on...
* ragmuffin finally holds out one grubby hand, in the hopes this will jog the unpleasant woman's memory
* Alea starts up the stairs to find Veriak, hoping to beat him before he gets out of the shower
* Bcal 's eyes narrow
* Bcal goes over and finds her purse and places it in muffin's hand
<Bcal> if you get me to where Snake is...I'll triple that
* ragmuffin grins wide
* Alea sees Veraik on the stairs
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Veraik.
<JonDrake> Here she is.
* Bcal goes to the door and out it..to the back door
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Alea.
* Alea looks at Veraik oddly, wondering why he's looking that way
<Veraik> Where have you been Alea?
<Alea> uh, good morning, hajene
<Alea> well...you told me I should eat..
* Alea winces when she realizes she should have brought Veraik with her
<Veraik> [bows slightly] Naztehr
<Alea> but I'm still hungry
<JonDrake> Now, if you two will excuse me...
<Alea> but that's not why I was looking for you
* ragmuffin goes toward the lobby since that's the way came in
* Bcal waits on muffin to lead the way
<Bcal> this way, muffin
<ragmuffin> come on...
* JonDrake goes upstairs to be near Briel like he's supposed to.
* ragmuffin gestures toward the remembered front way out
* Bcal hisses
<Bcal> muffin!
* ragmuffin jumps, cowed
<Bcal> you want that money, come this way. I'd like to avoid certain people that might prove controlling
<Veraik> I'm not hungry and I don't plan to be after....no never mind. What was it that you wanted to say?
<ragmuffin> yes, ma'am.
<Alea> Veraik, I thought you ought to know...a child showed up a few minutes ago..wanting to talk to B'cal...I think it was a message from Snake
<Alea> I left the child with B'cal
* Bcal opens the back gate and herds muffin out
* Bcal follows muffin down the streets
* Bcal notes these are the same streets with the unfortunate whorehouse on
<Alea> well?
* Veraik looks around. "Where are they?"
* Bcal tires and slows down
<Alea> in B'cal's room
<Veraik> Let's go.
<ragmuffin> want to rest, lady?
* Alea follows Veraik
* ragmuffin points at a small bench in front of a... cafe
<Bcal> I think so
* Garon` comes around a corner and sees B'Cal.
* Bcal goes over and sits down
* Bcal pulls out a hankerchief and dabs at her brow...still weak
* ragmuffin marches over to B'cal's side so everybody knows Muffin has a JOB
* Garon` recognizes B'Cal and walks quickly on.
* Veraik enters the infirmary and sees that B'Cal and the kid are gone.
<Bcal> how much further to where Snake is?
<ragmuffin> THAT guy is trouble with a capital "D".
<Veraik> Where do you think they have gone?
* Bcal glances up absently
* Bcal looks around...
<Bcal> who?
<ragmuffin> Garon.
<ragmuffin> He is the biggest blabbermouth east of the canal.
<Alea> to wherever Snake is..which I would guess means the bad part of town
<Alea> the lower the better
* Bcal thinks the name sounds familiar....
<ragmuffin> You can't tell him a single secret without he blabs it to everybody between here and Eastcove...
* Bcal since he's beneath her, she only shrugs certain it's not important
<Bcal> I'm not surprised
<Bcal> people of his ilk are like that
<Bcal> no honor
* Veraik zlins Alea then takes a breathe. "OK then that is where we will go."
<Alea> let me get my cape and then we can go
<ragmuffin> Now he'll blab to everybody that he saw you and me together, and ask everybody he knows what it might mean.
* Alea notes it's colder out today
* Bcal shrugs
* ragmuffin rubs cold hands together
<Bcal> it's none of their business...don't worry
* ragmuffin shifts the food bundle under arm
<ragmuffin> You sure don't know how it works, lady.
* Bcal frowns, removes her jacket
<Bcal> here...
* Veraik follows Alea then they duck into his still reeking office to get his Liorie cape.
* ragmuffin grins
<ragmuffin> Thanks!!
<Veraik> Let's go.
* ragmuffin puts on B'cal's jacket, which is way too large
<ragmuffin> Do I look like you, now?
* Bcal regrets it when she sees how grateful muffin is
* ragmuffin proud
<Bcal> no
<Bcal> you're too small
<ragmuffin> I feel like you though.
<Bcal> but one day, if you train hard for a householding... maybe...
<ragmuffin> [rude, authoritative tones] You, child! What is that message!!
* Alea follows Veraik out of the office
* Bcal smiles a bit
<Bcal> that's better
<ragmuffin> My voice is too high
<Bcal> now, let's go find Snake
* ragmuffin picks food bundle up again
<Bcal> it'll change...
<ragmuffin> Do you want some food? I have extra.
<Bcal> no thank you
* ragmuffin tucks bundle back under arm
* ragmuffin looks carefully around at all the people
<Bcal> which way?
<ragmuffin> Now we have to be careful, because Garon's rumors will already be flying.
* Bcal stands and waits on ragmuffin, wiping at her brow again
<Veraik> Which way do we go first, Alea?
<Bcal> doesn't know why the kid is so worried about a worm like Garon
<Bcal> just get me to Snake
* Alea tries to think
<Alea> let's see
* ragmuffin begins leading B'cal farther up the main street of the porno district
* ragmuffin scrutinizes all the faces they pass, own face scrunched up in a comic worry
<Alea> maybe down there where that Parnul was hurt...or possibly...Bcal muttered something about the bad district
* Alea shrugs
<Alea> I'm not sure
* Bcal sneers remembering how so many of these places the other day wouldn't help her
<Alea> all the note had on it was a twined Snake
* Veraik frowns. Why don't we go towards that whorehouse and decide from there.
* ragmuffin notices B'cal's sneer and attempts to adopt a similar expression, since it looks much less worried
* Alea thinks he must mean the entire street of whorehouses... but doesn't argue
<Alea> as you wish, hajene
<Veraik> [rubs eyes with tentacles] Snake.
* Bcal pauses at a cross road
* ragmuffin changes creeping walk to a jaunty swagger, since it goes better with the sneer and besides, Muffin has a JOB
<Bcal> now?
<ragmuffin> this way... [keeps going straight]
* Alea reaches out and takes Veraik's elbow, concerned
* Bcal follows, wondering where the kid gets so much energy
<ragmuffin> When I grow up, I'm going to be a Gen just like you. How about that?
* Bcal considers sending the child back to her house if he doesn't have anywhere to live...thinking he'd be a fine channel or donor or renSime one day with proper training...
<Bcal> we'll see
* ragmuffin is impressed by B'cal's coolness
* Veraik turns to Alea and whispers. "We have to find them."
* Alea nods
<Alea> We will, hajene
* ragmuffin resolves to try to fit in a cucumber-cool "We'll see" into a conversation with his peers as soon as possible.
* Bcal stops and leans against a lamppost again
<ragmuffin> want to rest?
* Garon` comes walking down the street, zlinning behind him worriedly.
