Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #35: Linn's Errands (10/4/97)
* BudWipe lurches into the Sime Center
* Alea sees the person on the way to her office
<Alea> may I help you?
* BudWipe is a loutish looking Gen male
* BudWipe wipes his.. nose
<BudWipe> Ihhh'mha heeere to magga donashun.. [hic]
* Alea recoils a bit in disgust
* Alea tries to cover her reaction
<Alea> uh, why don't you just take a seat over here
* BudWipe reeks of booze
* Alea motions to the couch
* BudWipe steers himself over in the direction of the couch and berths himself there with a crash
* JonDrake asks Briel if she slept well and would like some breakfast.
* Briel shakes her head...
<Briel> I'm just ready to go downstairs for the day and start my donations
<JonDrake> Ok. I'll be right with you.
<Alea> why don't you just sit right over here
* Alea motions again
* Alea moves over to the couch to indicate what she means
* BudWipe squints at Alea, hauls himself up off the couch, staggers to the couch Alea meant, and crashes down on that one instead
* Briel quickly dresses and brushes her hair before leaving her room
* JonDrake follows Briel downstairs.
<Alea> I see you've been drinking, Mr. Wipe
* Alea slips down onto the couch, close, but not too close to talk with the inebriated man
* BudWipe adjusts himself on the couch
<BudWipe> Oh, yeaghhh, I alwaysh stobbye the bahr on my wayin toa donashun, so's I can relags.
* Briel goes into a room to start donations
* BudWipe looks extremely relaxed
<Alea> well, perhaps you didn't realize this...but we have a rule about accepting donations after a person has imbibed too much uh...relaxation
<BudWipe> [hic]
<BudWipe> youddo?
<Alea> I'm afraid so
<BudWipe> Wellen whaddamy goiina do for cash?
<Briel> Jon...Veraik is still in deferment so you'll have to learn from me today as we work. Is that acceptable?
<Alea> I'm not sure, Mr. Wipe
<JonDrake> Yes it is.
<Alea> perhaps go home and sober up
<Alea> then come back
<JonDrake> Please do.
* BudWipe pries himself up off the couch
* Alea stands too
* BudWipe staggers rather inaccurately toward the front door
<Briel> when I'm working with a donation... I want you standing right here [motions with a tentacle to just slightly behind her at her side]
* BudWipe stumbles out the front door
<Briel> so you will be available but won't interfere
* Alea shakes her head and closes the front door after him
* BudWipe stands swaying on the front porch and grubs around in his pocket, trying to find the card his pal gave him
* BudWipe finally locates the bent up business card and peers at the shifting blurry writing on it
<JonDrake> I understand.
* Alea goes to her office... drags out her new art supplies - paints and canvas - and decides to work on some new art for the Center
<BudWipe> mhaybe I'll try thish other plashe instead.
* Briel nods and begins working on donations that are sent their way
* BudWipe falls down the steps, manages to keep his balance, and careens off down the road clutching the business card in one meaty fist
* snitch walks up the front steps of the Center
* snitch pauses on the front porch, making some notes on a form on a clipboard
* snitch enters the center
* Alea hears the door and puts down her new paints to go see who has entered
<Alea> hello
see note 1
* JonDrake relaxes with Briel between donations.
* Briel goes to Veraik's office
* JonDrake follows
see note 2
* Briel nods to Jon to stay with her
* Linn wonders why the Sime Center people always want to make a production about a simple "no appointment today, come back some other time".
* JonDrake follows appropriately.
* Briel goes to Veraik's desk and searches through the folders until she finds Briel's file
<Briel> please, sit down, Linn
* Linn sits in the chair, glad that this channel's tentacles are decently sheathed.
* Briel tosses it down...picks up Linn's file
* Briel looks through it...nodding...realizing that Linn is here for her Simephobia treatment
* Briel reads how far she has progressed, thinking Linn has done really good
* Briel tries to control the unease at working around a phobe
* Linn wonders whether THIS channel will be able to understand that her getting an award from the Tecton would be a disaster.
* JonDrake watches Briel carefully, looking for any small cue to make sure he's doing it right.
<Briel> well, I see here things are going great
* Briel lays the folder down, notes the door is open and walks over to it
* Briel pushes it closed with her hand, allowing a tentacle to drift to the lock and snap it shut
<Linn> I really am disappointed that Hajene Veraik is unavailable. I was hoping that we could make some progress today.
* Briel turns and comes back over to the front of the desk leaning against it next to Linn
<Briel> you've made admirable progress according to the paperwork
* Briel wonders why she would think otherwise
* Linn wishes that Briel would sit down behind the desk.
* Briel carefully allows her tentacles to slide out and cross with her arms as she relaxes against the desk...nodding to Jon to stay near the end of the desk
<Briel> so tell me, how is the school doing?
<Linn> Well, I know these things take time, but I was hoping...
<Briel> yes?
* Briel raises a hand, rubbing a tentacle at the back of her neck to remove the stiffness
<Linn> I've been working on a new idea for the past few days, and I'm a bit more optimistic that I'll be able to keep my job.
