Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #42: Nageric Train Wreck (10/10/97)
Alea comes walking in the Center
Briel is in donation room taking donations
Alea goes toward her office
Alea reluctantly goes to Veraik's office instead
Andirel comes up and bangs on the door
Fise comes down from upstairs, dressed in expensively casual civilian clothes.
Alea turns back to the door to answer it
Alea sees Fise and frowns
Alea opens the door
<Alea> may I help you
Andirel is a Big Stupid Gen in fairly nice clothing
<Andirel> Durrr....
<Alea> yes?
<Andirel> Is this where I can get paid fer nothing?
Fise looks over at the door in idle curiousity
Alea stares at the gen
Andirel Big Stupid Hopeful Grin
<Alea> you mean donation?
<Andirel> Is that what you call it?
<Andirel> My friend told me I could come here to get paid for nothing.
<Andirel> And I need money real bad.
Alea sighs wondering why she is always the one to get these people
Alea looks at Fise, speculation
Andirel Big Stupid Hopeful Grin
<Alea> come on in
Fise sighs and walks over. People get so petty about money.
<Alea> Fise, you could help this man
<Alea> he wants to donate
Andirel comes in.... smashes his forehead on the door frame, staggers back, lowers his head, and stumps the rest of the way in
Alea grabs at him
<Alea> please be careful
Alea glances worriedly at Fise
Andirel rubs his forehead
<Andirel> Ow... that's gonna leave a mark.
Fise doesn't react to the pain.
Andirel is completely low-field.
<Fise> "Now I'm gonna have to heal that too, I suppose."
<Alea> well, why don't you handle this Fise
<Fise> [sigh] All right. Come with me please.
<Andirel> Durrr... is it free?
Alea turns to go to her office
Andirel shambles after Fise
<Fise> "yeah. No charge for healing."
Andirel Big Stupid Gen Grin
Alea goes back to Veraik's door and signals
<Andirel> Okey Dokey
Alea relieved that he isn't in, turns and decides to go upstairs for a quick shower
Fise leads Andirel down to a Donation room.
Veraik goes to the garden to sit by the Gnome and think.
Alea quickly showers, changes into fresh clothes and then goes downstairs, looking for her channel
Fise gestures idly towards the transfer couch.
Andirel creams himself on the doorway to the Donation room
<Andirel> [THUD!]
<Andirel> Ow!
<Andirel> That's gonna leave a mark.
Alea is worried that Veraik is not in his office... after the fit he threw a fit yesterday she is worried
Fise doesn't react to the pain but turns at the thud.
<Fise> "Will we be able to tell?"
Andirel staggers back, lowers his head, and bulls the rest of the way into the room
<Andirel> What?
Alea goes out to the garden
<Fise> "Sit down on the couch, please."
Alea sees Veraik sitting on a bench
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Alea .
Alea rensentment at Veraik's demands still burning, she nevertheless goes forward
<Alea> hajene, I'm here for work today
Fise gets some gauze and antiseptic.
<Veraik> Hello Alea. I zlin that you had a very good post time.
Fise turns back to Andirel.
<Veraik> Work? [turns and looks at her]
Alea bristles
Alea raises and eyebrow coolly
<Alea> as your Donor, hajene
Andirel bends down to make access to his forehead easier
Andirel obviously is familiar with the ritual
<Veraik> my Donor? my... [shakes head] .... [down...depressed] sure.
Fise extends his lateral to zlin the injury.
Veraik stares at the Gnome.
<Alea> well?
Alea glances to where Veraik is staring
Alea decides Veraik is in one of his moods
<Alea> if you'll excuse me, hajene, I'll be in my office if you require my assistance
Andirel forehead has probably seen worse
Andirel is low-field
Fise sees that the skin isn't broken in either spot, but wipes both spots with antiseptic anyway.
Fise projects need at the injuries to stimulate healing.
<Veraik> [said quietly]Alea?
Alea pauses
Alea turns and looks over her shoulder
<Alea> yes, hajene
<Veraik> I need my Donor. I need your support. [looks down] I'm sorry but it is the truth.
Alea , despite her anger and frustration at Veraik, schools her nager and goes to him
Alea slips down beside him and reaches out to support him
Veraik relaxes.
<Alea> as you wish, hajene
<Veraik> [Staring at Gnome] I thought you would return last night, instead you stayed with Tarsh.
Alea stiffens
Fise decides that the minor blood vessel breakage is healed enough to prevent visible bruising.
<Alea> if I had my way, Veraik, I wouldn't ever see you again
<Veraik> Ask yourself... is that healthy for him.... is that healthy for any renSime.
<Alea> however, you have made that impossible
Alea smiles angrily
<Alea> well, it was pretty healthy last night
Veraik cringes at Alea's words.
<Veraik> Perhaps the actual act was but what about afterwards.
Alea schools her nager again, blocking out her anger
<Veraik> You nager was teasing him all night. Is that what you want?
Andirel stands up, looming over Fise
<Fise> "Ok." [singsong] "Welcome. have you ever donated befor-*"
Fise zlins more intently.
<Fise> "is this some kind of joke?"
<Alea> what I want is none of your business Veraik as long as it doesn't endanger anyone in this Center
<Veraik> But that is my point Alea. You ARE endangering someone. You are endangering the one you love. Tarsh.
<Veraik> Do you want him dead?
Andirel blinks
<Andirel> Durrrr.....
<Andirel> ?
Alea stands, angry
<Alea> I would not endanger him, Veraik. Why can't you understand that
<Fise> "You are already low-field. You just donated and can't for another month."
<Fise> "Why are you wasting my time and your head?"
<Veraik> [turns to Alea and looks hard at her] You really don't understand, do you?
Andirel looks baffled
<Andirel> So?
<Andirel> What do you mean?
<Veraik> Just your presence hurts him.
<Veraik> He is renSime, Alea.
<Veraik> It may be hard for you to understand that.
Fise looks up pleadingly and retracts all his tentacles.
Alea rakes a hand through her hair
<Alea> yes, I understand
<Alea> we are of course, being careful
<Alea> I KNOW that, hajene
<Alea> so what do you want me to do?
<Veraik> I told you.
<Alea> We're being careful. We're in love. You can't expect me to avoid him
Andirel looks like a Big Dumb Gen who is kind of Confused
<Veraik> Be with him during your post and his, if you want but don't stay the night.
<Fise> "You are still low-field form your recent donation. You won't have enough selyn to donate again till next month."
Alea turns and walks over to the gnome, staring down, refusing to face Veraik
<Alea> unlike you, Veraik, I like more than just sex in a relationship.
<Veraik> And try to limit your contact with him especially close to his transfer.
<Alea> but he's still pre-turnover
<Veraik> Then you should have chosen a channel....[holds up tentacle] and I am NOT talking about myself.
<Andirel> But...
Andirel looks completely confused
<Andirel> What does that have to do with anything?
<Veraik> You have power.
Alea just shakes her head at Veraik's assumption that she purposely chose a renSime
<Veraik> You have more power than a regular 4+ Donor.
<Veraik> Tarsh can not match that.
Alea turns and faces Veraik
<Alea> I am aware of my rating and I am also aware he can't match that.
<Veraik> If you are then why aren't you acting like you know.
<Veraik> I'm not having this talk about of me, Alea.
<Veraik> I am having this talk with you as Controller to Donor.
Alea turns to walk away
<Alea> I'll be inside if you want to talk about work
<Andirel> Does this mean you're not going to pay me for nothing after all?
<Veraik> And as Controller, I can tell you that I am very worried about Tarsh.
Andirel discouraged
Fise starts talking as if to a child. "We only pay you if you give us selyn. You don't have any more selyn right now. Come back in a month."
<Veraik> Alea?
<Andirel> Okay.
Andirel depressed
<Andirel> A month?
Veraik turns back to the Gnome and contemplates kicking it to the river.
<Fise> "We don't pay for nothing. We pay for selyn."
Alea keeps walking
<Andirel> How do I get some?
<Andirel> Selyn.
Alea hesitates at the door, struggling with her conscience
<Fise> "yes, a month from whenever that other channel took your ... touched you."
<Andirel> But... how?
<Fise> "Your body makes it all the time, automatically."
Alea hates it that she is working with him... but to leave him out there when he'd said he required her.....
<Alea> shen [whispers]
Alea slaps the door frame and turns around and goes back
Veraik thinks that he should have negotiated with the Sectuib ambrov Zeor for an attentive Donor for himself.
<Andirel> I'm really hard up for cash. Could I come back tomorrow and give you what my body made tonight, for a couple of bucks?
Alea walks back over and stands by Veraik, refusing to look at him, but supporting him with her field
<Fise> "no. We don't work that way. You should have saved the money from the other day."
<Veraik> Picking up the Gnome, Veriak stares into its eyes and tells it that it is either it or him.
<Andirel> oh.
Andirel looks glum
<Andirel> Okay.
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Alea .
Andirel turns around and shuffles toward the door, head down
<Veraik> Alea? [duo]
<Fise> "Watch out for the doorframe!"
<Alea> yes, hajene
Alea staring off into the distance
<Andirel> [BONK]
<Andirel> Ow! [moans] That's going to leave a...
<Andirel> [disappears down the hallway]
Fise mutters "What's the use."
Veraik gently places the Gnome on its mounting, thinking another day.
<Andirel> [leaves the Sime Center all downcast]
Veraik straightens up and simply zlins Alea.
Fise leaves the gauze and antiseptic out and goes out to the lobby.
<Alea> yes, hajene?
<Veraik> [shrugs] Let's go.
<Veraik> It's too cold out here for a Gen especially one who is pregnant.
Alea finally sighs and looks at him
Alea nods
Veraik holds the door open for her to enter the Center.
Alea 's hand goes to her thickening waistline
<Alea> I doubt pregnancy makes much difference in how cold it is
<Alea> have you met the new third order channel yet, Fise?
<Alea> or Zilla, the new Donor?
Veraik goes to the lobby
Alea follows at his side
<Veraik> no I haven't.
<Fise> "huh? No I haven't."
Alea thinks she's going to enjoy introducing the jerk to the jerk
<Alea> Fise reminds me of you in some ways
Alea sees Fise standing in the lobby
Alea smiles
<Alea> Veraik... this is Fise
Alea indicates the well dressed Sime who keeps his tentacles retracted
Veraik adjusts the ambient
<Veraik> Hello Fise.
Veraik zlins Fise. [curious]
Fise turns to look at Veriak. "You're Controller here?"
Alea debates leaving but knows how angry Veraik would be so she stands there, out of the way
Fise is hypoconcious.
<Veraik> Yes I am, Fise. [forced smile because he reads Alea's desire to leave]
Veraik zlins Fise. Did I recieve your papers yet?
<Fise> ~~hard need which doesn't seem to be bothering him as much as it should~~
Alea groans silently, wondering if anyone bothered to give Tarsh the papers on this person
Alea tries to remember what she did with those papers
Fise gestures at Alea. "She has them"
Veraik adjusts ambient for Fise even though he doesn't seem to be in much stress.
Alea smiles weakly at Veraik, shoots Fise a thank you very much look
Veraik turns to Alea and quirks his eyebrow in question?
<Alea> I'll just go find them
Alea waits for Veraik's permission to leave
<Veraik> Alea. Just tell me where they are and we will go together.
<Alea> I... um... I'm not sure
<Veraik> Then we will visit all the places that you THINK they must be.
<Veraik> Fise. Meet us in my office in a half hour. Is that all right with you?
Fise sees that they are busy so he walks over to the tea service.
<Alea> Well, perhaps Tarsh's desk is where I left them
<Fise> "What? Ok."
<Veraik> then let's go find out.
Alea even hates mentioning that name around Veraik
Alea hurries over and starts digging through the desk
Veraik zlins Fise as he leaves with Alea.
<Alea> I mean, that's probably where they are...
<Alea> that's where I was sitting the other day when he arrived
Fise looks in the cabinet underneath to check on the trin brand.
Veraik waits patiently.
Alea pulls folders out of the drawers moving things around... until she comes across a crumpled set of papers in the very bottom
<Alea> here they are
<Fise> ~~annoyed, but not surprised~~
Alea smiles
<Alea> I don't think Tarsh has seen these yet, or been able to make up a file though [frowning]
Veraik takes papers and quickly leafs through them.
<Fise> [Fise is from an In-T background with an unremarkable transfer history]
<Fise> [Fise is two years old and has been assigned to 3 Centers since he finished training.]
<Veraik> Fise? Alea? Come to my office so we can get acquainted.
Alea sighs.... not wanting to get any more acquainted with the overbearing Fise
<Fise> [Fise has "slightly below acceptable" proficiency ratings, and unimpressive abilities even for a 3rd]
Alea follows Veraik though
Veraik opens tentacle lock and waits for the others to enter.