<Bcal> let me catch my breath a minute
<ragmuffin> sure thing.
* ragmuffin looks in all directions, studiously
* ragmuffin hold out his hands in a zlinning position, probably an unconscious gesture picked up from being around Simes
* Alea looks around the area, wishing her field wasn't quite so high
<Alea> this really isn't a very good area, is it hajene....
* Bcal smiles, amused, thinking this kid has promise
<Bcal> okay, kid, let's go
* ragmuffin once again assumes the role of guide
* Garon` comes walking right towards Veriak and Alea, not watching where he is going.
* ragmuffin likes the amusement too and experiments with incorporating it into the sneer.
<Veraik> No Alea...it isn't
* Bcal notices the area is really bad and is a bit angry that the kid is wandering it like he is
<Alea> so, what now?
* ragmuffin finally achieves what he hopes is the perfect combination of amused scorn and tries it out on another kid he sees sitting on a street corner
<Alea> excuse me....
* Alea to Garon
<Bcal> is it much further?
<ragmuffin> A ways.
* Garon` notices Alea and jumps out of his skin. "GAHH!! Another One!"
* Bcal sighs not surprised that her idiot Channel would be this far away when she is sick
* Alea looks surprised
* Alea looks at Veraik
* Alea then back at Garon
<Alea> another what?
* ragmuffin reaches the end of "B" street where a huge cross street descends downhill into the warehouse district
<Veraik> [augments to miss the guy]
* ragmuffin turns downhill, looking back to make sure B'cal is still with, then dropping back a little so she doesn't have to walk as fast
* Veraik zlins man.
* Bcal follows, breathing a bit laboriously
<Garon`> "You're one of them were-Gens aren't you?! You're everywhere, all around!"
* ragmuffin points at a driftwood bench.
<ragmuffin> Rest?
* Veraik adjusts nager to surround Alea. We're looking for someone.
<Bcal> yes, please
* ragmuffin sits down on one end of the bench and waits
* Garon` edges away from Alea.
* Alea examines the big Sime in the flashy clothes, thinking he looks pretty sleazy to her
* Bcal wheezes in air thinking it had better not be much further...she calculates and knows Snake is in need...or worse since she lives on the streets and has probably wasted selyn....
* Bcal thinks, of course, if what she'd been hearing about Snake was true, she might have found some way to get a transfer...except that she was sending for her
<Garon`> "please don't kill me. I ain't done nuttin."
<Alea> wer-Gen?
<Alea> [smiles with an idea] maybe if you tell me what you mean, I'll consider letting you live
<ragmuffin> My brother Tommi, he changed over last year.
<ragmuffin> [irrelevantly]
<Garon`> "like Killed them Simes 3 blocks over two weeks ago."
<Bcal> really
<ragmuffin> He's just a regular Sime though, not like Snake.
* Bcal nods
<Bcal> I see
* Veraik puts arm around Alea as well. "A little kid who was leading a Gen in V'lar colors."
<Garon`> ~~trembling with fear~~ "Sure! I'll tell you anything you wanna know."
* Alea smiles
<ragmuffin> He's the best pickpocket you ever did see.
<Alea> Snake
<Garon`> "velar? What color is that?"
<Garon`> "Snake? She know you're looking for her?"
<Bcal> I see
<ragmuffin> I don't wanna be a pick pocket when I grow up.
<ragmuffin> I wanna be a bodyguard!
<Bcal> and where do you live?
* ragmuffin looks suddenly more reserved
<Bcal> well, you know...Donors are like bodyguards to Channels in the Tecton
* ragmuffin looks down, kicking his foot
* Bcal certain this child has no home now
<Alea> of course she does
<Alea> we were with the woman Hajene Veraik mentioned
<Alea> but got separated
<ragmuffin> Donors? What's that?
<ragmuffin> [looks interested]
<Bcal> why, that's what I am
<Bcal> what you said you were going to be
<ragmuffin> You're a bodyguard?
* ragmuffin looks impressed
<Bcal> yes I am
<ragmuffin> I want to be like you.
<Bcal> but I had to go to a special school.
<ragmuffin> Yuck. School?
<Garon`> "The other one? Yeah I saw her, she was sitting at Stinky's cafe with Muffin, some lost kid type."
<Bcal> perhaps, if you decide you'd like to go to this place you'll come back to the Center later and we can talk more
* Alea nods
* Alea leans into Veraik...fighting the chilly wind
* ragmuffin grins big
* Bcal sighs and stops again
<Bcal> I think we need to rest here for a minute...
* ragmuffin waits
* Bcal looks up and sees the sign Sippin Susan and remembers that is where she'd been told snake hung out
* Bcal realizes the must be close
<Veraik> Thank you Garon. Come on Alea, let's go.
* ragmuffin sees B'cal looking at the sign
<ragmuffin> Do you wanna go in?
* Alea nods to Garon and turns to leave with Veraik
* Bcal thinks she isn't going anywhere for a bit
* Bcal pulls out some money
<Bcal> why don't you go buy us each a tea
<ragmuffin> Okay
* ragmuffin takes the money and freezes for a moment, staring at it as if mesmerised
* Bcal watches muffin and decides this child is going back to V'lar...to grow up and be trained...
* ragmuffin then puffs himself up and waltzes arrogantly into the cafe
* Bcal pulls out her hankie again, wiping at her face, then shivers, thinking she's going to choke her channel when she finds her
* Garon` runs off to brag about encountering two Were-Gens and barely escaping with his laterals.
* Veraik goes to Stinky's
<Alea> I feel like I'm going in circles
<Alea> now what?
* Alea looks around helplessly
<Alea> I've never been this far into the other side of Bender Cove...have you?
* Alea looks up at Veriak
<Veraik> Only on a rare occassion. [points] that way, I think.
* Alea nods...wrinkling her nose at the smell of the area
* Bcal looks around for that child..wondering where he went
* ragmuffin is visible waiting in line in the cafe... almost to the front of line
<Veraik> Look, Alea. What a strange name. Sippin Susan. Maybe we can ask for more directions there.
* Alea nods
* Bcal sees Veraik and groans
* Bcal pushes herself wearily up
* Veraik zlins a selyn-rich Donor nager and goes hyper.
* Bcal straightens her shoulders...
* Alea sees Veraik's action and uses her field to bring him back down
<Alea> hajene
* Veraik goes to B'Cal. "And your excuse for leaving the infirmary without permission is?"
* Alea is relieved to see it's Bcal..
<Bcal> what are doing here?
* Veraik turns to Alea then returns his attention to B'Cal [in hypo]
* Bcal sneers at Veraik, though she doesn't turn her back on them
<Veraik> You zlin like you're next to exhaustion B'Cal.
<Bcal> exhaustion huh....I have something that has to be done first
* Alea decides Veraik is okay today so she backs off a bit
<Veraik> Like give Snake her transfer. [looks and zlins around] Where is she?
* Bcal shrugs
<Veraik> You don't know. Fine, then where is that kid that I heard about?