* Briel keeps her eyes on Linn, trying to smile and watch for any reactions
<Briel> oh? I didn't realize your job was in jeopardy
* Linn starts at the sight of the tentacles.
* Briel moves her arm back down, crossing them again and waiting on Linn... acting as if she didn't notice Linn's reaction, though she can zlin her increased tension
<Linn> If some of the parents have their way at the next school board meeting, I'll be fired with prejudice, for teaching "obscenity" to my students.
<Linn> And with that on my record, I'll never teach again.
* Briel nods gravely
<Briel> your Sime literature?
* Briel sighs and slips into the chair next to Linns, dropping her arms nonthreateningly on her knees as she leans forward, tentacles only partially sheathed
<Linn> Yes. And they don't approve of their children being exposed to a live donation, during the field trip I arranged.
* Linn 's eyes widen, and her heart beats faster, as the sight reminds her uncomfortably of her other errand that afternoon.
<Briel> tell me, Linn..what can we do here at the Center to help?
* Briel finds that a bit surprising too... but doesn't comment
<Linn> Well, for one thing, if Hajene Veraik could be persuaded NOT to nominate me for those Tecton teaching awards...getting one would be an absolute disaster.
* Briel nods a bit to Jon, trying to get him to move closer to use his field to block some of Linn's fear
* Briel eyes widen in shock
<Briel> I thought those were valued in the OT schools
* Briel allows her tentacles to slip out and rest on her hands
<Linn> Perhaps they are, in the big cities, but not in Eastcove.
<Briel> ahhh
<Linn> The parents who aren't comfortable with their children learning about Simes at all, won't be happy if I'm given a prestigious award for doing it well.
* Briel is caught by the site of a small ring Linn is wearing on one finger
<Briel> I understand...I'll speak to Veraik about htat
<Briel> that ring...it sure is pretty. May I have a closer look
* Linn inches her chair a bit farther away from Briel and her tentacles.
* Briel sheathes her tentacles and reaches out for Linn's hand
<Briel> it's actually beautiful....
<Briel> an heirloom?
* Linn hesitates, then slowly holds out her hand so that Briel can see the ring clearly, keeping a close watch to make sure the tentacles remain safely in their sheaths.
* Briel takes her hand turning it abck and forth
* Linn tenses at the Sime heat of Briel's hand.
* Briel allows tentacle to slip out a bit and finger the ring...
<Briel> as I said, beautiful
* Briel quickly retracts the tentacle and releases Linn's hand
<Linn> I found it in a funny little shop down by the docks.
* Linn flinches at the touch, and reclaims her hand.
<Briel> really...by the docks
<Linn> Yes.
* Briel sits back
* Linn blushes as she remembers windowshopping with Verile.
* Briel zlins her wondering at her reaction
* Briel smiles
<Briel> ah....
<Briel> well
<Briel> how about tea?
<Briel> while you tell me if there is another way to help you out of this difficult situation we've obviously put you in
* Linn thinks that she really ought to be trying to find Snake and pay for the information on her kids, but she really can't face that quite yet.
<Linn> Tea sounds lovely, thank you.
* Briel stands and goes over and fixes tea... bringing back three cups
* Briel hands one to Jon
<Briel> then turns and proffers the other cup to Linn
* Briel doesn't retract tentacles but waits
* Briel keeping both her hand and tentacles on the cup
* Linn stares, eyes wide, as she realizes that she's going to have to touch the tentacles to get the cup.
<Briel> You know, I don't suppose it would do any good if we came and spoke to the school board....
<Briel> but perhaps a representative from the Gen government......you know, the Tecton has a lot of pull
* Briel ignores Linn's fear and continues to wait as if there's nothing at all wrong
* Linn 's hand twitch spasmodically.
<Linn> Actually, I had something different in mind.
* Briel shifts the cup a bit closer.
<Briel> really?
* Linn 's tension grows worse as she continues to stare at the cup and tentacles.
* Briel sighs, wondering if she is going to have to do this the hard way
* Briel dropping the light chatter, she looks at Linn
<Briel> take the cup, Linn [gently]
* Linn manages to wrench her eyes away from the cup, and looks up at Briel wildly.
<Briel> I know you were expecting hajene Veraik, Linn, but he's not here. I'm working in his place. I won't hurt you either
* Linn 's hand extends a few more inches, shaking even harder.
<Briel> that's it, Linn...just take the cup...
* Briel holds herself steady against Linn's terror
* Linn 's hand finally touches the cup, grasping it at the one tentacle-free spot.
* Briel smiles though a bit pale
<Briel> that's great Linn
* JonDrake tries to support Briel.
* Linn tries to pluck the cup from Brial's grasp without letting the tentacle touch her.
* Briel allows her to take the cup without contact
* Briel forces herself hypoconscious
* Linn clutches the hard-won cup, her hand shaking so badly that the hot liquid splashes and burns her hand.
* Briel gasps
* Briel falls back a step
* JonDrake steps forward to try and provide a stronger field.
* Briel starts to reach for Linn...but pauses....
<Briel> a cold towel, quickly, Jon
* JonDrake projects a strong comforting field.
<JonDrake> Right away.