Alea goes in and drops down onto the sofa
Fise finishes pouring himself a cup of tea and adds sugar.
Alea grins sweetly at Veraik
Fise walks over, sniffing the tea and sneering at it.
Veraik pulls up a chair in the Donor's position and indicates and she is to sit in it.
Fise sits down in the best chair in front of the desk.
Alea sighs, stands and goes over to the chair
Veraik pulls out a clean form and fills in the blanks with Fise's name then stands and walks over to him and zlins.
Veraik makes a few notations.
<Alea> hajene, would you like some tea
Alea thinking perhaps to get up and move around a bit
<Fise> ~~uncomfortable at the close up zlinning. still hypo~~
<Veraik> It says in your papers that you are due transfer today and that for this month **I** am to give you transfer since the Tecton doesn't have an available third-Order Donor.
Fise sips at the tea in his hand.
<Fise> ~~angry~~
Veraik looks at Alea. **I** will get me some tea if you would like it. You are not to touch anything hot.
Alea angry
<Fise> "I though i had to have Donor Transfers to stay healthy. That was the line they fed me to trap me in this job."
<Veraik> Goes to make Alea tea.
Alea forces her anger down, though, knowing this is not the time
<Veraik> Veraik pours the water and sets it on the burner.
Fise looks at Alea, puzzled as to why a controller is doing work when he doesn't have to.
<Veraik> You do but we all have to take Channel's transfer upon occasion.
Alea shrugs
<Veraik> Come back to the desk area.
<Fise> "What am I being conditioned for this time?"
<Veraik> Nothing. The Tecton simply didn't have an available Donor to send you.
Fise follows Veraik back.
Alea stands to support Veraik
<Fise> "Well that's just Fine, isn't it."
Veraik goes to the water which is only luke-warm and makes the Alea's tea with it.
Veraik turns to Fise and zlins.
Veraik adjusts ambient.
<Veraik> I DO have a proposal for you.
<Fise> ~~ indignation at perceived injustice ~~
<Veraik> Instead of Channel's transfer, I have a Donor who has First Order potential.
ZillaD comes downstairs, watching carefully for anyone remotely resembling Snake
ZillaD is searching for Briel
<Veraik> However, he has never Donated before. Would you like to have transfer with him?
<Fise> "And? How does a mere Third figure into this?"
<Fise> ~~ conflicted, a real Gen but untrained ~~
<Fise> "Yes. If that's the choice."
<Veraik> The channel he is assigned to is off phase from him. Transfer with you would put him back in phase with her.
<Fise> ~~ irritated at getting someone else's leavings ~~
<Fise> "Of course, I'm glad to help out then, Controller." ~~false helpfulness~~
Veraik adjusts ambient.
<Veraik> I see that you are schedule in one hour.
Alea stands and goes to get tea
Veraik zlins Fise.
Alea notes her cup is cold so pours herself one that is boiling hot
Veraik augments to get Alea tea
Alea drops in sugar and picks it up
Alea goes to take a sip
Veraik takes the cup from her before she sips it.
Fise looks distracted for a moment. "Yeah, That's right."
JonDrake walks downstairs...
Alea looks shocked
<Alea> can I please have my tea back Veraik
<Veraik> no Alea. This tea is too hot. You'll burn your mouth and Fise is too close to transfer for him to be exposed to Donor pain.
<Alea> I'm thirsty and I like my tea hot, Veraik
Alea reaches for the cup
Veraik removes tea cup from her reach then pours it down the drain.
Alea shocked
JonDrake goes into the kitchen/break area to get some tea...
Fise sips his tea, oblivious to the tempest over at the teapot.
Veraik goes to the door, sees clerk and asks clerk to find JonDrake and send him to his office.
JonDrake considers getting a cup for Briel as well...
Alea dumps her cold tea down the drain and glares at Veraik
Alea reaches to pour herself another cup
Veraik takes Alea's arms and steers her back to her chair.
<Alea> I won't burn my mouth, Veraik
<Veraik> Be a good little Donor and you can have some tea AFTER Fise's transfer.
<Alea> bully [under her breath]
Veraik ignores her comment.
JonDrake pours two cups and leaves the break room on the way back upstairs....
JonDrake gets stopped by the clerk.
<Veraik> Fise. I don't think you will have any trouble with JonDrake. He has a lot of potential but he is a little enthusiastic.
ZillaD can't find Briel and starts back to the stairs thinking her room is the safest place for her
JonDrake pauses a moment. Looks upstairs, considering whether he should take Briel's tea up first, and decides to see what Veraik wants. "Afterall," he thinks, "She wasn't expecting it anyway. This may be important."
<Fise> "Ok."
JonDrake knocks on Veriak's door while balancing two cups...
Veraik goes to door and opens it.
Veraik adjusts the ambient for Jon's nager.
JonDrake enters
<JonDrake> You wanted to see me Hajene?
<Veraik> Yes.
<Veraik> Please sit down.
<Veraik> Have you met Fise before?
JonDrake sets the extra teacup down.
<JonDrake> No, I don't believe I have.
Veraik grabs the tea cup and dumps it down the drain.
Alea eyes the teacup
Alea thinks shen!
<Veraik> [waves tentacle] This is Fise. He's a Third-Order Channel.
JonDrake smiles in greeting to Fise...
Alea glares at Veraik
<Veraik> Fise... JonDrake, the one I was telling you about.
Fise looks at JonDrake. Forgets to greet him.
Veraik zlins the strange 3rd.
Alea grumbles loudly
Alea licks her lips in longing
<Veraik> Jon, are you finished with your tea?
<Fise> ~~ still not zlinning ~~
<Veraik> [zlins Alea] nervous
JonDrake takes one last sip.
<JonDrake> Ok.
<JonDrake> All done.
JonDrake sets his cup aside.
Veraik grabs the tea and places it with the other, out of reach of Alea.
JonDrake also wonders what the issue is with the other tea cup.
Alea sees him move the tea and sighs in defeat
JonDrake is a bit perplexed.
Fise vaguely recalls something called manners. "Hello Sosu Drake. I am Fise Lendis."
<Veraik> Jon. Fise is in need of a transfer. You are willing to transfer with him?
Veraik zlins Fise's tentacles retract further up his sheaths when I introduced himself.
<JonDrake> Yes, Hajene I am.
Alea sinks back in her chair, feeling wan
JonDrake hopes that this will be what he needs.
<Veraik> Jon. Fise has not raised enough intil to commit to transfer yet.
JonDrake looks to Fise to see what he's like, with the old fashioned method of reading body language.
* Alea decides Veraik is going to make her die of thirst and hunger just because the tea is hot
* Fise stands up and goes over to JonDrake. "I'm glad I can help out."
* Alea eyes JonDrake and Fise and thinks they deserve each other
* Alea thinks Fise and Veraik deserve each other
<Veraik> Go to him and gently rub your hands down his arms from his shoulders to his elbows.
* Veraik adjust ambient for Alea's mood.
<Fise> [Fise's body language doesn't seem sincere. There is something odd about how he moves that is hard to define.]
* Alea eyes them and the tea across the room
* Fise assumes Veriak is talking to Jon.
* JonDrake follows Veraik's instructions...
* Veraik turns to Alea. Don't even think about it Alea. We are trying to get transfer into Fise.
* Alea widens her eyes innocently
* Fise relaxes at the contact.
* Alea tries to look like a near starving waif
* Veraik looks to Alea a 'give me a break' look.
* Fise becomes duoconcious.
* JonDrake begins to relax as well. Determined to give this his best shot.
* Fise 's laterals peek out.
* Alea sees Fise and JonDrake and focuses her attention on Veraik, Donor now
<Veraik> Stalks to Alea and kneels down to her. This is a transfer Alea. Tea, food, everything is out of the question until this is over.
* Fise smiles (first time anyone has seen him do that).
<Alea> of course, hajene
<Veraik> Behave or I will send Tarsh away for good. Do you understand me? I am the Controller.
* JonDrake begins to let his fingers lightly, gently trace their way down his arms.
<Veraik> You are a Donor. Act like one.
<Veraik> You are here to support this very delicate transfer situation.
* Alea closes herself off from Veraik, her eyes going to angry slits
* JonDrake thinks of the work he has been doing with Briel and works to raise Fise's intil.
<Alea> of course...hajene
* Fise shivers.
<Veraik> You zlin of anger Alea. Are you deliberately trying to ruin this transfer?
* Veraik masks all the anger from the other two in the room.
* Alea 's field goes flat
* Alea smiles sweetly
<Alea> are you ready, hajene?
* Fise responds and lifts up his arms in Jon's field.
* Alea motions
<Alea> you're missing the transfer, HAJENE
* Alea continues to smile sweetly
* Veraik goes to the pair.
* Alea grins smugly, pushes herself up, ignoring her growling stomach, and follows
<Veraik> Fise. Take Jon to the transfer couch.
<Veraik> you are doing a good job.
* JonDrake moves to the transfer couch, working to maintain physical contact the whole way.
* Veraik blankets the ambient in a neutral gradient with the pair in the middle of a bubble.
* Fise goes along with Jon
* JonDrake wants this the be the best experience he can manage. He is determined to raise a good intil in Fise.
* JonDrake detects some hidden quality -- it's like Fise isn't totally here.
* Veraik zlins Jon's work and is pleased.
* JonDrake redoubles his efforts, waiting for that subtle feeling.
* JonDrake projects his need to give -- his _substantial_ need to give.
* Fise breathes in deeply and his laterals extend.
<Fise> ~~ Intil develops ~~
<Veraik> [hyper] start the transfer at Fise's signal, Jon.
* JonDrake looks happily at the extending laterals. Thinks "Pink. I think I like pink."
* Alea 's stomach rumbles again
* JonDrake moves his arms across Fise's, tempting him with promise.
<Veraik> [signals for Alea to move slightly for the maximum ambient field gradient.]
* Alea moves
* Alea pats her stomach in sympathy
* JonDrake lets his field move enticingly...
* Fise 's eyes go blank as he goes hyper.
* JonDrake doesn't want to repeat the earlier error. He will depend upon Fise to draw at his own speed.
* Fise zlins Jon Deeply.
* JonDrake does what he can to make sure that Fise is motivated to do just that.
* Veraik zlins that Alea's stomach is going to continue to growl so he closes off her field completely.
* JonDrake holds out his field, the promise of Selyn, but Fise is going to have to take it.
* JonDrake holds his arms open in transfer position.
* Alea unconsciously moves closer to fise to watch
* Fise slowly reaches for the selyn-glowing arms.
* JonDrake lets his field do the Lambada... the forbidden dance...
* Veraik steps in front of Alea to shield her from the transfer.
* Jirelle looks for Veraik, and, learning he is in the middle of a tricky transfer, decides to wait for him in front of his office.
* Fise tentatively grasps the arms and his handling tentacles slide out.
* Alea grumbles silently at Veraik's actions but moves back
* Alea places her hands on his back and leans slightly around to watch
<Fise> [tentacles wrap around arms]
* Veraik balances so that Alea will fall down over him.
<Fise> [lateral contact]
* JonDrake holds his energy right at the gate, waiting for the fifth contact.
* Alea feels overwhelming hunger and leans totally against Veraik's back
* Fise carefully leans forward to make lip contact.
* Fise doesn't draw immediately.
* Fise starts to draw selyn at a low rate.
* JonDrake is a little frustrated. He is waiting for the draw to increase.
* Fise starts to draw at a moderate rate.
* JonDrake decides to relax, let it flow.
* Veraik braces himself against Alea's onslaught.
* JonDrake thinks "Good, it's getting better."
* JonDrake relaxes a bit more in anticipation.
* Alea wonders how it is going since Veraik doesn't want her to watch
* Veraik reinforces the field gradient against Alea's potential.
* Alea continues to try to support Veraik nagerically
* Fise draws faster, and feels pleasure.
* JonDrake is waiting for it to pick up another level.
* JonDrake can feel that it is getting better for Fise.
* Fise finishes draining Jon's GN levels and draws from his TN-3 level.
* JonDrake projects feeling of pleasure to inspire Fise...
* JonDrake thinks "Come on... doing good!"
* Fise continues to draw, enjoying the feedback of pleasure.
* JonDrake focuses on the flow, enjoying it. Projecting that to Fise.
* JonDrake projects the anticipation of the peak experience, making Fise want it, taste it.
* Fise approaches the end of jon's TN-3 level and his draw slackens.
* JonDrake continues to encourage...
* Jirelle re-reads the papers in her hand, shakes her head, keeps waiting.
* JonDrake thinks, "A little faster, a little faster."