* Bcal doesn't say a word, though it's plain she won't tell Veraik anything
<Alea> uh, hajene
* ragmuffin is now in the act of buying tea
* Alea points to the child
* Bcal sneers at Alea
<Bcal> if you come along you'll just scare her off
<Veraik> Fine, We will wait for the child to return.
* Bcal says to veraik
* ragmuffin gets tea
* ragmuffin comes to the door of the cafe, holding the tea, then stops in the doorway when he sees the new arrivals
<Bcal> I mean it, Veraik...Snake sent for me...if you show up, she'll run
* Bcal sees muffin and motions him over
<Veraik> Hello. [smiles]
* Bcal moves closer to muffin protectively
* ragmuffin walks over to B'cal, and watches her expression for some cue how to act toward the others
<Veraik> Thank you for bring B'Cal tea.
<ragmuffin> She asked me to get it. [proud of being asked]
* ragmuffin remembers Alea as the one who gave him food and thinks he has really fallen in with a good crowd
* Bcal resents it that Veraik is trying to get information out of the kid
<Bcal> I mean it, Veraik....
<Bcal> I'm her Donor...she asked for me...NOT you
* ragmuffin notices B'cal is angry with Veraik
<Bcal> I've been searching for her for days
<Veraik> B'Cal. you are going to frighten the child, if you continue.
* ragmuffin draws himself up and projects a small, but intense, approximation of disdainful annoyance
<Veraik> I know you have.
* Bcal reaches out and puts her hand on Muffin's shoulder
<Veraik> Drink your tea B'Cal
<Bcal> what are you plans, Veraik? I have to go to her...she needs me...
<Veraik> After all, Snake is waiting.
<Veraik> First your tea.
* Bcal subsides at Veraik's words...shaking, raises the tea to her lips and drinks it
* ragmuffin drinks his own, to be like B'cal
* Bcal drains it
<Bcal> now...
<Veraik> And now....
* Bcal tosses the cup in a nearby trash can and waits
* Bcal raises a haughty eyebrow
* Veraik augments to swoop her into his arms. I will take you to Snake.
* ragmuffin watches B'cal with fascination, memorizing the eyebrow
* ragmuffin is startled by Veraik's sudden move
<Bcal> you shendoni....I ought to slam you so hard.......
<Veraik> B'Cal...
* Alea blinks at Veraik's actions...hears B'cals words and moves forward angrily..
<Veraik> First, you wouldn't do that and
* Bcal realizes it would be useless to bluff Veraik since he knows her
<Veraik> second, you and I both know that you are too weak to travel.
* Bcal eyes narrow angrily
<Bcal> she doesn't want to see you...she didn't send for you
<Bcal> she'll run
<Veraik> You want transfer but at least I help help you to conserve strength until the time.
<Veraik> Maybe she will and maybe she won't
<Veraik> Snake needs transfer and so do you
<Veraik> She won't run.
* Bcal struggles for a moment with what Veraik says, realizes he is unfortunately correct and burns that she has to have his help..but she nods in agreement
* ragmuffin watches the whole interaction, only understanding about half of it
<Veraik> In that case, let's go.
* Alea backs off, clasping her hands together worriedly
<Veraik> Where is Snake?
<Bcal> lead the way kid
<Bcal> looks like we're going to have company
<ragmuffin> I was suppose to show HER.
* ragmuffin looks doubtful
* Bcal looks down at muffin
* ragmuffin looks at B'cal for direction
<Bcal> listen... sometimes it takes more than one... er... body
guard to help someone... they want to come along with me... just in case Snake needs help
<Veraik> I know but B'Cal is too sick. Do you see how weak she is?
* ragmuffin thinks there's something kind of fishy about all this
* Bcal bristles that Veraik would expound on her weakness
<ragmuffin> Yeah... but...
<Bcal> a good bodyguard knows when to go against the wishes of a person to help that person
* ragmuffin hates to think what would happen if he brought the wrong people to Snake and Snake decided not to help out him and his friends anymore
<Bcal> Snake will appreciate your help later, kid...trust me
<ragmuffin> Do you really think so?
<Bcal> if she doesn't, ... [hesistates, HATING that Veraik and that little lovebird will hear this] then you just come to me
* ragmuffin thinks about it
<ragmuffin> Well... okay
* ragmuffin begins to lead them further downhill
* Veraik follows with B'Cal in his arms.
* Bcal sighs in relief, thinking no one better say a single word about her helping out the dirty little street rat
* ragmuffin leads them into a burned out region
* Bcal is humiliated that Veraik won't release her
* Veraik zlins that B'Cal is cold so he uses more selyn to raise his own body temperature.
* Alea continues at Veraik's side...keeping a close eye on the Donor from Hell. Not liking that she is so close to Veraik ... and angry at him at the same time
* ragmuffin seems to be aiming for an old factory building, about six stories high and heavily fire damaged
* Veraik also lowers his barriers to show his nager to B'Cal is hopes to healing the damage she has done to herself in searching for Snake today.
<Bcal> well, kid?
* ragmuffin looks at B'cal
<Bcal> she in there?
* Bcal motions
* Veraik zlins Alea. "Alea? Help me support B'Cal. She is very weak."
* Bcal sneers at Veraik
<ragmuffin> This is where she said I was suppose to bring you. In there.
<Bcal> I'll show you how weak [mutters]
* ragmuffin sneers at Veraik too
* Alea goes to Veraik to help
<Bcal> weak
<Bcal> let me down...
* ragmuffin struts importantly toward the building, walking for B'cal
* Veraik walks into the building. B'Cal still in arms and zlinning the Donor.
* Veraik grips B'cal only tight enough to keep her in his arms.
* Bcal refuses to wiggle and humiliate herself further
<abandoned> [The building is an abandoned, fire damaged factory. The area you have entered is large and open, with scattered debris on the floor and catwalks three or four stories up]
* Veraik zlins.
<Bcal> let me go [hisses]
* Bcal tries to keep her nager flat
* Veraik steps carefully.
<Veraik> Snake? I know you're in here, Snake. I can zlin you.
<Veraik> I have your Donor, Snake. She's been sick.
* Bcal stiffens and looks around, trying to spot her
<Veraik> She needs you, Snake.
<Veraik> You need her.
* wisesnake moves slightly, and becomes visible looking down from a catwalk far above.
<Bcal> shen it, you ...[sees movement]
<Veraik> [gently said] Snake? It's all right.
<Veraik> B'Cal? Please.
<Veraik> You can have transfer with B'Cal. She is here.
* Bcal focuses all her attention at the movement above
<Veraik> B'Cal had pneumonia.
<Veraik> It's almost gone but she is weakened from it.
* Alea stays behind Veraik
<Bcal> [whispers]let me down and let me go to her
<Veraik> Feel her, Snake. Zlin her.
* wisesnake zlins
<Veraik> [whispers] no
<Veraik> I, too, am due for transfer. B'Cal is driving me crazy holding her.