* JonDrake rushes to get the cold towel. brings it to Linn.
* Linn jumps to her feet with alarm at Briel's reaction, and gets ready to flee if necessary.
* JonDrake whispers, "Don't be afraid. She's feeling the burn on your hand."
* Briel stiffens
<Briel> it's okay, Linn
<Briel> forgive me for... pushing... you
<JonDrake> Here, hold this against the burn to help ease the pain. Just try to relax.
* JonDrake tries to maneuver so that the actual burn, if not most of Linn's body is occulted by his own body.
<Briel> Jon
* Briel nods for him to come back over to her side
* Linn takes the cold town and places it on the burn, watching Briel closely for any sign of alarming behavior.
* JonDrake moves over to position.
* Briel zlins Linn
<Briel> it's a very minor burn... but perhaps, you'd allow me to heal it.......
* Briel trails off, knowing there is no way Linn is going to allow that
* JonDrake gives Linn a reassuring expression.
<Briel> would you allow me to get some salve for it, Linn
* Linn has learned through hard experience that channels stop paying attention to anything else when they want to heal someone.
* Linn looks down at the red spot on her hand, and then glances at her watch.
<Linn> It's a very minor burn, as you said, and I really can't stay any longer. If you could tell Hajene Veraik that I'll be in touch with him?
<Briel> despite our little mishap today, Linn, you've made great strides in conquering your simephobia. It takes a strong person to reach out to a Sime despite their fear. I'm very happy for you. Hajene Veraik will be glad to talk to you in a couple of days
* Briel stands....motions to the door, indicating Jon should go unlock it
* Linn wonders what her Simephobia has to do with anything.
* JonDrake goes to unlock the door, then returns to Briel's side.
<Briel> I'll be sure to inform him of our discussion about the award
<Linn> Thank you.
* JonDrake looks questioningly to Briel.
* Briel nods
<JonDrake> Should I escort her out?
* Briel eyes widen in alarm
* Linn prepares to leave, feeling slightly nauseous as she can no longer avoid thinking about her next errand.
<Briel> she can find her own way out, I'm sure
<JonDrake> I understand.
* Briel thinks he doesn't understand the gut churning reaction she had to Linn's fear or he wouldn't have suggested such a thing...
<Briel> thank you again, Linn for coming
* Briel forces herself to walk to the door and hold it open for Linn
* Linn returns to the lobby, for once leaving the Sime Center more slowly than she entered.
* Briel shuts the door and sinks to the floor against it...cradling her arms against her stomach...shaking
* JonDrake will no doubt learn in time.
<Briel> what a shendoni mess I made of that
* JonDrake rushes to her. "What do I need to do?"
* Briel curls away from Jon's sudden movements...breaking out in sweat
<Briel> not....that...
* JonDrake holds out his hands. "I'm sorry I don't know better what to do."
* Linn pauses on the sidewalk, considering for a moment, then squares her shoulders and turns towards the red light district.
* Briel feels panic rising at his words
* JonDrake projects concern, comfort.
<Briel> just....shut..up
* Briel has sweat rolling down her temples....
* JonDrake shuts up.
* Briel sighs...slowly allowing jon's field to help her
<Briel> I should have made her wait....
<Briel> come back...something
* Briel looks up at Jon
<Briel> well?
<JonDrake> Yes?
<Briel> yes. I should have
<JonDrake> Fosebine?
<Briel> fosebine?
* Briel looks at him strangely, wondering what he's babbling about then shakes her head
<JonDrake> Do you require Fosebine?
<Briel> no...no...I'm......better
* JonDrake continues to project support.
* Linn stops in front of an adult bookstore, trying to ignore the display of sex toys as she searches the street for Snake.
<Briel> four days from transfer, Jon... disjunct... terror....
<Briel> those do not make a good combination
* Briel shudders suddenly looking a bit vunerable
<Briel> it was my own fault....
* JonDrake nods in sympathy.
* engrossed comes out of the bookstore reading and walking at the same time and bumps right into Linn
<Briel> Hajene Veraik is going to probably send me back home in disgrace when this is found out....
<engrossed> Oh!
* Linn doesn't feel comfortable asking any of the bored-looking prostitutes if they've seen Snake, but the business man appears slightly more respectable.
* engrossed is a smelly old Gen with a fairly non-threatening body language
<Linn> Excuse me.
* engrossed looks at Linn appreciatively
<JonDrake> Don't worry about that.
* Briel pushes herself up glancing at Jon
<JonDrake> You did what you could.
<Briel> no, I did not.
<Linn> Have you seen a channel--young, looks like a grease weasel?
<JonDrake> You'll feel better in a few days.
<Briel> I know better
* engrossed stares at Linn
* Briel beginning to get agitated with Jon again
<engrossed> Sorry, baby, your tastes are way too exotic for me. A pity.
* engrossed goes off reading his book and being dodged by other pedestrians
* Linn is upset enough at this encounter to temproarily set aside her reluctance to actually succeed at her errand.
* businessm is hurrying down the road minding his own... er... business
<JonDrake> Just relax...
<Linn> Excuse me.