* Fise 's draw increases slightly but slows again as he reaches his full capacity.
* JonDrake feels the light dim... but remembers, "passive... passive... let him pull..."
* Fise comes to completion.
* Veraik zlins the close of the transfer and is very pleased with the results.
* JonDrake holds position. Relaxes...
* Fise pulls back from lip contact.
* Fise 's eye begin to track again.
* Veraik waits for the channel to move.
* Fise carefully retracks his laterals and then his handling tentacles.
* Alea feels Veraik change his postion and pushes back away from him, wondering if she can sneak out now that it's over or if she should wait
* Fise gets up.
<Veraik> Fise?
* Alea stomach rumbles
<JonDrake> Slowly lets forearm contact fade and sits back.
<Veraik> Jon. How do you feel?
* Fise remembers. "Thank you, Sosu Drake. Verry Good."
* Alea hears the word good and thinks about an egg omelet with cucumbers and strawberries
* Alea agrees it would be very good
* JonDrake smiles to Fise "I'm glad, I'm glad."
* JonDrake focuses on how much he helped Fise, takes satisfaction in that work.
<JonDrake> That was very smooth, Hajene.
Veraik slides onto the transfer couch and faces Jon
* Alea forces herself to stands straight and watch
* JonDrake looks to Veraik.
* JonDrake holds out his arms...
<Veraik> Give me your arms.
* Fise steps back and idly watches Veriak and Jon.
* Veraik takes arms in transfer position.
<Veraik> Are you ready for the oath of the Tecton, Jon?
<Veraik> Do you accept it?
* Alea smiles, thinking Tarsh will be pleased
<JonDrake> Yes I am, Hajene.
* JonDrake smiles
<Veraik> Then repeat after me.
* Jirelle waits patiently, nodding and smiling at people who pass in the hallway
* JonDrake is a bit amused. He thinks to himself, "It's about time!"
* JonDrake orders himself in preparation for the oath.
* Alea hopes Veraik doesn't forget to make a notation in Jon's chart so Tarsh will know the oath has been taken care of
<Veraik> I pledge my life, my being, and my body to the betterment of this life.
<JonDrake> I pledge my life, my being, and my body to the betterment of this life.
<Veraik> I will put all life ahead of my own to show that I am dedicated to all lifes.
<Veraik> I trust in the Tecton and the Tecton will trust in me.
<JonDrake> I will put all life ahead of my own to show that I am dedicated to all lives.
<JonDrake> I trust in the Tecton and the Tecton will trust in me.
<Veraik> The Tecton will protect me as I will protect it.
<JonDrake> The Tecton will protect me as I will protect it.
<Veraik> This is my life and my life is pledge to all.
<JonDrake> This is my life and my life is pledge to all.
<Veraik> I pledge all and for ever to the Tecton.
* Veraik zlins for sincerity.
<JonDrake> I pledge all and for ever to the Tecton.
* Alea smiles, listening to the pledge
* Fise thinks "yeah, right."
* JonDrake is sincere.
* Veraik leans forward and takes Jon in the transfer position, holds the field steady then releases.
* JonDrake relaxes
* Alea sees Veraik relase Jon and sighs... moves back over to lean against Veraik's desk... her stomach continuing to growl
* JonDrake leans back.
<JonDrake> Thank you Hajene. Thank you.
* Alea wonders if Briel is going to be as happy
* Jirelle waits patiently in front of Veraik's office
* Alea smiles now that the transfer is complete
* JonDrake stands up.
* Alea goes to the door to open it
<JonDrake> Hajene, I hope you don't mind, but if you don't need me immediately, I have some things I must do.
<Veraik> Jon.... I think that Briel might like to see you now.
<Alea> uh, hajene...
* Alea motions to the Sime lock
<Veraik> Sure go ahead. Smiles
<JonDrake> Thank you.
* Veraik goes to the door and unlocks it.
* Alea hates these new locks and thinks about talking to Tarsh about them... maybe signing a paper for them to be changed and slipping it on Tarsh's desk
* Jirelle looks up with interest at the sound
* JonDrake nods good bye and leaves...
<Veraik> He takes Alea by the arm so she can't escape.
* Alea wishes snake was back to forge the signature
* Alea wonders if there is some way she could slip it in his papers and he wouldn't realize
* Alea jumps
* Alea blinks at Veraik, then frowns
<Veraik> Fise. You have the rest of the day off, of course.
<Veraik> Jirelle. Please come in.
<Veraik> I'll be with you in a minute.
* Jirelle comes in and sits down
* Jirelle re-reads her papers to make sure she'll have the story straight
* ZillaD goes down the stairs, and to the kitchen, watching for any simes resembling Snake
* Fise goes out.
* ZillaD decides maybe she did just dream it all....
<whisper> ... zilla....
* Veraik locks the door after Fise leaves, thinking that it is time to change the lock before someone figures out the combination.
* ZillaD hears the whisper and stiffens
* ZillaD glances around, thinking she is going crazy
<Veraik> Releases Alea and goes to sit at his disk. Alea? [indicates chair with a tentacle]
* Alea sighs and goes over, dropping down into the chair
* Alea wonders if he realizes there is no such thing as slavery anymore
* Jirelle listens to their conversation, not having much choice in the matter
<Veraik> Jirelle. What do you have for me?
* Jirelle thinks it's a really good sign that she is being allowed to sit in the same room with people as high up in the hierarchy as Veraik and Alea.
<Jirelle> Oh...
<Veraik> [indicates papers in her hands]
* Jirelle gets up and hands them to Veraik
<Jirelle> I found Zilla, the new Donor, screaming in her room last night.
<Jirelle> She had some really trippy nightmares...
* ZillaD goes into the kitchen and sits down with a group of donors to eat
<Jirelle> She said some of it was real.. I don't know, some of the evidence supported her.
<Jirelle> [remembering the fish stench]
<Jirelle> She was pretty scared... I had to sit with her the rest of the night.
* Veraik reads through forms.
* Fise goes down to the cafeteria.
<Veraik> Sooo. Zilla claims that she meet Snake and that Snake led her to the riverfront and threatened to push her into the 'cold' water?
<Jirelle> I tried to write down everything she said as closely as possible... she was not very with it.
* Jirelle shrugs helplessly
<Jirelle> I'm not sure... she was genuinely freaked, whatever happened.
* Veraik zlins Jirelle and thinks.
* ZillaD sips her tea
<Jirelle> She did smell like dead fish when I found her.
<Jirelle> And she was in bed in her clothes.
* ZillaD takes a bite of her food
<Veraik> From the..... looks into the forms.... the Sailor who let her use his coat on the way back to the Center.
<Veraik> [thinks]
* ZillaD watches the donors slowly leave... uncomfortable to have so many Simes she doesn't know around her
* Fise reflects that even just after transfer none of this stuff look any good.
<Veraik> Do you know where she is at now?
<Jirelle> I think she went to get something to eat.
<Jirelle> I figured she'd be safe enough in the cafeteria.
* ZillaD pushes at the food on her plate... not too hungry since she's alone now... decides maybe she ought to just go back up to her room
* Fise takes some of the least distasteful looking food and looks for an empty table.
* Veraik stands. Alea.... [looks hard at her].... hasn't eaten. Let's go to the cafe.
* Alea shrugs
<Jirelle> Do you... require me for anything else, Hajene?
* Fise sits down and tries to eat something.
<Alea> I'm not that hungry
* ZillaD stands and leaves the kitchen, a nervous wreck at all the Simes around
* ZillaD is certain one of them is Snake's friend and she's not talking to them until she can find out which ones are
* Veraik zlins Jirelle. You zlins as if you hungry as well. Care to join us?
<Jirelle> Sure!
* ZillaD heads toward the front stairs
* Veraik unlocks door and escorts the ladies out.
* Alea sees Zilla head to the stairs
<Alea> hello, Zilla
<whisper> .... zilla....
* Veraik zlins Zilla
<Veraik> zilla...Are you all right?
* ZillaD turns toward Alea and sees the channel by her
* ZillaD wonders who whispered her name
* ZillaD starts to nod but shakes her head then nods again
<ZillaD> I'm not sure, hajene
* Alea moves up by Veraik, studying the young Donor
* Jirelle zlins Zilla
* Veraik supports Zilla by the elbow.
<Jirelle> Zilla, this is Veraik, so you can tell him about last night.
* ZillaD moves gratefully closer to Veraik
<Veraik> We were just going to eat. Come with us. We will talk.
* Veraik smiles at the young Donor.
<ZillaD> Okay, Veraik
* Alea wanders off down the hall toward the kitchen
* Fise gives up on the food and gets up and leaves the tray on the table.
* ZillaD smiles
<Veraik> Alea! Come back here NOW!
* Fise comes out of the cafeteria and heads for the lobby.
* Alea jumps
* Alea turns, gives Veraik a wan look and drags back over
* ZillaD startled, looks between the two
<ZillaD> I'm not sure what happened last night, hajene
* Veraik zlins Zilla and baths himself in her nager.
<ZillaD> I do know... well... I went out back
<ZillaD> There was a channel there... weird eyes... and I realized this was Snake
<Veraik> If it involved Snake then it probably wasn't good.
<ZillaD> I had heard the rumors.... but she seemed so calm and she is a Farris
* ZillaD shivers
<ZillaD> I know that now
* Fise walks out the front door.
<ZillaD> She wanted to walk with me
<ZillaD> and I thought it'd be fun to talk to her, since I want to be at Zeor some day
<Veraik> Come on you three. If three Donors can't encourage two channels to eat then there is something wrong. [smiles]
* ZillaD shudders
* ZillaD nods
* Alea focuses on the kitchen and goes with Veraik
* Jirelle follows
<ZillaD> that's all I can really tell you, hajene.
<ZillaD> I know I was wrong in going with her. I shouldn't have left the grounds.
<Veraik> We all have to learn as we live Zilla, [Takes tray]
<ZillaD> I think she wanted to murder me... kept talking about words, the wrong words and the cold water below. I don't know why she didn't go ahead... until she suddenly left....
* Alea looks in delight.... taking some green and yellow vegatables
<Alea> goes down the aisle and gets her some hot tea....
* Alea then gets her some chocolate ice cream and adds it to the top of her yellow vegetables
* Jirelle watches Alea curiously
* Alea picks up her tray and goes to a table
<ZillaD> she told me to tell you something
* ZillaD frowns, trying to remember
<ZillaD> something about words
* Jirelle realizes Alea paints with food the way she paints her pictures... sighs at the charm of the idea
* Veraik listens
<ZillaD> I told her I was cold... and then she took me to the water and talked about it's cold depths...
<ZillaD> She was threatening me with death, I think
<ZillaD> oh, I don't know
<ZillaD> and then she said something about... tell Veraik....
<Veraik> yes
<ZillaD> not to use the wrong words
<ZillaD> I just don't know...
<ZillaD> I can tell you I think she's insane though
* ZillaD shrugs
<whisper> ...i'm waiting for you, zilla....
* ZillaD pushes the tea away
<ZillaD> I've already eaten, hajene
<Veraik> Zilla...that is just Snake. I will assign you to therapy with myself for every day for the next week.
* ZillaD glances up, wondering who said something
* ZillaD smiles in relief
<ZillaD> thank you, hajene
* ZillaD thinks she should talk to him and find out if Snake has any friends here
<Veraik> Have you finished Alea?
* Veraik stands.
* Alea glances up, half done
* Alea shrugs
<Alea> I suppose so. I wasn't that hungry anyway
* Alea grabs her tea
* Alea stands too
* Jirelle looks confused
<Veraik> Jirelle, see me tomorrow. I would like to consult with you on Zilla's condition.
* ZillaD shrugs at Jirelle
<Jirelle> Okay.... ?
* Jirelle wonders what happened to eating, since they were only there a minute or two.
<Veraik> Please stay with Zilla during her sleep hours during the next week and report to me about her sleep patterns.
* ZillaD gives her a look... First Orders...who can understand those type of channels
* Jirelle realizes the higher-order people were operating on levels she can barely comprehend; nods, accepts their wisdom, and busses her tray.
<Jirelle> Yes, Hajene.
* Alea slurps her tea
* Alea smiles at Zilla and Jirelle
* Veraik walks ...expecting Alea to follow him.
* ZillaD nods
<Jirelle> Well, I guess I will see you tonight. [to Zilla] [smiles]
<Alea> It was nice talking with you, Zilla
* Alea smiles gain at the young Donor
<Alea> perhaps later, when we get a chance we can talk some more
<Alea> take good care of Jirelle now, you hear
* Alea totally ignores the fact that it's Jirelle who is taking care of Zilla
<Veraik> ALEA!!! I said to come with ME!!!