* Bcal can't help but allow all of her desire to serve show for Snake
* wisesnake clenches the railing with her tentacles
<Veraik> She is selyn rich. Your transfer will be fullfilled.
<Veraik> Alea?
<Bcal> Snake...I....you...
<Alea> yes, hajene
<Veraik> [whispers] I need you.
* Bcal trails off, refusing to discuss anything in front of others...instead she allows her field to show her need to give
<Veraik> [holds out B'Cal for Snake to see] Your Donor, Snake. Come get her.
* Alea 's field responds to Veraik's whispered plea and she moves up, wrapping her hand gently around his forearm...doing her best to focus her attention on Veraik only
* Veraik slams hypo to protect himself.
<wisesnake> Go. Leave her here. [voice hoarse, controlled]
<Veraik> No, Snake. I can't. You know I can't.
<Veraik> B'Cal's condition is too weak. She requires someone to monitor.
<wisesnake> No. No monitor.
* Bcal desire to serve increases, her gaze never leaving Snake
<Veraik> I also have an emergency medical kit with me...Farris approved...in case either of you require it.
<Bcal> what does it matter...let the shenned channel monitor
<Bcal> just let me help you, Snake...let me help us both
* Alea works Veraik's field
* Veraik almost gasps with B'Cal's desire to serve.
* Alea tightens her concentration...working to keep Veraik hypo and protected from B'cal
* Veraik takes comfort in Alea's focus and desire for him.
* Veraik starts to breath a little easier.
<Bcal> Snake...
* Bcal says with her field what she can't put into words...the agony of waiting...
<wisesnake> [nearly inaudible from above] You want me to deliver myself back into your hands... I cannot.
* Bcal shudders
<wisesnake> Leave her here, Veraik.
<Veraik> Snake...after your transfer, you can go...you can do as you please. Just come to have transfer.
<Bcal> transfer, Snake....
<Veraik> B'Cal is burning with desire. She has waited six weeks.
* wisesnake moves around a pillar and comes a little more clearly into view.
<Veraik> She NEEDS transfer.
<wisesnake> [tentacles waving]
<Veraik> Come Snake. Take transfer.
* Bcal keeps her focus on Snake, willing her to come down, wishing she could slap Veraik for interfering
<wisesnake> Not with you two here...
* Bcal keeping her from this because of his stubborness
<wisesnake> [breathing hard]
<Bcal> Snake...
<Bcal> forget them
<Bcal> I'm your Donor
<wisesnake> Then come up here. Alone.
<Bcal> I'm not going to let them bother you....
<Veraik> No, Snake.
<Veraik> I will leave you alone after your transfer, but not before.
* wisesnake is almost directly overhead now
* Bcal curses fluently under her breath, in five languages
<wisesnake> Why. Why?
<Veraik> I want to know that B'Cal....and you are safe.
* Veraik zlins Snake's nearness.
* wisesnake floats over the railing and down a vertical beam to the catwalk below her, with an effortless ease
* Veraik turns in Snake's direction.
* Bcal concentrates on Snake...silently urging her forward...trying to see just what shape Snake is in
* Alea moves closer to Veraik, remembering Briel and not wanting Snake too close to him
<Veraik> Come and take B'Cal, Snake.
* Alea focuses her attention back on Veraik, forcing her mind from Snake
<Bcal> let me go to her, Veraik
<Bcal> It's cruel to keep a Donor from her Channel...
<Bcal> can't you tell she's in need
* Bcal frustrated
* Veraik sighs with relief to zlins his Donor's attention.
<Veraik> [whispers] I'm sorry B'Cal. This is the way it must be.
* wisesnake drops down the rest of the distance to the floor, landing about twenty feet from the three.
<Veraik> Hello, Snake.
* Bcal responds to Snake's closeness
* Bcal forgets about Veraik and everything else
* wisesnake looks filthy, torn up, and desperate
* Bcal lifts her arms a bit
<Bcal> Snake
<Veraik> B'Cal needs you, Snake. Come get her.
* wisesnake 's eyes are mad and shining
<wisesnake> Let her go.
<wisesnake> [voice low]
* Bcal field promising...
<Veraik> Come take her, Snake.
<Bcal> I'm here...we'll work through this...let's get this transfer in you now
<Veraik> Zlin me.
<Veraik> I'm in need too. You had best take her Snake.
<Veraik> Starting to back away towards the door.
* Bcal reaches out with her field and tries to engage Snake's
<Veraik> You had better come get your Donor, Snake.
* Bcal projects her desire to help Snake
* wisesnake advances toward them, no longer entirely in control
* Bcal holds out her arms, her concentration solely on Snake
<Bcal> come on, Snake...let me help
* Veraik takes another very small step backwards.
<Bcal> put me down, Veraik...
<Bcal> Snake...
* Veraik grips B'Cal and allows his laterals to brush her arms.
<Veraik> I'm taking your Donor, Snake.
* Bcal eyes widen as she realizes what Veraik is doing
<Bcal> shen it Veraik...
<Veraik> [whispers] Shut up for once B'Cal.
<Bcal> your ways are impractical and unethical...let me go
* wisesnake comes closer, deranged torment battling with wariness in her
* Bcal tries to pull free from Veraik
* Veraik goes hyper and shows his depleted field. "Your Donor, Snake."
* Veraik grips B'Cal.
* wisesnake goes hyperconscious
* Veraik raises his intil. "I'm taking your Donor. Come get her, Snake." [backs up another step]
* Bcal 's field responds to the closer Channel
<Bcal> shen it Veraik..you're interfering
* wisesnake 's face and body lose all expression except the blank killer's look of hunting mode
<Bcal> let me go.
* wisesnake stalks swiftly toward them
* Bcal sees and holds out her arms... pulling against Veraik
* Veraik backs a baby step. "Your Donor, Snake."
* Veraik releases B'Cal's arms.
<Veraik> but still has her in his arms.
* wisesnake augments to seize hold of them and wrench Veraik and B'cal apart
* Bcal thrusts her arms to Snake...willingly
* Veraik releases B'Cal and flips his systems to monitor
* wisesnake augments to shove Veraik violently away
* Bcal gasps as she is jerked sideways...her lungs burning with pain at the sudden action
* wisesnake seizes the Gen and attacks in killmode
* Veraik recovers and augments to monitor the transfer.
* Bcal allows Snake to to grab her arms...trying to recover her equilibrium
* wisesnake begins a voracious draw
* wisesnake has B'cal pinned against the ground
* Bcal pushes in selyn as fast as she can...
* wisesnake quickly accelerates her draw, trying to burn the Gen
* Bcal meets Snake's demand
* Bcal wrenching control to push it faster
* Bcal contrates on the joy, the fulfillment as she increases the speed...