* businessm pulls up short
<businessm> Yes? [looking at his watch]
* Linn tries to smile politely.
<JonDrake> Come on. Why not sit somewhere more comfortable?
<businessm> Look, I'm not interested in buying, if that's what you're...
<Linn> Have you seen a young channel around--rather small, looks like a grease weasel?
<Briel> words aren't helping me, Gen... support... I need support... like I needed support when you started reassuring that Gen that she was okay and ignoring me
* businessm takes a closer look at Linn
<businessm> A channel?
* Linn stiffens indignantly.
<businessm> Now now, calm down lady!
<Linn> Yes. And I assure you, I'm not what you've obviously assumed that I am.
<businessm> Who are you looking for?
<businessm> A channel?
<JonDrake> I'm sory Briel. I didn't mean to cause you distress. What can I do now? To make up for my error?
* Briel keeps her arms wrapped around her, taking in slow breaths, trying to steady herself...
* Briel looks a bit wildly at jon
<Briel> just support me
<JonDrake> Would it help to take my arms? Would that help balance you?
<Linn> Her name is Snake, and she comes here fairly often.
<JonDrake> I'm here.
<businessm> I thought that Snake character was an urban legend.
<Briel> don't do that again... don't.... don't... turn your attention away when something like that happens
* JonDrake thinks of the upcoming transfer.
<Briel> I mean... you can help... but you turned your.... concern to her
<Linn> No, she's quite real.
<JonDrake> I understand. I was trying to reduce distress.
<businessm> Well, my friend claims his roommate's ex saw Snake down by the Pretty Mary in the slips.
* businessm shrugs
<businessm> I wouldn't put any store by it though
* Briel trembles as Jon's nager becomes promising and reassuring that he's going to be there
<Linn> It appears, though, that you can't help me find her. I'm sorry to have taken your time.
* businessm hurries off down the road.
* JonDrake reaches out slowly...
* JonDrake is very, very careful.
<JonDrake> me watches for any sign.
* JonDrake touches Briel very lightly on the shoulders.
* Briel shudders at Jon's words... remembering the empty feeling when he turned all of his attention to Linn...
* Linn nods a polite fairwell to the businessman, and continues on her search.
* JonDrake tries to project support and stability.
* JonDrake lets the understanding sink in.
* JonDrake realizes that this seems right.
* Linn looks around the docks, searching for Snake.
<Briel> rule number one, Jon... never, ever, no matter what I ask of you, desert me on that level again when I'm in a room with a hurt Gen and this close to need
<JonDrake> I will remember.
* JonDrake thinks "Believe me, I remember!"
* Linn looks around the docks, searching for Snake.
see note 3
* Linn realizes that the sailor didn't hear her the first time, and repeats, "Excuse me!"
* MaryMate jumps
* MaryMate trips over the railing and falls headlong over it, grabbing it just in time and slamming to a halt dangling by the railing with his toes in the water below
<Linn> I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.
<MaryMate> [panting] No... no problem lady
<Linn> Can I help you get back up?
* MaryMate pulls himself back up over the railing
* MaryMate straightens his rumpled uniform
* Briel goes over and drops to Veraik's nice couch
<MaryMate> What do you want?
<Briel> he sure has good furniture in here...
<MaryMate> [reconsiders]
<MaryMate> What can I do for you?
<Linn> I'm looking for a channel named Snake--small, looks like a greasy weasel. Do you happen to know where I could find her?
<JonDrake> RHIP?
<MaryMate> Eh... I did see kind of a greazy little Sime hanging around here a couple of days ago. Talking to the cook. You want me to go see if Cookie wants to talk to you?
<Linn> If you don't mind, I would be most grateful.
* MaryMate disappears down a dark hole
* c00kie [a stout, and rather seamy looking, Gen cook stumps up the ladder]
* c00kie looks around, sees Linn
<c00kie> Yeah? Whatta YOU want?
* Linn blinks at the rudeness, but responds politely.
<Linn> I'm looking for a channel named Snake. Would you know where I can find her?
<c00kie> [there are a number of sailors gathering around the periphery of the area, to watch the conversation... general quiet comments and snickering]
<c00kie> [defensively] And what if I do?
<c00kie> It isn't any crime to know where somebody is.
* c00kie looks Linn up and down
* c00kie scowls at the sailors laughing from around the fringes
<c00kie> Well, all right.
<c00kie> Go to the Post Office and tell them you want to get healed. They'll get you an appointment.
<Linn> Thank you.
* c00kie looks embarassed and sulks back into the ship 4
* Linn hurries away from the crowd of too-interested sailors and heads for the post office.
* Linn passes through the red light district again on her way. She pauses to read a street sign, and realizes that the sign on the establishment across the street announces that it's the "Post Office".
<narrator> [it's right next door to the "Post Parade"]
* Linn considers for a moment, and decides that this is a more likely place to find Snake than in a letter delivery center.
* Linn crosses the street, and looks in the window of the establishment.
<Voluptua> [no windows!!]
* Linn discovers on closer inspection that what looked like windows are actually painted murals. She is relieved that people aren't actually behaving that way in sight of the street.