* Alea jumps
* Alea frowns but hurries down the hall after Veraik
* Jirelle leaves the cafeteria and goes back to work
* Bcal comes storming down the stairs, muttering under her breath because she has been confined to bed these past few days
* Bcal decides to go out for a walk... weak, but much stronger of mind... and not going to allow Veraik to stop her this time
* RMuffin appears on the front steps of the Center
* Bcal sneers at the clerk as she passes
* Bcal goes out the front door
* Bcal pulls up short
<Bcal> Muffin
* Bcal smiles
<RMuffin> Hi!
* RMuffin grins an urchinous grin
* Bcal quickly hides her smile
<Bcal> you're looking better
<Bcal> are you hungry?
* NickR is sitting on the couch in his and Snake's apartment, trying to master the latest exercises.
* RMuffin shakes his head
<RMuffin> Nope... Snake gave me breakfast.
* Bcal nods
<Bcal> that's good
<RMuffin> Are you ready?
<Bcal> for what?
* RMuffin looks for B'cal's bags, sees she has none.
<RMuffin> To come with!
* Bcal looks surprised
<Bcal> I was on my way out to shop
* NickR studies his sheet of notes, trying to remember which tentacle signals mean what.
* wisesnake is crashed out on the rest of the couch
* RMuffin looks surprised at B'cal's surprise
* wisesnake rolls over and shields her eyes from the sunlight with a forearm, goes still again.
* NickR looks down at Snake's movement, and deliberately relaxes, letting his frustration at his failure to remember the signals fade.
* wisesnake looks more peaceful after the nageric adjustment
* NickR looks up from his notes, startled, as a loud bang echoes from down the street.
* wisesnake is startled awake by Nick's startlement
<wisesnake> What - !
<NickR> What was that?
* wisesnake zlins
<NickR> It sounded like it came from down the street.
* wisesnake hesitates, then goes to the front door and pokes her head out, looks up the street
<wisesnake> Nick. Come.
* wisesnake takes off down the front steps
* Victim is laying in front of a building across the street.
* NickR follows as quickly as he can, wishing that he could augment.
* Victim is a Gen. He is bleeding from multiple wounds.
* wisesnake zlins the scene carefully, realizes the danger is over and runs to the victim.
* Victim is laying there. It is hard to accurately tell from where he is bleeding on his body. His right hand looks very much like Lasagne...
* wisesnake crouches down by the victim, then gestures for Nick to hurry and get into position.
* NickR looks away from the hand after one glance, knowing he can't support Snake if he's nauseated.
* Victim is moaning incoherently...
* NickR quickly assumes what he hopes is the proper position, assuming he's remembering the signals correctly.
* wisesnake reaches out with one hand and adjusts NickR's position slightly while zlinning Victim with the other
<wisesnake> Oh, this looks bad.
* NickR nods, hoping he's up to this.
* Victim has pieces of metal, wood and other materials blasted in between the layers of muscle in his arm...
* wisesnake zlins the injuries
<wisesnake> Shen -
<Victim> [Some of those other materials zlin to be pieces of bone from his pulped hand]
* wisesnake realizes she is in way over her head
* NickR has absolute faith in Snake's ability to heal any injury.
<NickR> Where do we start?
<Maxon> [a skinny blond gen comes running up the street with a box in his hands.]
<wisesnake> Don't talk. I won't be able to hear you. Stay right where you are. Support me.
* wisesnake looks up, distracted by the Gen running up.
* Maxon skids to a stop near Victim, glancing at his wounds.
* NickR tries to remember and apply everything he's been learning about support, starting by not letting himself get distracted by the onlookers.
* Bcal goes down the street, not planning on leaving the Center, but definitely going to check on Snake
<Maxon> "I heard someone was hurt. I've got a First Aid kit."
* NickR reaches for the kit, keeping his attention on Snake.
<NickR> Thank you.
<Maxon> [several more people come up and stop about 3 meters away, talking and pointing]
* wisesnake gathers her wits and forces herself into healing mode, wishing she had Nick's FULL attention
<Bcal> come on, Muffin, keep up
<ragmuffn> Where do you think you're going? Hey!
* ragmuffn hurries after B'cal
<ragmuffn> You're going the wrong way!
* Bcal stops and glares at Muffin
* NickR opens the kit, can't figure out what good the little bandages will do, and sets the kit down next to Snake so she can use it if she wants to.
<Bcal> and just where is Snake today, in the affluent part of town?
<Maxon> [the kit contains gauze, bandages, antiseptics, tourniquets, etc]
* ragmuffn says, "I said I'd take you."
* NickR returns his full attention to Snake.
<Bcal> well, hurry
* wisesnake zlins the injured Gen, hands moving over the body, ending up at the arm that is the worst damaged
<Bcal> I have several things I have to do... but first, I want to check out that Farris and see how she handled my transfer
* ragmuffn seems surprised. "Snake said you were going to be her Donor now."
* Bcal looks down at Muffin
<Bcal> I am her transfer partner...
<Bcal> but I live at the Center
<Bcal> Snake knows that..
* Victim is trying to move...
<Bcal> we've discussed that
<Bcal> not that it's any of your business Muffin
<Bcal> now, come on, show me where she is
* NickR settles into his work, ignoring the distractions.
* wisesnake 's tentacles move over the torn flesh... the hands hesitate, then Snake holds down the arm and begins pulling out imbedded pieces of wood, glass and metal.
* ragmuffn shrugs, figuring this has gone beyond his limited knowledge of the situation
* NickR places a hand on the victim's chest to hold him still.
<ragmuffn> Well... okay. Aren't you going to bring any stuff?
* wisesnake struggles to maintain focus as the inexperienced Gen moves from the ideal support position
* wisesnake gives up on the hand for the time being and takes the Gen in full transfer position, trying to stabilize his shocked system first, feeling that is the most important thing.
<Crowd> "what happened?" "Someone was shot." "Who?" "No, it was an explosion, I heard." "a raid?"
* NickR releases the victim as he stops trying to move, and returns to the position Snake requested.
* NickR wishes he had the faintest idea what Snake was trying to do.
* wisesnake is flustered by NickR's lack of self-confidence
* wisesnake releases the Victim and loses the healing mode
* Bcal follows muffin up and down streets to Snake
<Crowd> "Who's that Sime? she'll kill." "No, I've seen her, she's tough." "She works at the Sime Center doesn't she?"
<wisesnake> Nick. Please stand back from me. I'm sorry, you weren't ready for this.
* Bcal sees the crowd in the distance
* Maxon wants to help but doesn't want to get in the way.
* Victim 's bleeding was beginning to slow... it has now picked up a bit.
* wisesnake takes the Gen in full transfer position again, goes into healing mode, and surrounds him in a bubble of isolation
* Victim 's blood pressure is dropping... it begins to stablize...
* Bcal pushes forward, wanting to know what's going on
* NickR backs away reluctantly, wanting to help Snake but not willing to waste her time and effort in arguing just now.
* Victim has selyn starting to motivate within his body. Will it be in time?
* Bcal gets through and sees Snake
<Crowd> "Zlin that!" "How can she do that?" "Must be one of them Tigues I was tellin you about. See?"
* wisesnake takes hold of the Gen's bodily systems and works them for the greatest healing power, while projecting a Need that will encourage the body to heal.
* Bcal sees the mess the person is in, sighs that she is going to have to get her nice brown suit dirty by kneeling on the ground... but goes forward
* Maxon falls over to one side as Bcal pushes by. "Hey!"
* Victim 's smallest wounds are starting to close. In those areas, the loss of blood slows and stops.
* wisesnake feels a Presence at her back
* Bcal drops reluctantly down on her knees by Snake
* Bcal supports Snake
<Bcal> "I'm here, Snake."
* Victim 's system is trying to close the gaping hole that was once his wrist...
* wisesnake cannot hear, but feels a surge of support as powerful as a tidal wave.
* Bcal concentrates on Snake, impersonally, working with her to help the victim
<Crowd> "Look!" "It's her!" "who?" "Her! the " "Don't say it! You'll annoy her and you don't want that."
* wisesnake lets go the transfer position and starts pulling the pieces from Victim's sealing flesh
* NickR starts to intercept the stranger, but holds back when she settles into exactly the spot Snake had told him to use.
<Victim> [The cells along the edges of the wrist are reproducing at an accelerated pace, trying to stop the flood.
* Maxon 's gorge surges at the sight and he moves away.
* wisesnake works rapidly, deep in healing mode, projecting Need while fingers and tentacles seek out and remove the alien pieces
<Crowd> "Ouch!" "that's gotta hurt.' ""he must be unconcious, poor fellow."
* Victim doesn't have enough blood pressure to be conscious at this moment.
* Victim 's cellular regeneration is doing slightly better. The help, plus the lowered blood pressure is making it a bit easier for the new cells to form and take position.
* wisesnake checks the rest of the body and then returns to the hand, focusing close upon the torn edges of the greater wound
* Victim 's entire body is being energized to a lesser degree. The marrow in Victim's bones have begun their own accelerated production of blood cells.
* Victim 's body is being induced to burn calories at an alarming rate.
* wisesnake is entirely lost in the inner universe of cell and nerve, the greater universe of Victim's total form.
* wisesnake pulls harder and harder at B'cal's support, without any awareness of doing so
<Victim> [At the edges of the torn flesh, cell fronts are starting to meet and merge.]
* Bcal gives that support
<Victim> [The cells in the wrist are starting to loose a little vitality. The lowered blood pressure is starting to take it's toll and the cells are beginning to starve]
* NickR watches B'cal work, deciding that whoever this stranger is, she's MUCH better at this Donor business than he is.
* wisesnake reduces her projection of need, and then gradually releases control of his body back to him.
* wisesnake comes duo, gasps "That's all I can do," and collapses into B'cal's arms
* Bcal catches her, supporting her
* Victim 's blood production is fighting to compensate...
<Bcal> what are you doing attempting something like that without help?
* NickR goes forward to kneel by B'cal.
* Bcal sees the intruder and sneers
<Bcal> just who are you?
* wisesnake floats in a nearly hyperconscious state, feels a crazy euphoria growing in her, release from entran at last
* wisesnake grips B'cal like a lifeline, not hearing her words
* Victim 's systems start slowing down as Wisesnake reduces her support...
<NickR> I'm Nick Reckage. Who are you?
* Bcal sneers and turns from him, keeping her focus on Snake
<Bcal> stupid channels
* Victim , floating a meter above his body thinks "What a time to try and pick someone up!"
<Bcal> get themselves hurt doing idiotic crazy things
* wisesnake is pressed against B'cal's chest, eyes closed, hands and tentacles gripping B'cal's arms
* wisesnake is wearing a strange smile
* Bcal continutes to sooth Snake
* NickR watches Snake, concerned at the smile, but unwilling to intervene since B'cal seems to know what she's doing more than he does.
<Bcal> it's okay, Snake
* Bcal knows Snake doesn't hear but continues to soothe with voice and nager
<Bcal> you'll be fine
<Bcal> stupid idiot risk you took, but you didn't die...yet
<Crowd> "Snake? And *Her*?" "who'da thought it?" "That's who she was _looking_ for stupid."
* NickR is glad to discover that this stranger apparently knows Snake.
<Bcal> totally without support... you deserve what you get... shoulda just let the idiot die
<Bcal> or sent for help
<Bcal> no wonder you're in such a mess
* Bcal leans closer over Snake, bathing her in her field
* Victim is barely breathing. Even with the increased blood supply, there is little oxygen to transport.
* wisesnake tries to pull herself closer to B'cal's field
* Bcal looks around
* Victim 's blood is still oozing from the not quite closed wrist.
<Bcal> you [to Nick]
* NickR feels a bit indignant at being dismissed so casually, then reflects that when the crisis came, Snake told him to step back, not to help her.
* NickR looks at B'cal.
<NickR> What?
<Bcal> find someone to carry this casualty to a clinic
* NickR doesn't like being treated so rudely, but is glad to finally be given a task he can perform.
<Bcal> get him out of the middle of the street
<Bcal> be of some use instead of sitting here and gawking
<Bcal> you with the first aid kit... wrap that arm so he doesn't bleed to death when being moved
* Maxon offers to help Nick with Victim.
* Bcal turns her attention back to Snake
* Crowd starts to wander off now that the excitement is over.
* NickR and Maxon bandage the arm.
* Bcal takes Snake's arms in hers and bends down close
* wisesnake begins to become aware of a lot of people moving around and talking, around her, and a strong Gen presence supporting her
* NickR leaves Maxon to finish and grabs two stout Gens before they can leave.
* wisesnake feels bizarre, as if she has just awakened... surreal
* Maxon gets out gauze pads and surgical tape.