<wisesnake> ~~~ resistance building ~~~
* Bcal backs off ~~ no pain, Snake~~
<wisesnake> ~~~ reflexive abort ~~~
* Bcal overrides the abort
* Bcal beings pushing the selyn again
* Bcal joy, fullfillment--not pain
<wisesnake> ~~ fighting ~~
* Bcal relaxes...refusing to fight and give her pain
<wisesnake> ~~~ abort ~~~
* Bcal controls and overrides
<wisesnake> ~~~ doesn't know which end is up anymore ~~
* Bcal finishes pushing the selyn in to the peak of Snake's system
* Bcal offers fulfillment and satisfaction
* Bcal projects joy
* Bcal allows it for a moment and slowly brings the transfer to a close
<wisesnake> ~~~ allows it ~~~
* wisesnake collapses against B'cal in a half-senseless state
* Bcal sighs, her eyes closed...
* Veraik zlins the close of the transfer and relaxes.
* Veraik goes to Snake and B'Cal.
* Bcal puts her arms around Snake...holding her..waiting
* Alea sticks right by Veraik's side
* Veraik nods his heads at B'Cal to tell her that he understands.
* wisesnake withdraws tentacles, belatedly
* Bcal continues to lay there...holding Snake and waiting...not moving until Snake is ready
<wisesnake> blinks, seeming to come closer to consciousness
* wisesnake eyes open, and her field draws in on itself, closed.
* Veraik puts a hand and tentacle on Snake as if to comfort.
* wisesnake , unable to zlin yet, squints at Veraik in the darkness... not quite all there yet
* wisesnake snaps out of it
* wisesnake leaps up wildly
<Veraik> Snake?
* Alea falls back in surprise
* Bcal pushes herself up, trying to stand...
* wisesnake backs away from them all, eyes bright and paranoid
* Bcal wobbles to her feet, feeling indentations from the debris in her back...wondering why she hadn't noticed that until now
<Bcal> Snake...
* Bcal holds out a hand
<wisesnake> I'm not going back there. You can't make me do it.
<Bcal> no one said a thing about going back, Snake.....
<Veraik> You don't have to go back, Snake.
<wisesnake> ~~profound distrust~~
<Bcal> let's just take this one minute to the next....
<Veraik> You have selyn for another month. That is what is important.
<Bcal> let me just be here for you.....for now...
<wisesnake> [torment]
<Bcal> one step at a time...
<Bcal> no pressure
<Veraik> Alea? Let's wait outside.
<Bcal> the decision has to be yours...
<Alea> of course, hajene....
<Veraik> B'Cal and Snake can talk.
<Veraik> B'Cal. I will carry you back. Understood?
* Bcal hesitates...then nods
* Veraik leaves the building and stands just outside the door.
* Alea follows Veraik out
* wisesnake moves warily out of their way
<Bcal> Snake....
* Bcal sighs
<Veraik> Ahhhh....shhhhhh. [crumbles almost to ground]
* Alea leaps at Veraik, grabbing at him
<Bcal> Snake....
<Bcal> I... owe you an apology
* Bcal looks like she is eating nails as she says it
* Veraik entwines tentacles and holds onto Alea.
* wisesnake turns her head, zlins what is going on outside the wall, then looks back at B'cal
<Alea> Veraik?
<Alea> what?
* wisesnake narrows her eyes, questioning
<Veraik> I'm...I'll...be fine.
<Bcal> It was my fault you ran from the Center... I was too hard on you... treating you as a Householder... an...... error....... on my part
<Veraik> It's just that..... B'Cal's nager was....sooo enticing.
* wisesnake watches B'cal closely
* Veraik lays his head on Alea's shoulder.
* Bcal glares though it's inward
<Bcal> An error I don't plan to make again....
<Bcal> you must have transfer...your system is special....and you can't find what you need on the street.....
<Alea> no..no you're not
* Alea reaches out, engaging his field....
<Alea> rest on me.....
* Veraik rests on Alea's promise to him.
<Veraik> Finally, he withdraws and sits back. "Thank you."
<Bcal> I want you to know...I'm here for you....as your partner....to work...together
* wisesnake listens, standing where she was
* Alea refuses to take her gaze off Veriak, wondering if he is again lying to her
<wisesnake> But only if I go back.
<Bcal> but...that is your decision......
<Bcal> no
<Bcal> you don't have to go back
<Bcal> I realize you feel...threatened right now
* Veraik smiles gently. "Don't worry do much. I'll be fine.'
* Veraik stands.
<Bcal> It would be much easier if you came back
* wisesnake 's eyes narrow
<Bcal> however...that is YOUR decision
<Bcal> I will continue at the Center...give you time to consider
<Bcal> I would ask that you cease your activities that are messing up your field
<Bcal> you can get work at the Center.
<Bcal> you can live outside the Center...whatever....
<wisesnake> If you have work at the Center, why is Veraik in the state he's in? [suspiciously]
<Bcal> but I'm here to help you straighten out your systems, Snake....
* Bcal waves
<Bcal> he and that lovebird of his have had some sort of spat...
<Bcal> I think that has something to do with it...
<Bcal> I heard he ran from her yesterday...leaving her with all the donations and no decent channel to help
<Bcal> anyway....
<wisesnake> I'm not going back there.
<Bcal> they don't matter...you do
<Bcal> fine....
<Bcal> but you have to find work... legitimate work if you can
<Bcal> I am assigned three more months at the Center....
* Bcal sighs...looks up intently at Snake
<Bcal> I'm there for you if you need me... night or day
* wisesnake meets B'cal's eyes; hers are guarded
<Bcal> as your Donor... I will be there for you...
<Bcal> whenever
<wisesnake> There... not where I am.
* Alea slowly pushes herself to her feet, sighing wearily
<Bcal> I can't be... not in the illegal activites, Snake
<Bcal> you know that
* wisesnake trembles
* Veraik removes his Liorie cape and wraps it around Alea.
<Bcal> I want to help you... I'll do everything in my power.....
* wisesnake looks away from B'cal
* Alea glances up surprised, only now realizing her own cape wasn't enough. "Thank you hajene"
* Veraik tries to smile. "You're welcome."
<Bcal> anytime, Snake...call me..
<Bcal> you don't have to come back to the Center... but neither, by my laws I follow, can I forsake my house and the oath I made to it
* Bcal notes Snake says nothing, so she wearily turns to the door
* Bcal pauses at the door... indecision as she wrestles...
* wisesnake looks at the floor
* Bcal finally walks out
* Bcal leans against the wall and sighs...
<Veraik> Naztehr?
* Alea glances up....
* Bcal [as does Bcal]
<Bcal> I don't know what she's going to do
* wisesnake raises her eyes to stare up at a triangle of sky visible through the ruined roof
* Bcal curses low under her breath
<Bcal> I don't know what the shenned to do
<Bcal> she needs....
* Bcal breaks off and shakes her head
* Bcal allows Veraik to lift her and carry her back to the Sime Center... muttering all the way about incompetent controllers
* Alea keeps pace by Veraik... concern... watching as he takes Bcal back to bed and then goes to the shower in his office and closes himself in
* Alea sighing goes over to the sofa in the lobby to sit down and wait on Veraik
* Veraik showers then returns in his Liorie tunic.