* Linn shakes her head, reminds herself that this will help some kids in trouble, and slips through the door.
* Voluptua is waiting on the other side
<Voluptua> Well hello, my dear!!
<Voluptua> [sensuously]
* Voluptua is a buxomous female Gen with a tight fitting silver-lame sheath dress and her hair dyed shock white and standing out in all directions like a lion's mane
* Voluptua is wearing silver lipstick too
<Voluptua> What can the Post Office do for you? [sounding like she genuinely cares]
* Linn looks at Voluptua's outrageous appearence and thinks, yup, this has to be a friend of Snake's.
<Linn> I'm looking for a channel named Snake. I understand she does healing here?
<Voluptua> Among other things, why yes! Come right this way!
* Linn follows Voluptua.
* Voluptua leads Linn to a lushly appointed... well at least, a lot of fringe is involved... waiting room.
* Voluptua motions to Linn to have a seat - there are a few people waiting there already, three Gen males and one Gen female, all looking rather impatient
* Linn wonders how anyone could spend so much time and care decorating, and still end up with such a completely tacky result.
* Linn sits gingerly on one of the overstuffed couches.
* Voluptua goes to the small counter and retrieves a large white book which she brings back to Linn
<Voluptua> Now, let's just set up an appointment for you. You'd like something right away?
<Linn> Yes, please.
* Linn reflects that her actual preference is for never.
<Voluptua> Did you say this was for healing?
<Voluptua> [people's eyes shift over to look at Linn with more interest]
* Linn looks down at her hands, unwill to admit her true business with Snake, and sees the burn on her hand.
<Linn> Yes.
<Voluptua> Healing is free of charge, so we won't have to worry about a credit check. Please sign here... you'll be 4th in line, is that all right?
* Voluptua hands Linn the appointment book pointing at the line for Linn to sign on
<Linn> That's fine.
* Linn signs the book on the proper line.
* Voluptua hands Linn a silver glitter pen with a white plume on the end
* Voluptua takes the book back
<Voluptua> It'll be just a few minutes.
* Voluptua puts the appointment book back disappears into a side room through a beaded door hanging
* Linn sits on the couch, trying not to look at the awful decorations.
* genwoman looks at Linn curiously
<genwoman> Don't see too many other women in here...
<genwoman> usually, I mean.
* Linn glances quickly at genwoman, then looks away.
<Linn> Really.
* wisesnake sticks her head out of a doorway, gestures at one of the men, sees Linn, does a double take, then leads the man away
* Linn , having finally tracked Snake to her lair, is now free to think about what's going to be happening to her.
<genwoman> So... ah... how long have you been coming here? [curiously]
* Linn begins to tremble.
* genwoman looks concerned
* genwoman wonders if Linn is going to freak out or something
* genwoman edges away and pretends she had never said anything
* Linn goes back to trying not to see the decorations, glad that the other woman is now willing to leave her alone.
* Linn wonders if she's going to be able to go through with this, even to help her kids.
* MikiDaGen is waiting...
* wisesnake sticks her head out the door, glances at Linn, looks at a sheet of paper, looks up at Miki, then crooks a finger at him
* MikiDaGen gets up and goes to her.
* wisesnake closes the door behind them and leads Miki to a small cramped "transfer" room
* wisesnake closes that door too
<MikiDaGen> His field pulsing with latent power.
* wisesnake seems distracted
<wisesnake> Anything special this time?
<MikiDaGen> What're my options?
* MikiDaGen eyes Wise Snake...
<wisesnake> Entirely depends on your budget, guy.
<MikiDaGen> Hmmmm...
* MikiDaGen thinks of the possibilities.
* wisesnake is a scrawny little channel best described as "slimy"
<MikiDaGen> How 'bout Bunny?
<wisesnake> Bunny?
<wisesnake> You want Bunny here during your donation?
<MikiDaGen> There was this little bit that Bunny does.
* wisesnake waits, a bit impatiently
<wisesnake> Go on...
<MikiDaGen> She wraps her tentacles around my thighs, then chooses a special fifth contact point.
<MikiDaGen> Hmmm... heaven!
<MikiDaGen> That's what I want!
* wisesnake winces at the mixing of sexual and transfer terms
<wisesnake> Uh...
<wisesnake> Great.
<wisesnake> Pull down your pants.
* MikiDaGen drops 'em.
* wisesnake veils her loathing, gets down on her knees, and takes Miki's donation
* MikiDaGen gets excited in anticipation...
* MikiDaGen moans.
* wisesnake forces herself to to as he asked
<MikiDaGen> Mmmmm Yeah!
* wisesnake finishes the donation and releases... Miki
<MikiDaGen> 'Dat's it?
<wisesnake> You'd better see Bunny for the rest.
<MikiDaGen> Now I NEED to see Bunny!
<MikiDaGen> Thanks, Doll!
* wisesnake grimaces and shows Miki into the next room
<wisesnake> Uccch!
* MikiDaGen struggles with his pants and heads out to the next room.
* wisesnake goes back and sticks her head out into the waiting room, pauses, squints at Voluptua's messy writing on the piece of paper
<wisesnake> Geo... uh... Gorge?