<NickR> Could you carry this man to the Sime Center when he's bandaged?
* NickR knows better than to ask Simes to carry such a badly wounded Gen.
* Victim 's blood flow through the arm begins to slow. The blood cells are adhering to the fibers of the cloth and begin clotting.
<Maxon> "Wouldn't a hospital be better?
* Victim 's blood pressure is rising very, very slowly.
<Bcal> Snake.... Snake...
<NickR> Nah, he shouldn't be left waiting all night before he's seen to.
* wisesnake looks around woozily, peers at the Victim and the people surrounding him
* Bcal soothing, impersonal, concentrating solely on bringing Snake back
* Victim doesn't appear to be breathing.
* NickR has seen enough of Snake's obsession with healing to be pretty sure that Victim will be treated promptly, by as many channels as can squeeze in around his bed and get their tentacles on him.
<NickR> Hey, he's not breathing!
* wisesnake finally becomes aware that the Victim is still in danger
<Bcal> so, let him die
* wisesnake tries to push herself away from B'cal
* Maxon checks Victim's pulse.
* Bcal shrugs not about to let Snake help him when she's still in this shape
* NickR looks at B'cal in disbelief.
<wisesnake> Hey... he's going to die... let me go!
<Bcal> are you up to it?
* wisesnake can't pull away while B'cal has her arms
<wisesnake> I - don't know. Come with me. Tell me what to do.
* Maxon opens V's mouth and checks for obstructions.
<Bcal> you're my channel and I won't risk letting you be hurt
* Bcal reluctantly releases Snake
<wisesnake> I won't be hurt. He's going to die!
* wisesnake darts to Victim's side
* Bcal shrugs like it's no loss...
* Maxon starts Mouth to Mouth.
* Victim 's face is cold and rather blue.
* Bcal gets up, brushing the dirt from her and goes with snake
* wisesnake zlins, trying to figure out what is wrong with the Victim on a systemic level
* NickR has already slipped into the proper support position.
* Bcal sneers at Nick
* Victim 's lungs fill with air. The platelets take in the oxygen, ready to transport the needed fuel to the rest of the body.
<Bcal> get out of my way
* NickR isn't about to trust B'cal to let Snake do what she must.
* Bcal slips down by snake, nudging Nick out of the way to support Snake
* Maxon holds V's nose in one hand and jaw in the other.
* Victim 's heart is beating weakly, but the blood is flowing.
* wisesnake is distracted from the impressive demonstration of the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation technique by the fighting Donors at her back
* NickR refuses to budge, keeping his attention firmly fixed on Snake -- and he's too big for B'cal to shove aside.
<Bcal> Snake... him or me... your call
* Bcal holds her field
* wisesnake clutches her head in her hands
* Bcal knows she can easily overpower Nick's field, but won't fight and hurt Snake
<wisesnake> Nick. You stand right there. B'cal... right there. [points in two slightly different locations]
<Victim> [Oxygen slowly begins to make it to the damage site. The cells in the extremeties are awakening again...]
<wisesnake> B'cal, don't fight him...
* Bcal immediately moves to postion
<wisesnake> Nick, ignore her, think about me.
* NickR moves into position, keeping his attention firmly on Snake.
<Bcal> if he's suppose to be a Donor... you've picked a rotten one
* Bcal focuses all of her attention on Snake
<Crowd> "Why is he kissing him?" "Disgusting!" "Should let the poor guy die in peace."
* Victim 's cells are stablizing, pulsing weakly with selyn production...
* wisesnake darts a murderous glance at B'cal, then turns back to the Victim when both Donors are concentrating on support.
* wisesnake gets down beside the Victim and Maxon and goes into healing mode, begins to project Need once again, encouraging the body to use its newfound resources.
* Victim 's cells begin to respond again to Wisesnake's attention.
* Maxon continues the steady inflation and release.
* Victim 's cells are beginning to use Maxon's expelled oxygen to fuel divison, regeneration....
* wisesnake forgets about the unpleasant future of Nick and B'cal's budding emnity and loses herself once again in the peaceful world of cell regeneration encouragement.
<Victim> [Slowly, the edges begin knitting again. It is definitely helped by the bandage...]
* Bcal burning mad at Nick
* wisesnake 's concentration wavers
* Bcal thinks they should have left the Victim to the Center instead of Snake
* Bcal continues her support of Snake
* wisesnake recovers somewhat as the support returns
* NickR is able to forget B'cal in his interest in Snake's efforts.
* Victim 's loss of blood at the wrist has slowed to a crawl. Between the regeneration and the clotting of the platelets, the wound is just about closed...
<Crowd> "Uh oh." "zlin that!" "She's gonna sprout tentacles and kill someone! It's the Were-Gen!" "Can't be, only has one head."
* wisesnake focuses on the wound, holds her laterals over it, concentrating on knitting the nerves and cells into seamless unity
* Victim 's entire body is starting to respond more readily to the oxygen being carried by his red blood cells. The heart muscle begins to regain more of it's vitality, the marrow continues to manufacture more blood cells.
* NickR 's hope grows as he sees the improvement.
* Victim 's brain is beginning to receive oxygen again as well, more of the autonomic systems are coming online again.
* Bcal notices that Victim is ready to transport again
* Victim begins to breathe slowly.
* wisesnake explores deeper and deeper into the Victim's physical being, knowing every intimate interrelationship of cause and effect, before and after, the processes of life
* Maxon stops mouth to mouth and carefully watches V's Breathing.
* wisesnake burns selyn to manufacture false Need, forcing Victim's body to produce selyn, in a cycle as beautiful and pure as Time itself
* Victim responds...
* NickR figures that Snake must be about done, but keeps his concentration on Snake, waiting for her to tell him it's over.
* wisesnake moves over Victim, takes him into a full transfer position, the better to zlin his soul
* Victim is in sorry shape. The blood sugar is pretty much non existant at this point, but getting slightly better.
* wisesnake releases Victim
* Victim is tired on a cellular level, but critical systems are back in business.
* Bcal motions to the two Gens to take Victim away
<Crowd> "It's some damn 'Final Donation' thing the Tecton is pushing." "Really, why?"
* Bcal stands, brushing the dirt from her skirt, sneering at Nick
* wisesnake shies away from the negative emotions and reachs for Nick
* Bcal turns and walks down the street
* NickR holds Snake, concentrating on his feelings of concern and support.
* Bcal shoves her way through the crowd
* Crowd splits to give BCal a wide berth.
<NickR> [It's a bit easier, after the intensive practice of the past half hour.]
<NickR> Who was that?
* wisesnake presses against Nick, eyes closed, does not seem to hear his words
* wisesnake leans on Nick and his nager as heavily as she dares
* Maxon goes with the two Gens and Victim, trying to keep the arm from being jarred.
* NickR remains steady, holding Snake.
<NickR> Snake!
* wisesnake twitches, swims towards duoconsciuosness
* Bcal goes into a local tea shop up the street, sneering that it's the bad part of town, and looks over the teas
<wisesnake> whh...
<NickR> That's right. Get ahold of yourself.
* wisesnake , prodded by Nick's nager, opens her eyes and looks up at him unsteadily
* Bcal sneers as she realizes Snake has picked that inferior little twerp over her and wonders if she actually thinks he is going to be able to give her transfer next time
* NickR remembers a lesson on control of consciousness levels, and tries to bring Snake duo.
<NickR> Snake, who was that?
* wisesnake 's hands and tentacles clench NickR's shirt as she is slammed DuoConscious
<wisesnake> Hey!
* Bcal looks through the teas...picking out several specilities for the Center and then grabs some incense for the flake... Jirelle, sweet thing that she is... and takes them to the counter to pay for them
<NickR> Snake, who was that woman?
<wisesnake> Who was who?
<wisesnake> That woman... B'cal!
* Crowd diperses.
* wisesnake looks around for B'cal, still clinging to NickR's shirt
<NickR> The woman who was supposed to be your Donor for the next two months?
* Bcal digs through her purse and finds the money and pays for her purchases
<wisesnake> Which way did she go?
<NickR> I think she went into that tea shop down the street.
<wisesnake> Come on.
* Bcal leaves the store and continues on up the street, through the bad part of town, sneering as she passes the whorehouses
* NickR chases after Snake.
* wisesnake pushes herself away from Nick, zlins B'cal coming out of the shop, and augments to hurry after her
<wisesnake> B'cal!
* Bcal stops and turns, searching and finding Snake
* wisesnake shields herself against the negatively charged nager of the Donor
<wisesnake> B'cal, wait. Where are you going?
* wisesnake approaches B'cal
* Bcal 's field goes flat as Snake approaches so not to affect her
<Bcal> I'm on my way back to the Center
<Bcal> I only stopped to buy some tea.
<wisesnake> But why?
* NickR sees his channel approach B'cal and hurries even faster to protect Snake.
<wisesnake> Veraik said you were mine for two months.
<Bcal> I think your choice is obvious
<wisesnake> Him!?
* Bcal looks to where Nick is hurrying up
<wisesnake> He's in training. He can't do what you can, and you know it!
<Bcal> yeah, the little pipsqueak who was so jealous he'd risk his Channel instead of give over
<wisesnake> Not yet.
<Bcal> that's right. I know it
<wisesnake> He just didn't know any better, B'cal. You're the first other Donor he's ever seen.
* Bcal glares at Nick
<wisesnake> Please, B'cal. Doesn't V'Lar honor say anything about working with other Donors?
<Bcal> he's not going to get any better if he ever challenges me that way again
* Garon is standing in front of one of the nearby joyhouses.
* wisesnake grabs her forehead, rubs it painfully
<wisesnake> Look,
<Bcal> actually, my honor extends only to my house...and I am fulfilling that by helping you
<Bcal> not him
<Bcal> not Zeor
<Bcal> but following the orders that I was given
<wisesnake> It was a mistake. He'll know better in the future. Now please, where are you going? I'm not at the Center.
<Bcal> which was to report to the Center to live, and make sure you were ready for transfer
<NickR> It can't be much of a sense of honor, if it excludes most of the world.
* Bcal pointedly ignores Nick
<wisesnake> Changed as of yesterday by Veraik, to mean living out here with me for the next two months.
<Bcal> I know you're not at the Center. We discussed this before
<Bcal> I'll help you as much as I can. But I live at the Center
<wisesnake> Veraik promised.
* Bcal narrows her eyes
<Bcal> I wasn't told anything about this
<wisesnake> Yesterday, in his office, in person. Do you think I lie?
<Bcal> and I'm not sure Veraik has the authority to change anything to do with me
* Bcal shakes her head
<Bcal> I'll have to check with him and Tramila first before I do any changing of address
<wisesnake> He said he had the word of the... [Snake's voice shades into barely hidden distaste] the Sectuib in Zeor.
<Bcal> I told you before, Snake... I'll help you anyway I can... but I won't go against the Tecton and bring dishonor on my house.
<Bcal> I have to check this out
<wisesnake> Veraik is the Tecton, at this Center. He gave me his word. Yesterday.
<NickR> Looks like you sense of "honor" is pretty limited. It doesn't seem to include actually honoring the spirit of your promise to help Snake, does it?
<Bcal> You know, Snake... if this person is going to be around you, I'm not sure he'll make it until your next donation
* Garon comes over."Hi Snake how are you -"
<wisesnake> He's actually doing very well, nearly everybody has said so. You should open your eyes.
* Garon sees Bcal.
* Bcal shrugs
* Bcal glares at Garon
<Bcal> maybe you should open yours and realize you aren't doing anyone any good out here, Snake
* wisesnake starts to greet Garon automatically
<Garon> "AHHH!" [augments and runs off]
<Bcal> that you're only causing problems for everyone, bringing separation to this town
* wisesnake stops, mouth open, staring after the terrified renSime
* wisesnake looks back at B'cal, only now registering her words
* Bcal shrugs again
<Bcal> you're doing good after our transfer
<Bcal> just don't mess it up with him
* Bcal turns and starts off down the street
<wisesnake> B'cal, your honor lies with me, and I am out here.
<wisesnake> B'cal!
<Bcal> I'll be back after I talk with Veraik
* wisesnake augments to follow
<wisesnake> But...
<Bcal> my HONOR lies with my house... and ONLY my house... don't ever forget that Snake
<wisesnake> come on, B'cal... you know what I meant.
<Bcal> like I said... I'll be back
<Bcal> let me go see Veraik
<wisesnake> Back where?
<wisesnake> Where will we meet?
* Bcal stops, turns and projects a soothing nager
* Bcal takes Snake's arms holding her, trying to calm her fears
* wisesnake goes passive in B'cal's grip
* wisesnake turns her head away, trying to marshall her dignity
<Bcal> just relax... I'll meet you at Sippin Susan's tomorrow
<wisesnake> Tomorrow!