* Alea glances up and smiles
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Alea.
* Alea sighs...wondering what Veraik is going to say THIS time...he always has some criticism evertyime he zlins her
* Veraik goes to make tea.
* Alea lays her head back closing her eyes, unable to believe Veraik really wants tea but not going to argue
* Veraik hands her a cup then starts to sip his own but decides differently.
<Mackey> Hey, ya little creep! Where's my money?
* Alea opens her eyes, frowns when she sees Veraik isn't drinking it
<Alea> drink up Veraik or I won't
<Fise> [A horse cab pulls up to the front of the Sime Center]
* Fise walks into the lobby dragging a large trunk.
<Mackey> I said!!! Where's my --- argh!
* Mackey gets down off the cab and ties up the horse before marching after Fise
<Mackey> Hey!!!!
<Fise> "They'll pay you in here."
* Mackey collars Fise
* Fise goes up to the desk and looks for a clerk.
<Mackey> I'm gonna take you outside and cash your check mister.
* Mackey starts to drag Fise out the door
* Alea glances over at Fise...sees Mackey and stands
<Alea> hurries over
* Fise turns to glare at Mackey. [coldly] "They will pay you *here*."
<Alea> may I help you?
* Alea glances back at Veraik worriedly, wondering where the clerk is
<Mackey> This little pissant failed to come up with my dough!!
* Fise grabs onto the coat rack, dragging it along.
* Alea rubs at her head
<Alea> let go of him...we'll sort this out
* Mackey reaches out with his other hand, grabs the coat rack, finds his reach isn't long enough to separate Fise from the coat rack, and ends up stumbling in a little circular dance with the two
* Veraik augments to Mackey and pulls him off Fise.
* Alea jumps back
<Alea> hey!
<Mackey> I want my money!
* Alea does not like being at the front desk
* Alea this ALWAYS happens when she's up here
<Fise> [to Veriak] "Thank you Tuib."
<Veraik> And this person owns you money?
<Alea> why don't you try explaining to us...
* Fise brushes himself off.
* Alea exasparated...
* Fise is a Sime.
* Alea goes over to Veraik, not liking his pallor
<Mackey> Well unless you want me to drive him backward to the train station, then yes!!!!! He owes me money!
* Alea glares at Mackey
<Fise> "transportation costs are covered by the Tecton, you know."
<Alea> just who are you....[to Fise]
<Veraik> How much does he owe you?
<Alea> do you have paperwork, anything that I can see so we can reimburse....him
* Alea looks at Mackey
* Mackey is a butt-ugly renSime
* Fise pats around at his pockets.
<Fise> "Where was that..."
<Mackey> He owes me two and a half... three if you count the shortcuts I gave him.
* Alea is tempted to reach in his pockets and search herself
<Fise> "ah!"
* Veraik zlins the two new Simes.
* Fise goes over to his trunk and does something to the lock which he carefully shields from view.
<Mackey> You'll notice he DOES have money in his pockets... I woudn't have picked him up if I couldn't have zlinned it!
* Alea follows....holds out her hand, waiting
* Veraik notices that Fise is a Third Order Channel.
* Fise opens the trunk and begins tossing things on the couch.
<Veraik> Mackey. Come with me. I'll pay you.
<Mackey> It's about time!
* Alea simmers
* Mackey follows Veraik self-righteously
* Veraik goes to the cashier's booth.
<Mackey> Bad enough I have to pay every penny to you thieves without you all trying to eke it out of me beforehand as well!!
<Fise> [clothes, geegaws, knickknacks, numerous personal care products]
* Alea unable to believe one person could amass so much junk
<Veraik> Take....3...out of petty cash, Priscilla, and give it to this man.
* Alea fists her hands on her hips and waits
<Veraik> Now Mackey...you have your money.
<Fise> [embossed leather... somethings, magazines carefully placed face down]
* Mackey snatches the money and counts it several times
* Mackey grudgingly put it in his pocket
* Alea , impatient, peeks over his shoulder and sighs
<Mackey> Thanks..
<Veraik> And Priscilla. Have him sign for it.
* Fise is almost to the bottom when he finds some papers.
* Alea thinks it's about time
* Veraik goes back to the lobby.
* Mackey grits his teeth and signs the paperwork with a crude "X"
* Fise turns around annoyed, slaps the papers in Alea's hands. "Happy Now?"
* Mackey takes his money and stomps out of the Center
* Alea looks in disbelief at Fise
* Alea takes the papers and opens them
<Veraik> [from the door] Please be gentle with my Donor.
* Mackey burns rubber... well the horses rear up and squeal, before clattering away from the Center
* Alea reads them carefully....hands them back
<Alea> interesting reading...but not the papers I need
<Alea> I need your transfer papers
* Alea looks at him like he's a simpleton
<Fise> [Fise, QN-3, raised in-t, no householding. Mediocre abilities even for a QN-3]
* Goldy mounts the steps to the Center
* Fise sighs at the enormous burdens laid upon him, and turns back to the trunk.
* Alea taps her foot
* Goldy broaches the lobby
* Veraik goes to Alea and looks at the papers over her shoulder.
* Goldy is a wide eyed, lush bodied Gen with an innocent nager and a slightly pouting mouth
* Fise burrows deeper, bringing out cards, dice, indifferently wrapped delicate crystal.
* Goldy is carrying a large basket with fruit, flowers and candy
* Fise comes up with a wad of paper.
* Alea holds out her hand again
* Fise holds it out to Alea.
* Alea grabs it, opens it and looks at it...glances up askance at Fise, then back down
* Veraik suddenly zlins Alea's pulsating nager.
* Alea flips through the pages
<Alea> I suppose these are in order...Fise
* Veraik zlins the new Gen and the rolling ambient and augments from the lobby.
<Fise> [A long series of reassignments to different Sime centers all over]
* Alea turns
<Alea> well Shen
* Goldy notices she is being ignored, which she is certainly not used to, and pouts magnificently
* Alea sees her channel taking off down the hall
* Alea sees Goldy
* Fise looks curiously at Veriak's retreating back.
<Alea> stay right there, honey...I'll be right back
* Alea takes off at a charge after Veraik
* Fise notices Goldy and looks her over.
* Alea runs down the hall and finds Veraik.......
* Veraik is breathing very hard and is fall crumpled against a wall.
* Goldy waits until they are gone and then swims into the lobby in slow motion, every curve in perfect harmony.
* Alea drops down to her knees
<Alea> I thought so.... that thing with Snake messed you up bad, didn't it?
* Veraik goes hyper.
* Veraik says nothing, only zlins.
* Alea stills.....
<Alea> shen
* Alea thinks it's still a good twenty-four hours before his transfer.....
<Alea> Veraik...
* Fise admires the movements.
<Veraik> Face turns towards her.
* Alea softly...working with his field to bring him back duoconscious
<Alea> Veraik?....