* wisesnake looks up
<Gorge> Right here!
<wisesnake> Come on.
* Gorge pops up from his chair...
* Gorge follows Wise Snake.
* wisesnake closes the door behind him, leads him into the "transfer room", and closes that door too
<wisesnake> Okay, what'll it be?
<Gorge> I don't care, just get it over with.
* Gorge seems very impatient.
* wisesnake looks up at Gorge oddly
<wisesnake> Just get what over with?
* wisesnake shrugs
<wisesnake> Fine.
* Gorge is very distracted, thinking about the next room...
* wisesnake reaches for Gorge's arms
<Gorge> The donation!
* Gorge extends his.
* wisesnake pulls him into transfer position and does her best to make him quite Post
* wisesnake releases Gorge
* Gorge seems impatient to go on to the next stage.
* wisesnake looks at Gorge a bit annoyed
<wisesnake> It's done. Unless you wanted something specific that you failed to mention?
<Gorge> Nope.
* wisesnake shows Gorge to the next... make that to the 2nd room over
<Gorge> I can go now?
<wisesnake> yes. Your other appointment is waiting.
* Gorge hurries on his way!
* Linn is still not-staring at the wall, trying not to let herself know that there's only one more person to go before she has to face Snake.
* wisesnake has mixed feelings about the fact that there are only two people left
* wisesnake looks at the paper
<wisesnake> Valry?
<Valry> Here Sugar!
* wisesnake looks up, startled
* Valry steps saucily to Wise...
<wisesnake> Come right this way. [wary]
* Valry follow, keeping an eye on Snake.
* wisesnake leads Valry to the "transfer room" and closes the door behind them
* Valry lets her hair down, shakes it loose.
* wisesnake reluctantly forces herself to meet Valry's eyes
* Valry is giving Snake an interesting smile.
<wisesnake> Okay, what can I do for you today?
<Valry> I have a few things in mind...
<wisesnake> Such as....?
* Linn keeps a wary eye on the door, knowing that the next time it opens, it will be her turn.
* Valry looks Snake up and down. "You look so young!"
* wisesnake smiles wearily
<wisesnake> I'm legal.
<wisesnake> So, what'll it be.
* Valry shrugs and looks to Snake's tentacles. Of that there can be no doubt.
<Valry> Don't be in such a hurry...
* Valry projects unadulterated lust...
* wisesnake stiffens
<wisesnake> [so to speak]
<wisesnake> Uh...
<wisesnake> You're here for a donation?
<Valry> Definitely. And then some!
* Valry undoes the top buttons of her blouse.
<wisesnake> Position and draw speed?
<Valry> I don't want you on my arms.
<Valry> I have some other ideas.
<wisesnake> Okay. Where?
* Valry opens her blouse and unhooks her bra.
<Valry> My breasts.
<wisesnake> Ah.
<wisesnake> 5th contact mouth okay?
<Valry> I just LOVE the feel of tentacles.
<Valry> Yes, anything.
* wisesnake 's tentacles retract, then extend with a shudder
<wisesnake> Great.
* Valry reaches for Snake's top.
* wisesnake reaches out to grasp the ...
<wisesnake> Hey!
* wisesnake pulls back from Valry
* Valry frowns in diappointment.
<wisesnake> Please don't touch me.
* Valry obviously is not happy.
<Valry> Ok.
* Valry is pouting.
<wisesnake> There are plenty of other Simes here available for, uh, non-transfer related entertainments. I only handle selyn.
* Valry sighs.
<Valry> Ok.
* Valry manages a smile.
<wisesnake> At least, while I'm working.
* Valry brightens.
<Valry> Really?
<wisesnake> Look me up some other time.
<Valry> I will!
* wisesnake reaches for, and grasps, the non-arm appendages
* wisesnake pulls Valry into a, sort of, transfer position
* Valry relaxes into Snake's tentacles.
* Valry waits in anticipation of Snakes lips.
* wisesnake makes a 5th contact
* Valry shudders slightly.
* wisesnake draws selyn, doing her best to make Valry quite Post
* Valry feels her heart racing, her breath getting short.
* Valry begins to feel a warmth below...
* wisesnake finishes the job and releases Valry
* Valry wants to reach out, but stops.
* Valry purrs....
<wisesnake> Ask Voluptua to set you up with one of the girls, if you want anything else.
* Valry slowly rehooks her bra and buttons her blouse.
<Valry> Are you sure you wouldn't like to join us?
<wisesnake> I can't. I'm working.
<wisesnake> Some other time.
* Valry has that look in her eyes.
* wisesnake has the beaten child look in her eyes
<Valry> Aww.. I look forward to it.
<wisesnake> Some other time okay?
* Valry blows Snake a kiss as she goes on...
* Valry winks.
* wisesnake tries to smile
* wisesnake wonders what it might like to be Post sometime, sighs, goes back to the lobby
* Linn starts as the door opens, then stares at Snake wide-eyed, like a trapped animal.
* wisesnake looks at Linn
<wisesnake> Are you here to see me?
* Linn nods.
<Linn> We have a deal.
* Linn manages to stand despite her shaking knees.