<Bcal> that should give me enough time to contact everyone and find out what is going on
<wisesnake> No... tonight.
<Bcal> maybe
<wisesnake> You can't just leave me, you were assigned to me.
<Bcal> who left WHO?
<wisesnake> I'll come back with you then.
<Bcal> no, Snake
<Bcal> that won't work
<wisesnake> But we have to leave as soon as you've been told.
* NickR is disturbed at how easily Snake is giving in to this obnoxious stranger.
<Bcal> I have to check with my house too
<Bcal> and the Tecton
<Bcal> before I do anything
<wisesnake> I'll sit through some phone calls. B'cal, please.
<Bcal> you can come there, spend the night if you want
<wisesnake> Not over night. Now, then we leave.
* Bcal sighs
<Bcal> fine
<Bcal> come on
<Bcal> Snake
<Bcal> I will not be a part of your illegal activities
<Bcal> I mean it
* wisesnake looks at B'cal
<wisesnake> If you have a way to make it work without, then I will listen to your ideas.
<Bcal> I'll hurry everything along... but at the first sign of illegal activities, I will move back to the Center
<Bcal> okay
<Bcal> let's go
<wisesnake> Nick...
* wisesnake motions for Nick to follow
* Bcal stiffens in anger
<Bcal> I will not fight position with him
* wisesnake cringes in B'cal's grip
<wisesnake> Just let him follow.
* NickR drops in beside Snake.
<Bcal> you want to train him, he'd better know right now not to interfere when I'm working with you
<wisesnake> You can overpower his influence and you know it.
<Bcal> yes
<wisesnake> I will train him to it. Now in the street is not the time and place.
<Alea> so, Veraik, what was so important that I couldn't finish my lunch
<Bcal> of course not
* Linn , on her way to visit Alice, sees Snake arguing with a stranger.
* Veraik locks the door and turns to Alea.
* Bcal sees Linn and sighs
* Bcal thinks wonderful... all of these people
<Veraik> [anger] Just what do you think you were doing during that transfer.
* Alea blinks
* wisesnake lets go of B'cal's arms at the sight of Linn, sheathes her tentacles
<Alea> uh...
<Linn> Hello, Snake.
* JonDrake is sitting out in the gazebo.
* Bcal moves closer to Snake to support her and protect her from the Simephobe
<wisesnake> Hello, Linn.
* Linn nods a greeting to Nick.
<Veraik> A Donor's first transfer and you were doing everything is your power to destroy it.
* Gnome` watches JonDrake stonily.
<wisesnake> Linn, we were just going to the Sime Center. Did you have business with me?
* NickR smiles back, remembering that Snake thought this woman could bring in lots of out-T changeovers.
* Alea shrugs
<Alea> I wasn't trying to ruin -their- transfer
* JonDrake wonders just how many people tell their problems to this strange little lawn gnome.
<JonDrake> Heh, "If Gnomes could talk..."
<Veraik> Yes you were. You were anger with me so you decided you had to have tea. HOT tea at that!
* Alea allows a small smirk to curve her lips
<Gnome`> [stone is silence]
<Linn> Well, I did want to talk to you about arrangements for Rudy's future. Our current arrangement won't work too much longer.
<Veraik> I have never known you to drink hot tea without spilling it on yourself and therefore burning yourself.
<Veraik> I zlinned that!
* Alea turns her back and insolently walks to the window
* Alea shrugs
<wisesnake> Oh? Well I should have a few free moments at the Center... [prays that this will be true]
<Alea> I don't like being ordered around
<Linn> I'll walk along with you then.
<wisesnake> come on, then. [to them all]
* wisesnake leads the way to the Center
* Linn decides that it's probably safe to be in the Sime Center if she sticks reasonably close to Snake.
* Alea realizes she shouldn't push Veraik, but she is still furious that he has forced her to stay here with no choices... virtually making her a prisoner
* Linn is also determined NOT to enter a lockable office in the company of any channel.
<Veraik> And did you ever try to read Fise?
* Alea adds to that the fact that he is now telling her who and who not to talk with...
<Veraik> You're a Farris Donor.
<Alea> I'm only a Donor...
* Alea shrugs
<Alea> Donors don't read gradients
<Veraik> Farris Donor all say that they read fields.
* Alea pretends innocence
<Veraik> I know you do I've seen it
* Alea simply shrugs not confirming or denying it
* wisesnake climbs the front steps of the Center
<Veraik> Fise has a really delicate problem and you were trying to mess up his transfer.
* Bcal stops by Snake
<Bcal> I will use the phone and then we can talk to Veraik
<Bcal> I'll be right back
* Linn and Nick follow Snake up the stairs.
<Alea> delicate?
<Alea> he's a jerk
<wisesnake> Well, we might as well sit down.
<Alea> that's his only problem
<Veraik> A THIRD ORDER CHANNEL AND A BIG FARRIS DONOR WANTS TO MESS UP A TRANSFER BECAUSE SHE IS ANGRY WITH THE CONTROLLER.
* wisesnake flops down on a sofa in the lobby, looking disagreeable
<Veraik> Is that Zeor?
* Alea simmers
<Veraik> Is that like a Farris!
<Alea> as you know, hajene, I might as well not BE Zeor anymore
* NickR sits beside Snake.
<Veraik> Is that even like any DONOR!
* Alea continues to keep her back turned, refusing to face Veraik
<Alea> then why don't you just let me go?
* Linn inspects the lobby for stray Simes, then sits on Snake's other side.
* wisesnake twitches at the sound of the muffled shouting from the controller's office, and schools her expression to something other than nervousness
* JonDrake is slightly depressed, and it's not a post reaction.
<wisesnake> Nick, can you wait a little bit longer for our talk?
<Veraik> You are in my care Alea and you will stay in my care until you learn some manners and respect.
<wisesnake> I'm sorry this is happening the way it is. Can you trust me to explain, when there is time?
* Alea silently mimicks the arrogant channel
<Alea> you're one to say you're going to teach me manners and respect
* JonDrake sighs and sits back to relax, listening to the sounds of the garden.
<NickR> Of course.
<Alea> you, a First Order channel who is a wanna be Farris
* NickR places a reassuring hand on Snake's knee.
* wisesnake gives Nick a nageric nudge of thanks
* JonDrake wonders if a small tasteful windchime would work well in here...
* wisesnake leans both physically and nagerically on Nick's support
* Veraik augments to Alea, takes her into his arms, carries her to the couch, turns her over his knee and spanks her. [nager well enclosed]
* NickR blicks, then looks at Snake, wondering if he really is feeling what he thinks he's feeling.
* Alea is shocked
<JonDrake> "How about you, Gnome?" he chuckles, "How would you like windchimes?"
* wisesnake has to fight to retain the control that has allowed her to keep going without true rest after the healing.
<wisesnake> Linn.
<wisesnake> You wanted to talk...
<Alea> let go of me you shendoni fleckin....
* Alea squirms, furious...
<Alea> you'll hurt your tentacles...your laterals
* Veraik growls and spanks harder. You [spank] will [spank] learn [spank] some [spank] respect. [spank]
* Linn also looks at Snake in concern. She has no idea why Snake's looking so exhausted, but expects it isn't a trivial reason.
* Alea grits her teeth against the pain... doing her best to contain her hatred at him
<Veraik> You are worse than a two year old so I am going to treat you like one.
<Alea> interes-ting... that... the... only way you -- can find to punish me is in -- vio-lence
<Linn> Yes. I've got Rudy staying in my spare room, but it's far from an ideal position.
<wisesnake> What would you suggest?
* Veraik suddenly lets her go and augments to the other side of the room.
* Gnome` listens to the wind all the time.
* Alea falls to the floor, wincing when she hits her injured parts
<Linn> He's got to be moved out of Eastcove entirely. That's the only thing which can prevent his father from finding him.
* Alea sits there, stunned
<Veraik> [turning back and saying through gritted teeth] You may not like to be here.....and at this point I may not like you to be here but here you will stay until I have decided you have become a professional Donor.
* Alea curls up, pulling her knees to her chest, pulling her field in tightly
<Veraik> when that happens I will release you and ALEA... not a moment sooner.
<wisesnake> Here? Bender Cove? Or elsewhere.
<Alea> as you say, hajene
<Veraik> So you had best learn to be a good Donor. The best Donor you can be if you ever want to leave this place.
* Alea can't believe that she once thought of this place as home... she should have known better than to get to know anyone... then she realizes she shouldn't have pushed Veraik either
<Alea> you can bet I'll do that, hajene
<Alea> day and night
* Alea still won't look at him
<Linn> The most important thing is to find a safe place for him, where his father's influence can't reach. Still, I'd feel better if it was in Bender Cove, where I could keep track of him.
<wisesnake> Shall I look into orphanages?
* Alea unfolds herself, pushing herself up to her feet
<Alea> if that is all, hajene
<Linn> If there's a good one available--I don't know Bender Cove that well. A foster family would be even better.
<wisesnake> Hmmm...
* wisesnake ponders the idea
<wisesnake> I'd have to think about that one. That's not an area I have a lot of previous contacts built up in.
<Veraik> [normal voice] No Alea. You always want to leave. You want to run away.
* Alea stares blankly at Veraik
<Veraik> You are supposed to be supporting me.
<wisesnake> How about Ola and Alice?
<Alea> of course, hajene
<Veraik> Everytime I do release you you leave for more than a day.
<Linn> Well, I can keep the boy for a little longer.
* Alea walks over to support him, not answering
<Veraik> That is not a professional way to treat a channel.
<Linn> Alice is improving, physically, but she's become excessively timid.
<Alea> it won't happen again hajene
<wisesnake> Maybe a bold little boy around her will raise her spirits and make her more adventurous.
<Linn> She's afraid to leave her room except in Ola's company, for fear she'll be attacked again.
* Linn considers.
<wisesnake> Rudy is only 7 - hardly a changeover risk.
<wisesnake> The real question is whether Ola is up to it, since the burden of his supervision will be hers in the beginning.
* Veraik nods. Good.
<wisesnake> He would be in school during the days, of course.
<Linn> Well, as long as her heart doesn't give her too much trouble, she could probably manage. If she's willing.
<wisesnake> She seems a kindly sort.
* wisesnake shrugs
<wisesnake> I will ask her, or you can if you'd rather.
* wisesnake thinks about Linn's opinion of her "persuasive" abilities
<wisesnake> In fact, it should definitely be you.
<Linn> I'll discuss it with her this afternoon, then.
* Veraik goes to open the door. Let's go to the lobby. I require work to heal my aching laterals.
* Alea follows
* wisesnake gathers Nick's nager around her like a shield
* Bcal comes back into the lobby, furious
* Veraik enters the lobby.
<Bcal> there is some screw up Snake... my house doesn't know about this... Tecton doesn't know about this... Zeor does and...
* Bcal sees Veraik
<Bcal> You
* Bcal sneers at Veraik
<Veraik> Hello B'Cal.
<Bcal> what the devil is going on here
<Veraik> Is there a problem?
<Veraik> What are you referring to?
<Bcal> Snake says I'm to live with her
<Bcal> but my House and the Tecton know nothing about it
<Bcal> Zeor says yes
* wisesnake puts a hand on Linn's arm, willing her to be calm, and using hers and Nick's fields as support and shield
<Veraik> I see you got to talk to her before I had a chance.
<Linn> What are they arguing about?
* Alea looks at B'cal curiously, wondering what is going on
<Veraik> [Reaching in pocket and pulls out an envelope] This is to you
* Linn doesn't understand Simelan.
<wisesnake> B'cal's work assignment.
<wisesnake> [in English]
* Veraik turns around and zlins Snake, Linn, and Nick.
* Alea supports Veraik
<Veraik> This is to you - This is for you.
* Linn nods, finding the raised voices less alarming when she knows it's just a normal workplace dispute.
* wisesnake is on the tail end of recovery from recent work, and hiding behind Nick and Linn's nagers
* Veraik uses the support and feels better.
* Bcal reads it
* Bcal grimaces
<Bcal> I see
* Bcal narrows her eyes at Veraik
<Veraik> ~~Three letters inside the envelope...one from Zeor, one from the Tecton, one from V'Lar.
* NickR doesn't like the sound of the argument either, and tries to support Snake.
<wisesnake> [in English, quietly] It's political. Nasty, and political.
* Bcal wonders just how he managed this
<Bcal> let me go pack an overnight bag
* Bcal goes up the stairs
* Linn hears the words "Zeor" and "Tecton".
<Linn> It always is.