<Veraik> ~~duo~~~
* Goldy pauses picturesquely and looks down at the magazines on the floor, then up to meet Fise's eyes with a slow burning smile.
<Veraik> [whispers] Alea?
<Alea> I'm taking you to deferment, right now
<Alea> you've had enough
* Veraik nods his agreement.
<Alea> come on, now...
* Alea reaches out
<Alea> come with me....
<Fise> "Hello Gorgeous, where you been all my life?"
* Veraik goes with Alea.
<Goldy> You must be Fise Leewin. I've heard all about you. [velvet, throaty voice]
* Alea pushes open a door and escorts veraik inside
* Veraik goes to bed and lays down.
<Alea> Veraik...I have a few things to handle...
* Goldy turns the basket around so its banner shows: WELCOME TO BENDER COVE YOU HUNK OF A GUY!
<Alea> I'll be back...I'm going to send in another Donor, unless you want me to stay
* Veraik nods and closes his eyes.
* Goldy hands the basket to Fise. "Welcome to Bender Cove, baby."
* Fise puffs his chest out. "All complimentary, I hope."
* Goldy winks
<Goldy> Gratuities extra. [twitch of lips/hips]
* Fise smiles. "Well things are looking up now."
* Alea goes back to the door
<Veraik> Alea? Can you stay? At least for a while.
* Alea pauses at the door...turns...
<Alea> of course, Veraik
<Fise> "I'm sure they are."
* Fise dips into a pocket and pulls out a heavy purse. Reaches into it.
* Briel wanders into the lobby...sees the overblown woman and zlins the mediocre Sime and pauses
* Alea goes back over and slides onto the bed next to him
<Alea> just rest
<Briel> may I help you two?
* Goldy jumps
* Fise takes a more than generous tip and puts it in Goldy's hands, taking the opportunity to clasp them both in his.
* Fise looks over Briel, annoyed. "yes?"
<Briel> I asked if I could help you...
* Goldy wonders why nobody orders these gifts for anybody with lots of free time.
* Briel zlins him again
* Briel looks at the mess ... wonders who he is
* Goldy slips away from Fise
<Goldy> Maybe I'll see you again.
* Fise kisses Goldy's hands. "I most deeply hope so." [releases hands]
<Goldy> [pouts at Briel]
* Briel raises an eyebrow at Goldy, deciding they must not be together
* Goldy rolls out of the Center leaving a wash of pheromones in her wake
* Briel shakes her head at what she's zlinning
<Fise> "Just when thing were starting to look up." [sighs]
<Briel> excuse me, but would you mind telling me NOW why you are here?
* Fise sighs again. "I here because an unjust world has imposed it upon me."
* Alea zlins curiously, then shrugs
<Alea> if you say so.... do you have papers or something? I assume that means you're assigned here
* Fise looks dubiously at Briel. "But I suppose you want some more plebian explanation."
* Alea smiles tightly, deciding she doesn't like him
* Briel turns and sees Alea...shrugs and leaves
<Alea> oh yes...the channel
<Fise> "Yes I am assigned here to this noble Sime Center here in... what is the name of this dreary town again?"
* Alea decides she doesn't like him at ALL
<Alea> Bender Cove
<Fise> "Bender Cove. How .. quaint."
* Alea rubs her head...thinking almost impossible with her channel ill....
<Alea> Yes, a nice town..
<Alea> let's get you situated...seems like that little chore is left up to me
<Fise> [there is something vaguely odd about how Fise moves and carries himself]
<Alea> you'll be on the second floor
* Alea pauses, studying Fise....
* Alea wishes Briel was back to zlin him closer....
<Alea> as I was saying... second floor... we have rooms down the left... the second door way on the right is avaliable
<Fise> "Well that is some consolation, I suppose. Could you call someone to bring my things up? That's a dear."
* Alea 's mouth drops open
<Alea> there's no one avaliable
* Fise goes off to see his room without saying thanks.
* Alea bristles that the Sime would actually talk down to her, a Farris, like that
* Alea looks at the mess..then turns and marches up the stairs after him
<Alea> excuse me, Fise....
* Fise turns. "Yes?"
<Alea> we are short handed today.
<Fise> "What is your point?"
<Alea> you'll have to carry your own luggage
* Fise looks irritated.
<Fise> "Oh very well."
* Alea smiles sweetly...backing out of the doorway to let him pass
* Fise goes downstairs, again without social pleasantries.
* Alea wonders at his atrocious manners
* Alea shakes her head
<Alea> you'll need to be interviewed by the controller...hajene Veraik... as soon as his transfer is over
<Alea> he's in deferment right now for the next twenty-four hours
<Alea> until then, you won't be expected to work.
<Alea> however...
<Alea> as you know.. you will be expected to adhere to the basic schedule
<Fise> "Yes, Yes. I know. Remember I'm only a third, not like one of these Farris supersimes."
* Alea glares at the slur but let's it pass
* Fise hasn't noticed Alea's Farrisness.
<Alea> I never thought you were
* Alea touches the black strip of braid she always wears around her collar
<Fise> [sarcastic] "Well thank goodness for small favors."
<Alea> thank goodness for us [mutters]
* Fise is busy tossing stuff haphazardly into his trunk and doesn't notice.
* Alea watches him...again noting something odd....
* Alea 's eyes widen in surprise...and confusion
* Alea wonders why he's not using his tentacles like every other Sime....that's why he looks so awkward....
* Alea moves closer, trying to study the sheaths....wondering...
* Fise can't get everything to fit.
* Fise starts dragging his trunk off towards the stairs.
* Alea winces at the loud noise it makes
<Fise> [the basket and various stuff is left on the couch]
* Jirelle comes out of a transfer room with a depleted night owl donor.
* Jirelle sees them and lights up with a sunshiny smile.
<Jirelle> Why hello, isn't it a wonderful night tonight?
* Fise checks Jirelle out.
* Alea wonders if Fise is going to be a total jerk to Jirelle too
* Jirelle is pretty in a plain, unselfconscious, natural sort of way
* Fise actually thinks about whether to blow off Jirelle or charm her.
<Fise> "Why yes, it is, isn't it."
* Jirelle gives the donor the bursar's slip and puts the other paperwork in the bin
* Jirelle smiles at Fise
<Jirelle> I don't think we've met. My name is Jirelle. I'm new here.
* Jirelle smells rather headily of incense
* Fise holds out his hand. "Fise Leewin. New channel in town, at your service."
* Alea rolls her eyes
* Jirelle looks at the hand and then giggles in delight at what she thinks is a joke on Gen greetings
* Fise ostentatiously smells the insence smell.
<Fise> "Lovely."
* Alea sinks down on the couch... sits on something... stands,
shoves it out of the way and drops back down
* Jirelle smiles with pleasure.
<Jirelle> Do you like it? I found it in one of the cute little shops in one of the neighborhoods.
* Alea slips her hands into her hair, rubbing at her temples thinking they are going to be cursed with this... this.... 3rd order
<Jirelle> The big city is so fascinating to explore! All the different people, the sights, the sounds...