* wisesnake narrows her eyes
<wisesnake> Then come with me.
* Linn gathers what courage she has left after her session with Briel, and follows Snake through the door.
* wisesnake leads Linn into the "transfer room" and closes the door behind them
<wisesnake> Why are you so scared?
* Linn tries to pull herself together.
<wisesnake> Do you think after all this time I'm going to hurt you?
* wisesnake 's eyes are hard
<Linn> No, it's not that.
* wisesnake waits for elaboration
<Linn> I'm not afraid you'll hurt me, at least not more than last time. But the whole thing is just too much like what happened to Alice, and what almost happened to me, a few days ago.
* Linn starts shaking again at the memory.
* wisesnake shrugs, removes her eyes from Linn's
<wisesnake> Then you can back out.
<Linn> I can't. Not if I want to meet my student's eye every morning.
<wisesnake> What would you want me to do to make it better for you?
* Linn closes her eyes in despair.
<Linn> I don't know.
* wisesnake sighs in weary distaste for the room, for the life, for the despair and terror in Linn which there is nothing to shield her from
<wisesnake> Then I'll just do it now and it'll be done.
* wisesnake reaches for Linn's arms
* Linn holds out shaking hands.
* wisesnake grips Linn's arms and pulls her close for a 5th contact
* wisesnake draws selyn
* Linn stiffens, arms tensed against Snake's tentacles.
* wisesnake releases Linn when it is done
* wisesnake notes that she did not enjoy the experience any more than the prior ones
<wisesnake> [she meaning Snake herself]
* Linn pants in relief that it is over, and really sees Snake for the first time.
* wisesnake sits back and waits for Linn to demand her half of the deal
<Linn> You look a little better than the last time I saw you.
<wisesnake> Oh?
<Linn> Yes. But you're still not happy with yourself.
* wisesnake tries to remember when she and Linn last met
<wisesnake> Last time you saw me I was in need.
<wisesnake> "happy with myself"?
* wisesnake looks vaguely incredulous
<wisesnake> At this point, I'm happy to be alive.
* Linn shakes her head.
<Linn> Staying alive isn't living, Snake.
<wisesnake> Staying alive is a good first step. A step which I nearly didn't achieve.
* wisesnake massages her chest over the vriamic node, wondering when enduring teacherly wisdom was added to her half of their deal. 5
* Linn looks at Snake's beaten-child appearence and her teacher's insticts get the better of her. She forgets everything she's learned about staying away from Simes in trouble, reaches out, and hugs Snake.
* wisesnake stiffens a moment in surprise, then tentatively relaxes
<Linn> Snake, you're not the kind to settle for just existing.
* wisesnake leans cautiously on the GN-3's practically nonexistent field, which is the only way she knows how to hug a Gen back
<wisesnake> Sometimes a person has to start at the bottom, and work their way up to what they can accept.
* Linn 's arms tighten as Snake leans closer.
<Linn> You don't have to stop with barely acceptable.
<wisesnake> I don't intend to.
<Linn> Good.
* Linn gives one more squeeze and releases Snake.
<Linn> I've taken your advice, you know.
* wisesnake looks more uncertain now, having been caught off balance by Linn's actions
<wisesnake> About what?
<Linn> About the school board.
* wisesnake tries to remember
<wisesnake> Oh?
<Linn> I have a friend or two, who have never been involved in politics before, who have agreed to try to get the two most problematic members to suggest a trip to a Sime Territory school.
* wisesnake smiles faintly
<wisesnake> Oh?
<Linn> Yes.
<wisesnake> I hope it works out for you.
<Linn> If it doesn't work, I'm really no worse off than I would be if I don't do anything. There's a certain freedom to that--having nothing to lose and everything to gain.
* wisesnake 's eyes narrow
<wisesnake> You wouldn't lose everything... you could always teach here.
<Linn> Here?
<wisesnake> In Sime Territory.
<Linn> I don't even speak the language.
<wisesnake> You could teach English.
* wisesnake shrugs
<wisesnake> well.
<wisesnake> I suppose you want your payment now.
<Linn> I would like to know if my efforts have done any good.
<wisesnake> I haven't seen most of them in two or three weeks.
* Linn nods hopefully.
<wisesnake> But Rudy and his little clique were snooping around the shells a couple of days ago. Bragging about finding a dead body.
<Linn> Rudy. Is Bobby still running with them?
<wisesnake> And I saw Beneeta talking to one of Garon's girls. You'll want to make sure that little association ends and ends now.
<Linn> Indeed.
<wisesnake> to some of those freaks, a little kid is just like a tender little low field Gen.
<wisesnake> Bobby... no, I haven't seen him in at least a week and a half.
<Linn> Good. He came to me a few days ago. I think he's finally decided that Rudy is not a good person with which to associate.
<wisesnake> Ah.
<Linn> Rudy himself, though.... I don't know what can be done for him.
<Linn> Knowing what I do about his father, he's probably safer on the streets.
<wisesnake> The best thing that can happen is for him to go into changeover in Bender Cove and be found by a Sime before it's too late to move him.