* Alea stays quietly by Veraik's side
* wisesnake rests on Nick's support, as much as she dares
* Veraik turns to Linn. Hello Linn, [gentle] Have are you?
* wisesnake does not remove her hand from Linn's arm
<Linn> Did you ever get my message?
* Alea trembles at veriak's gentle tone, but suppresses her anger
<Veraik> Nods at Snake and Nick. I told you everything would be fine, Snake.
* wisesnake nods once, reservedly
* Veraik thinks. I was out of town. Perhaps it is one my desk. Would you care to join me in my office?
* NickR decides that the current situation constitutes a definition of the word "fine" with which he is unfamiliar.
<Linn> Actually, I would prefer to remain here.
<Linn> It appears that your office is easier to enter than to leave.
* wisesnake laughs despite herself
* Alea touches veraik's sleeve
* Veraik looks to Snake and back to Linn. Very well. Sits on couch next to Linn. What can I do for you?
<Veraik> [curious] Why do you say that?
* wisesnake turns her face to Nick and leans against him, but listens to Veraik and Linn's words
* NickR puts his arm around Snake in support.
* wisesnake removes her hand from Linn's arm in order to put it on Nick's
<Linn> The last time I was there, I was locked in. And your Hajene Briel was making rather dramatic statements about how easy it would be for her to catch me before I reached the door, much less got it open.
<Alea> if you'll excuse me, hajene... I'll be right back
* Veraik shows visible jealousy that the Snake is getting more support from an untrained Donor than he is usually gets from Alea who is supposedly trained.
* Alea turns to leave
* Alea goes to the stairs
* Veraik signals but still smiles at Linn.
* wisesnake turns and looks at Veraik, narrow-eyed, speculative
* Alea hurries up the stairs to her room
* wisesnake considers
<Veraik> I'm sorry Linn.
* Alea goes into her room, closes the door and sinks down, gingerly into a chair, cradling her stomach, worried
<Veraik> Locked doors are not normal Tecton policy.
* Alea takes a deep breath and then goes to the sink and splashes water on her face
* Alea releases control of her nager and feels excatly waht she wants to feel at the moment
<Veraik> I'll investigate the situation and mete out the appropriate punishment.
<Veraik> I'm sorry you felt threatened. I'll make sure it won't happen again to you or to another Gen.
* Linn recalls Briel telling her that all channels locked the doors when they were dealing with clients, and that Snake locked the door before taking her first donation.
<Linn> Please do.
* Alea takes another deep breath, wipes her face and tries to get her anger under control
* Veraik zlins Linn. [strange oscillations]
* Linn is not happy at having Veraik lie to her.
* Tarsh comes into the lobby from a corridor and stops at the tense ambient.
<Veraik> Linn... j...just exactly what happened between you and Hajene Briel?
* wisesnake stiffens
* Alea goes back down the stairs to Veraik's side
* Linn spots Tarsh and tenses.
* Tarsh zlins Linn and turns around to try and sneak out unnoticed.
<wisesnake> Steady, [to Linn]
* Alea sees Tarsh and smiles
<wisesnake> I'm here, Linn.
* Alea sees Linn's reaction and goes to move between the two
* Tarsh spots Alea and brightens.
* Veraik zlins and wonders what the problem is this time.
<Tarsh> [trying *not* zlin Linn, which means he ends up zlinning Alea]
* Linn decides the situation is probably under control, and some of her alarm fades.
<Veraik> Linn?
* Briel walks into the Lobby, stops dead at the ambient and the selection of people.
* Linn plasters herself against the back of the couch, knowing that it's way too far to make it out the door before Briel and/or Tarsh catches her.
<wisesnake> Linn.
* Linn looks at Snake.
* wisesnake reaches for Linn's hand, looking Linn in the eye
<wisesnake> I'm here. You don't have to worry.
<wisesnake> Nothing will happen.
* Alea moves to Tarsh's side at Linn's actions
* Veraik takes control of the ambient.
<Tarsh> "I'd better go."
<Veraik> Stay Tarsh
* Alea motions Tarsh to stay
* Linn grasps Snake's hand tightly for reassurance.
* Tarsh makes sure he has his tentacles in.
<Veraik> Looks to Tarsh then to Linn then to Briel then back to Linn.
<Veraik> What happened that Linn is so very frightened?
* wisesnake transfers her gaze to Briel, steady
* Tarsh clears his throat uncomfortably
<Veraik> Snake. Do you know what happened?
* Alea reaches out and latches onto Tarsh's hand
<Tarsh> "I .. uh. There was an incident."
* Veraik resents that his Donor is supporting Tarsh and not Veriak.
<wisesnake> I have heard something. I don't know how accurate.
* Alea sees Veraik's resentment and blanches
<Veraik> An accident? Tell me about it. [neutral]
* Alea forces herself to let go of Tarsh's hand
* Alea goes over to Veraik to support him, her face blank
* Veraik adjust the nager using Alea as support and feels better.
<Tarsh> "There was a punk kid in here, trying to get attacked because of some sick album."
* wisesnake winces at Tarsh's bad beginning
<Veraik> And?
<Tarsh> ~~feels isolated~~
* Alea holds out her hand slightly to Tarsh, indicating he can come over if he'd like
<Tarsh> "She was trashing Treatment room #6, fighting Alea."
<Tarsh> ~~ wants to approach Alea but avoid Veriak ~~
* Veraik turns to Alea.
* ZillaD rushes into the lobby....
* Alea drops her hand
* Alea won't look at Veraik
<Tarsh> "and he got hurt, so I had to run out here."
* Veraik thinks that Alea isn't good enough yet to support him completely and still be near a lover.
* ZillaD seems a bit agitated but upon seeing Snake, freezes.
* wisesnake 's eyes jump to ZillaD
* NickR sees Zilla's terror and immediately tries his hardest to support Snake.
* ZillaD projects pure, blaring, hysterical panic.
<Tarsh> "And Miz Haskins was over there." [gestures toward couch]
* Veraik zlins the ambient and readjusts for the moving fields.
* Alea turns toward Zilla and sees her panic... is torn
* wisesnake flings up her shields
* Veraik augments to Zilla and gently bring her into the middle of room.
* ZillaD tries to back up, backs into a chair.
* Linn yelps at Veraik's augmentation.
* Bcal jumps over to Snake and moves to protect her
* Tarsh jerks at the panic.
* ZillaD struggles, never taking eyes off Wisesnake.
* Alea jumps for Tarsh, trying to block the field of panic from Linn
* Tarsh twists towards Linn's yelp.
* Linn sees Tarsh's loss of control.
* ZillaD projects absolute fear!
* Alea inserts herself between Linn and Tarsh
* ZillaD broadcasts terror!
<ZillaD> No! No! No!
* wisesnake backs away from Zilla's attention and blazing panic, disoriented by Nick's and B'cal's competing efforts
<Bcal> get out of the way, Nick!!!!
* Tarsh swivels blank-eyed back towards Zilla.
* NickR takes this as a sign that he's not trying hard enough and redoubles his efforts.
* Veraik blankets Zilla with his nager and his arms.
* ZillaD SCREAMS!!!!!
* Alea grabs Tarsh's arm
* Alea engages his field and knocks him duo
* Veraik tries to calm Zilla.
* Linn jumps at the noise, flaring even worse panic.
* Tarsh gasps and looks at Alea.
* wisesnake clutches her head and retreats futher
* Veraik makes hushing noises to Zilla.
* Bcal flares her field overriding Nicks and slipping her arms around Snake to blanket her in comfort
* wisesnake doesn't know which way is up
* ZillaD is a first order Donor, and is exerting all of that power in her panic.
<Alea> me, Tarsh
<Alea> look at me
<Alea> you're okay
* Linn looks at Snake and realizes that she is in no condition to protect Linn.
* wisesnake clings to B'cal, struggling to come duo and see what is happening with eyes
* Tarsh stares into Alea's eyes, tentacles squirming.
* Veraik 's efforts fail and he crumples to the floor.
* Bcal brings Snake down duo carefully, gently, controlling her
* ZillaD 's body goes rigid...
* wisesnake pulls out of B'cal's direct embrace
<wisesnake> I'm fine!
<wisesnake> Help me.
* Bcal slides her arms up Snake's arms
<Bcal> lean on me
* ZillaD begins to respond at some level to Veraik's attempt...
<wisesnake> No... HELP me.
* Linn sees Veraik collapse, and realizes that something is VERY wrong.
* Bcal turns to help Snake
* wisesnake leans on B'cal's field for control, and approaches Linn from behind
<Tarsh> "Alea... That FEAR! I..."
* Alea sees Veraik
<Alea> no Tarsh
<Alea> please
* Alea torn...
* wisesnake reaches out with her field
<Alea> B'cal?
<Alea> Snake?
* Linn is rigid, paralyzed with fear.
* Alea turns to Veraik
* ZillaD dimly becomes aware of Veraik, his situation. Some deep ingrained behavior responds.
* ZillaD blinks
<Alea> Tarsh go to my office
<Alea> now!
* Alea shoves him in that direction
<Alea> please
* ZillaD looks down from the object of her terror.
* Briel remains frozen, eyes blank and crazy, then slowly pivots towards Linn.
* ZillaD sees Veraik's crumpled form.
* Tarsh stumbles and falls to hands and knees.
* wisesnake encloses Linn in her field
* Linn stares at Briel in horror.
* Briel takes one step toward Linn
* Alea throws herself toward Veraik
* Tarsh focuses on Alea's door and crawls towards it.
* wisesnake overpowers Linn's field, projecting her channel's showfield instead; uninviting
* Alea falls on her knees next to Veraik
* ZillaD turns to Veraik, still numb...
* Alea grabs his arms, flaring her desire to help
<Alea> come on, hajene
<Alea> I'm here
* Alea leans down and makes fifth contact point to encourage Veraik
<ZillaD> That screaming part of her brain is quieting, the other aspect is slowly taking over.
* Veraik moves an eyelid.
* Briel tentacles wave in confusion; eyes show a hint of normal consciousness
* Alea lifts her mouth
<Alea> you shendoin flunky [to Zilla] help BRIEL!
* Alea drops her mouth back to Veraik
* Linn wonders how she survived spending over half an hour in Briel's company.
* Alea projects need to help
* Briel realizes what is happening, and her eyes begin to fill with tears
* Veraik responds to Gen field.
* Tarsh gets to the door and reaches for the knob.
* Bcal supports Snake, turning to Briel
* Linn isn't sure she's going to survive one minute of it this time.
* ZillaD tries to remember who this person is talking about.
* Briel cannot move; tentacles wave, hunting for the lost Gen
* ZillaD looks back up.
<Alea> do it!
<Alea> now!
<Alea> Zilla
<wisesnake> Linn. [quietly]
* ZillaD sees Briel, gets up.
<Alea> Veraik... hajene
<wisesnake> Linn, I'm holding her off. Stay very still.
* Veraik groans.
* Linn freezes.
* Alea moves back to a fifth contact point
* ZillaD moves toward Briel, not seeing Wisesnake quiet yet.
* Tarsh yanks at the locked doorknob
* Veraik responds and wraps tentacles.
<wisesnake> Try to think very calm thoughts, thoughts of trying not to be afraid. Like if you had to talk to angry parents. Trust me - it can save your life.
* Alea encourages with her nager
* Alea ~~desire, help~~
* Veraik releases fifth contact and opens eyes.
* Briel sees Linn with her eyes, but cannot Zlin her
* Alea sits back, shaking
* ZillaD starts to warm up, her nager pulsing with old familiar, Donor protocols...
<Tarsh> [sound of splintering wood]
<Veraik> [whispers] Alea?
<Alea> yes hajene
* Linn finds the thought of angry parents infinitely less threatening than her current situation.
* Alea glances up at the sound and sees Tarsh
* Briel zlins the high order Donor approaching her from the side - cannot help but turn in that direction
* Alea looks back down at Veraik
<Alea> Tarsh needs help, hajene
<Veraik> oh.... [turns over and throws up on her shoes]
* Alea holds his head
* Alea her attention going from Veraik to Tarsh
* ZillaD is drawn -- it's not NEED, but it is a need...
* Linn tries to think about Rudy and his father, and even partly succeeds as Briel turns towards Zilla.
* Veraik nods and slowly sits up.
* Tarsh gets the door open and inches through it.
* Alea slips an arm around Veraik
* Alea trembles
<Alea> I think he is hurt... please, hajene
* Veraik stands with Alea's help.
* Alea shakes her feet, careful to step over the puddle
* Alea helps him toward her office
* ZillaD holds out her arms, her field to Briel...
* Veraik holds position for a moment to rebalance then points to led the way.