<Fise> "really, I've never encountered anything quite like it before."
* Fise surpresses a sneer at calling Bender Cove a "city."
* Alea almost groans, hoping poor Jirelle doesn't fall for that line
<Jirelle> You haven't? Well me neither... maybe we could explore it together sometime?
* Alea translates it as... it smells awful....
<Fise> "Yes, I'd like that very much." [smiles]
* Jirelle smiles joyfully
<Jirelle> It's so refreshing to find someone who appreciates the other things in life besides work... the things that allow us balance in our experiences...
* Jirelle finally notices how down in the dumps Alea is
<Fise> "It is important to keep balance in your life, yes."
<Jirelle> Alea, why so blue?
* Alea glances up, surprised and a bit embarrassed
<Alea> I'm fine... just... tired
* Fise continues dragging his trunk. [why doesn't he just augment and carry it?]
<Jirelle> I wondered what happened today... you, B'cal, Veraik and Snake were all gone, leaving me in charge... it was a rush, I'll admit, but I don't know if I was ready for it?
* Alea rubs at her head and finally stands...
<Alea> excuse me, Jirelle
* Jirelle backs off
<Alea> Will you just PICK THAT UP FISE!
<Jirelle> Well of course, I --!
* Jirelle shields herself in astonishment
* Fise is taken aback.
* Alea reaches out, touching Jirelle to reassure her
* Jirelle finds out what it's like to be touched by a Farris Gen
<Jirelle> Whoa!
* Alea realizes what she is doing and snatches her hand back
<Alea> use your tentacles...
<Alea> augment
<Alea> something
<Alea> but stop screeching that across the floor
* Alea takes a deep breath
<Jirelle> Wow
* Fise is about about to say something that's supposed to be terribly cutting, but glances at Jirelle and doesn't.
* Alea lets it out...touches Jirelle
<Jirelle> Wow...
<Alea> forgive me, dear....
<Jirelle> oh, wow
* Alea tilts her head curiously
* Jirelle melts
* Fise turns and lifts up the trunk and walks heavily off up the stairs.
<Jirelle> You are just soooooooo good.
* Alea flushes
<Alea> I'm afraid not
<Alea> I...uh...forgive me again for losing control around you
<Jirelle> Yes, you are! You should, like, be in Zeor or something. You blew my mind completely just with one touch.
* Alea thinks she is not up to hero worship today
<Jirelle> [admiring]
* Jirelle zlins Alea's reaction
<Jirelle> oh
* Alea thinks not with her Channel in a mess because of her
<Jirelle> I'm sorry, I'm being too gushy again aren't I?
* Jirelle backs off
* Alea smiles
<Alea> it's quite all right
<Jirelle> No, it's my fault... I get too enthusiastic about things.
<Jirelle> They warned me about it in school... told me to, I believe they said, "get a grip"
* Fise puts down his trunk in the room with a tremendous "THUMP!!"
* Jirelle jumps
* Jirelle tentacles shoot out in all directions before she sheepishly subsides
<Fise> [in Fise's room upstairs, that is]
<Jirelle> Hey, Alea, you've had a hard day... do you want to get mellow with me?
<Jirelle> I bought this special Farris approved incense B'cal recommended.
see note 1
* Zethraim shuffles down the hall, pauses when he sees someone in a room he thought was unused
* Fise is busy unpacking and muttering, does not notice Zethraim.
* Zethraim pokes his head in the room
<Zethraim> Tell me, son, are ye going to be staying here permanent-like?
* Fise turns around. "I certainly hope not."
* Zethraim ponders that answer
<Zethraim> Okey, if that's how it is
* Zethraim withdraws from the room and continues his laborious shuffle down the hall
* Alea drops back down to the couch and rubs her head
* Alea sits on something, stands, looks...sweeps it all off into the floor
* Alea gathers all the stuff up...carries it over to Tarsh's filing cabinet....
<Alea> shen
* Alea finds it locked
* Alea tosses it under his desk out of the way
* Alea goes back over and collapes on the couch...
<Alea> why why WHY do we get all of the nuts here?
* wisesnake makes sure she isn't being followed, then slips down the alley and to the door of her half-brother's house
* Fise comes down to get ther rest of his stuff.
* wisesnake lets herself in and climbs the stairs, looks around and finds her half-brother and sister-in-law in bed
* Fise looks at Alea conspicuously not being his stuff.
* Alea hears something, lifts her arm from over her eyes and sees Fise
* Fise huffs and looks around.
* Alea actually has the grace to flush
* wisesnake waits in the kitchen until her half brother is free to talk
* Fise goes out to the door and looks in the street.
* Alea wonders if she has enough time to sneak all of the stuff back over to the couch
* Alea make him think he's losing it
* wisesnake tells her half brother she's changed her mind, and she is now willing to talk to his friend who wants to be trained as a Donor.
* Alea decides to go for it...
* Alea jumps up...runs to the desk and crawls under it to retrieve Fise's belongings
* Fise goes around the corner to check the alley.
* Alea drags it all back out...
* Alea hurries over and dumps it on the couch...making three trips
* Fise finds an empty alley and heads back to the front.
* Alea goes over and drapes herself in Tarsh's chair, her feet up, leaning back relaxing
* Fise walks in and stands with his hands on his hips.
* Alea glances lazily at him, smiling innocently
* Fise notices the stuff in his peripheral vision and starts.
* wisesnake doesn't tell him the guy will only have three months to train before he is put to brutal test.
* Alea slips her hands behind her head, smiling again
* Fise goes over and looks at the stuff sitting innocently on the couch.
* Fise looks toward the door.
* Fise looks towards the stairs.
* Alea crosses her ankles on the top of Tarsh's desk...waiting to see if he turns around and leaves
* Fise looks puzzled.
* Alea smugly glad to see the jerk puzzled
* Fise shrugs and gathers as much stuff as he can and goes upstairs.
* Alea watches him go...chuckling with glee
* wisesnake lets her brother go back to his wife
* Fise dumps his stuff on the bed and heads back down.
* Alea thinks about getting up and moving the rest of his stuff...
* Alea decides nah
* Fise comes down and looks carefully to make sure His stuff hasn't run off again.
* wisesnake leaves the house to begin another frenetic night of chasing down a living.
* Alea continues to smile though a bit disappointed he didn't run from the place
* Fise gathers up the rest and goes upstairs again.
* Fise locks his door and takes a shower.
* Alea gets back up and goes over to the couch, collapsing back on it
* Alea glances at the clock...realizes she has been gone too long from Veraik's side and jumps up
<Alea> shenned idiot made me forget
* Alea hurries down to deferment and into the room with Veraik, relieving the other Donor and slipping into bed beside his sleeping form
* Fise comes down, well groomed and dressed, and goes out.
Notes:
1) Some lines are missing here. Apparently Alea declined Jirelle's offer and Jirelle went away. [return]
Go on to Episode #35: Linn's Errands
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