* wisesnake shrugs
<wisesnake> But statistically speaking, it's more likely he'll Establish. And either way, it'll be years before his time comes.
* Linn does a doubletake, then actually considers the matter and finds herself agreeing that changeover would be a good thing for the boy.
<Linn> True.
<Linn> I wish there was a way to limit his danger, though.
<wisesnake> It's only a matter of time before he figures out how easy it is to make money carrying packages and messages. Then he'll never go back to Eastcove at all.
* wisesnake shrugs
<wisesnake> I considered giving him a good scare, but that was before you came into the picture.
<Linn> Scaring him back into his father's arms isn't the answer.
<wisesnake> That isn't exactly what I had in mind.
<Linn> Oh?
<wisesnake> I had in mind taking him down to the police station and having them go through the booking and charging procedures and put him in jail for a couple of nights. Just so he could see what it's like.
<Linn> Jail? A seven-year-old?
* wisesnake shrugs again, her eyes dark
<wisesnake> He can steal, and break windows. Why can't he spend a night in jail?
<wisesnake> I think it would make an impression on him.
<wisesnake> I know it did on me.
<Linn> It would. It might even convince him that stealing and vandalism aren't a way to make a living.
<wisesnake> Of course, I was nine at the time, and probably a good bit smarter than Rudy....
<Linn> But that's only half of a plan.
<wisesnake> The other half of the plan would have to be his.
<wisesnake> It's his life.
<wisesnake> I decided to find my place in Zeor.
<wisesnake> For him it would be something else.
<Linn> He's too young to make a living on his own. There would have to be somebody willing to feed, house, and provide guidence until he's old enough to survive without it.
<wisesnake> There are no such places in Eastcove?
<Linn> Someone who could provide other options than a life of crime.
<Linn> None where his father couldn't find him. You can be sure he'll look.
<wisesnake> Well he couldn't come here legally without his parents' permission.
<Linn> If he was on this side of the border--well, it might not be legal, but the law moves slowly, and a missing child is never a terribly high priority. There would be plenty of time to make other arrangements before he could be given back to his father.
* wisesnake feels a weary suspicion that Linn is leading up to proposing something that would take an unholy large amount of time and effort and bring back nothing whatsoever for Snake in return
<wisesnake> Do you want me to go talk to his father?
<wisesnake> Maybe I could persuade him that the way he is treating his son is wrong.
<Linn> I don't think you'd convince him he's wrong--but you might be able to convince him to keep his fists off of Rudy anyway.
<wisesnake> Where do they live?
* wisesnake pulls out a creased scrap of paper and a stumpy pencil
<Linn> On Chestnut Street, in the big red house on the corner by the park.
* wisesnake writes it down, followed by "Rudy" and "father - abusive"
<wisesnake> I can't guarantee exactly when I'll be able to do it, but I'll try to do it sometime this week.
<Linn> Please, let me know how it turns out.
* wisesnake seems to remember that the whole idea of dealing with Linn in the first place was because Snake didn't have time to deal with problems that weren't even happening in Bender Cove
* wisesnake folds up the paper and puts it away
<wisesnake> Of course.
<wisesnake> Now, is there anything else...?
<Linn> No, I don't think so.
* wisesnake looks at Linn's conspicuously unmarked arms
* Linn follows Snake's gaze.
* wisesnake 's eyes travel down to the burn, then slide away
* wisesnake rises to her feet and goes over to the door
<Linn> Snake?
* wisesnake turns
<wisesnake> Yes
<Linn> Did you want to heal that?
* wisesnake comes back toward Linn
<wisesnake> You would allow me.. ?
* Linn sees Snake's ill-concealed eagerness, and remembers what Snake told her about channels who don't have enough work.
* Linn extends the hand towards Snake.
<Linn> Go ahead.
* wisesnake reaches out and takes Linn's hand
* wisesnake turns it over so the burn is exposed, and extends the laterals of her other arm over the burned skin
* wisesnake projects simulated need, to encourage the Gen cells toward healing
* Linn fixes her eyes on Snake's face so she won't have to see the tentacles, and waits for Snake to finish.
* wisesnake releases Linn's hand
<wisesnake> Thank you.
* wisesnake goes to the door and opens it for Linn
* Linn looks at the still slightly pinkish skin for a moment, then lets the hand drop.
<Linn> You're welcome.
<wisesnake> Until next month, then.
* Linn nods, and unlike the previous customers, leaves by way of the front door, instead of heading deeper into the whorehouse.
* wisesnake surveys the now crowded waiting area with something like despairing anticipation, and accepts the new waiting list from Voluptua.
* wisesnake wonders how the paperwork will work out for the Post Office since Linn paid for healing but got a donation too; then as work begins again, she puts the matter out of her mind.
Notes:
1) Part of the log is missing here. No information available as to what happened during the missing part. [return]
2) Another missing piece. Again, no information available as to what happened. [return]
3) More missing log. [return]
4) Speculation is that c00kie's embarassment stems from the nature of whatever healing it is he got from Snake... perhaps for a venereal disease. [return]
5) Oh, Snake. It's only just beginning. [return]
Go on to Episode #36: Reassignments
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