<Alea> my office
<Tarsh> [door closes behind Tarsh, knob assembly hanging loose]
* Alea pulls Veraik over to her office and pushes the door open
* Briel goes to Zilla throws herself on the Donor in relief, sobbing
* ZillaD responds to Briel's confusion and conflict, projects calm safety...
* ZillaD holds Briel, enveloping her.
* Bcal sees Linn is okay and grabs Nick by the arm
<Bcal> go over there and find someone to clean up that mess
* Veraik goes to Tarsh and zlins his raised intil.
* Alea 's trembling increases as she watches Veraik helping Tarsh
* wisesnake is shaken by the loss of B'cal's complete support
* Alea snaps her head around at B'Cal
* Tarsh is curled up on the floor, field churning.
* NickR ignores B'cal's order and supports Snake.
* Veraik works nagerically on Tarsh to lower intil
* Bcal continues to support Snake
* Alea takes a deep breath and drops down on the floor by veraik to suppor thim while he works on Tarsh
* wisesnake takes a few deep breaths as the mismatched Donors' attentions stabilize again
<Alea> I sent him in here...
<wisesnake> Linn...
* ZillaD is lost in her support of Briel...
<Alea> when Zilla started screaming
* Briel is lost in ZillaD's support
<wisesnake> Linn.
* Veraik gently helps Tarsh is straighten out. [projects a soothing field]
* Linn decides that none of the remaining Simes in the room are about to attack her, and turns to Snake. 1
<Alea> he took it just like you did... but he's a renSime... I tried to get him out....
<wisesnake> Come stand here, on my other side.
<Tarsh> ~~ still trying to push his instinct down ~~
<wisesnake> Keep concentrating on things that you know better than to be frightened of.
* Bcal cuts Nick's field out and supports Snake completely
* wisesnake weathers the switch, then leans heavily on B'cal's support
<Alea> between that, and Linn's raging fear and... oh... this was the safest place
* Linn moves around Snake to the other side.
<wisesnake> [to Linn] good.
<Veraik> Oh Tarsh. I tried to shield you from the nageric slap as best I could but I'm sorry as I unable to shield it all from from you.
<Veraik> Alea you did the right thing by sending Tarsh here.
* wisesnake meets Nick's eyes, gives him the signals ~good~ and ~later~
* Alea tries to stay calm as she watches Tarsh
* ZillaD is sitting there on the floor with Briel in her arms, her eyes closed...
* Bcal 's focus stays completely upon Snake, blocking out everything else
* NickR frowns, but backs off a little.
* Tarsh 's diaphram is twitching spasmodically.
* Alea forces herself not to reach out and touch tarsh
* Veraik controls the fields to calm Tarsh's systems.
<Alea> please help him[whispers]
<Veraik> Alea. I think you had best leave. I think you are aggravating Tarsh's situation.
<Alea> no
<Veraik> Please Alea. Do it for Tarsh.
* Alea looks at Veraik, banked panic
* Alea hesitates, torn, angry, fearful
* Alea forces herself up... turns and runs out the door
* Tarsh goes into convulsions.
* Veraik focusses entirely on Tarsh.
* Alea slides down the wall outside her door and starts weeping
<Veraik> me controls the convulsions by the force of his support nager.
<Tarsh> [convulsions fade to twitching]
* wisesnake looks a little desperate as Alea appears and projects her misery all over the lobby
* Linn peers around Snake to make sure that Briel is still under control. Now that the crisis seems to be past, she starts shaking with reaction.
* wisesnake steps back against B'cal, and grips the Donor's arm
* Alea continues to sob, oblivious to everyone except the two people in her office, on the other side of the insulation
* Veraik wraps tentacles and provides a back force field gradient to help relax Tarsh's pent up system.
* Bcal is tempted to go slap the little love bird... but knows that'll only make things worse
* Bcal supports Snake
* wisesnake grimaces
<wisesnake> Focus... B'cal!
<Bcal> I am SNAKE
* wisesnake flinches again
* wisesnake 's nerves are nearly shot
<wisesnake> [pleading] Linn?
* NickR notices Linn trembling.
<wisesnake> Linn...
<Bcal> can't someone do something with that little twit?
<wisesnake> Nick...
* Tarsh goes limp.
<NickR> Here, Linn. It's all right.
<wisesnake> Go comfort Alea. Please. One of you.. both of you...
* Alea keeps her attention on Snake
* NickR hugs Linn reassuringly.
<wisesnake> Nick!
* Alea sits by the door, waiting for Veraik to open the door so she can come back in
<Tarsh> ~~ unconcious, breathing very shallow ~~
* wisesnake grits her teeth and abandons Nick and Linn as temporarily unavailable, advances on the misery-broadcasting Alea herself.
* NickR remembers some of his lessons, and walks Linn over until the two of them are directly between Alea and Snake.
<Bcal> no, Snake
<Bcal> I'll go to her if you'll be okay
* wisesnake stops
<Bcal> you shouldn't right now
<wisesnake> Whatever it takes to stop that... that awful...
* Bcal nods
* wisesnake crumples onto a couch
* Veraik goes to Alea's medical cabinet and mixes fosebine.
<wisesnake> I'll wait
* Bcal turns, eyes narrowing dangerously and starts across the room
* Bcal stops and stoops down in front of Alea, who is still eaping
* wisesnake zlins the change in B'cal's mood and struggles back up again
<Bcal> listen, you little lovebird
* Veraik goes back to Tarsh, gives him a tiny nageric push to wake him up then helps him to drink the fosebine.
<wisesnake> B'cal!
<wisesnake> No...
<Bcal> get it under control and stop hurting the channels around you or I'll come back and make your life a living misery, got it?
* Alea blinks up at B'cal shocked
* wisesnake pushes her way between them, in pain
* Linn 's shaking gradually stills, and she looks around, trying to figure out what's happening.
<wisesnake> No!
* Bcal stands up innocently
<wisesnake> Stop it!
<wisesnake> Both of you
<wisesnake> No hate, no pain
* Bcal slips her hand to Snake's arm
<wisesnake> Stop.
<Bcal> there's no hate, no pain
<Bcal> just talk
* Alea just realizes Snake is there...
* wisesnake claws at her chest, a violent motion
<wisesnake> I feel it!
<Alea> do you want to go in an insulated room, Snake?
<wisesnake> No!
* Linn watches the conversation.
* Alea looks alarmed
* Tarsh , semiconcious, sips at the fosebine and starts coughing.
* Linn frowns.
<Alea> please Snake....
* Alea struggles up, wincing in pain
<wisesnake> No, I want everybody to start taking some responsibility for their nagers!
* Linn walks over to the arguing trio.
<wisesnake> And stop broadcasting negative emotions...
<Linn> That is quite enough.
* Alea winces
* Alea shies away
* Veraik forces Tarsh's lungs to reject the liquid and supports him.
* wisesnake recoils from all three of them
* Bcal engages Snake's field
<Linn> If you three can't behave like adults, you should remain silent as befits a child!
* Tarsh breathes in.
* wisesnake is shocked
* Bcal ignores Linn
<Tarsh> [lets fosebine flow down throat]
* Veraik encourages Tarsh
* Alea slides back down to the floor, turning back to the door, ignoring them
* wisesnake jerks as her field is taken in hand by B'cal, then moves closer to the Donor with a shudder.
* Linn addresses Alea.
<Bcal> it's okay
<Bcal> rest on me
* Veraik uses a nageric block to stop the fosebine from going into Tarsh's lungs.
* wisesnake 's breath snorts out
* wisesnake leans on Bcal, still looking wild
<Linn> You can't help anyone through the door. You might as well do something useful instead. Find a janitor to clean up that mess in the middle of the floor.
* Alea thinks about what Linn says... realizes she is right... she can't help anyone
* Alea stands and goes to the front door... going out it instead
* Linn turns to B'cal.
<wisesnake> Linn... I asked you to help her, not...
<Tarsh> [fosebine goes into Tarsh's stomach. Except for what goes down his chin.]
<Bcal> don't even thinking, Linn
<Linn> You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
* Bcal warns her
<wisesnake> Nick...
<wisesnake> Nick!
<Bcal> let me take care of my channel
* Veraik encourages Tarsh's systems to relax and allow his selyn to supply the flow through his body.
* Bcal keeps her attention on Snake
* wisesnake wishes somebody would listen to her
* Alea goes off the property and looks left then right... then decides to go right down the street
* wisesnake realizes nobody is going to, and subsides against B'cal, defeated for now
* Veraik holds Tarsh and supports him nagerically while the fosebine takes effect.
<Linn> I don't see that picking senseless quarrels with your colleagues is helping anything, except your sense of self-importance.
<Tarsh> ~~selyn pattern shifts to a weak but normal mode~~
* Veraik is encouraged by what he zlins.
* Tarsh uncurls and rolls onto his back.
* Veraik holds Tarsh and zlins his condition.
* Alea looks around at the streets wondering if Linn was right... she had failed both Tarsh and Veraik
* Veraik picks Tarsh up and carries him to the infirmary.
* Alea sees the police station and blanches
* Alea decides to turn back and go the other way... it's safer
* Veraik places Tarsh on a bed then helps him to remove his cloths and puts on a gown.
* Bcal looks at Nick though she doesn't take her nageric support from Snake
<Bcal> someone stuff a sock in her mouth
* Bcal slips her arms around Snake and encourages her toward the door
<Bcal> let's get you home
<Veraik> Then he helps him under the covers and puts a light blanket over his shoulders.
<Veraik> Tarsh, you'll feel better tomorrow. Rest here. This is your haven. You are safe.
* Veraik zlins and adjust sthe ambient for a soothing field.
* Tarsh mumbles something indecipherable.
* Linn steps between B'cal and the door.
* Veraik waits until he is sure Tarsh is asleep.
<Linn> Yes, it's always easier to try to silence someone than to listen to what they have to say, isn't it?
<Linn> You might not like what you hear.
* Veraik projects soothing, calming, sleeping nager.
* wisesnake finds it difficult to think while depending utterly on B'cal for physical and nageric support
<Linn> Particularly if you make a habit of making yourself thoroughly unpleasant.
* wisesnake looks at Linn, curious but somehow disconnected
<Linn> Have you no sense of decency, no honor at all, that you would treat someone that way?
* Veraik slowly back out of room when he decides it is safe then heads for the lobby, hoping to find Alea.
* Bcal simply stares at Linn, refusing to take her attention off of Snake
* Bcal refuses to use the energy for it... thinks it's about time Linn got a bit upset and showed some spirit after all the ruckus that happened
* Veraik enters the lobby. "Where is Alea?"
* Bcal looks up, hooks a finger toward the front door
<Bcal> come on, Snake... we should get you back home and tuck you in bed, unless you want to stay in my room tonight
* wisesnake pulls away from B'cal somewhat
<Bcal> I'm not leaving you alone without support though
* Veraik disappears out the door. Looks right then left and spots her disappearing back.
<Linn> I see you _don't_ have any honor.
* Veraik augments to catch her.
<Linn> Or any manners, either.
<Veraik> Where are you going Alea?
* Bcal refuses to answer such a question
* Alea stops and blinks, pulling away a bit from Veraik
<Alea> I was going... walking
* Linn looks at Snake.
<wisesnake> Linn...
<Linn> Where is she from, anyway?
<wisesnake> It's a long story.
<wisesnake> Look, I'm sorry for what happened.
<Veraik> Walking? I thought you were concerned about Tarsh?
* Bcal steps back to support Snake and allow her to talk
* Alea blanches at Veraik's words
<Alea> I am
* wisesnake looks more and more herself
<wisesnake> [some may not view this as an improvement, but...]
<wisesnake> Can you forgive me?
<Veraik> Well. He will be fine and is sleeping in the infirmary.
* Alea nods and looks away
<Veraik> Thank you for leaving when you did. I think you saved his life by your act.
<Veraik> I know that it was hard for you but you did the right thing.
* Alea flinches at his words
<Alea> as you say, hajene
<Veraik> A good Donor knows when to stay and when to leave...
* Alea thinks a good Donor knows when not to desert her channel too...
<Linn> For what? I doubt you planned... this... when you invited me to come here.
* Alea also thinks she'd give anything if she wasn't having this conversation wtih Veraik right now
* wisesnake accepts this as a yes
<Alea> can I see him?
<wisesnake> Them we will speak again soon? About... matters discussed today?
<Veraik> Look. Tarsh will be there for you when he is better.
<Alea> I want to be there for him
<Linn> Yes. I will let you know what, if anything, I can arrange.
* wisesnake nods
* wisesnake smiles, finally
<Veraik> It would be best if you didn't see him for a few hours.
<wisesnake> Until later, then.
* Alea field goes flat
<Alea> I see
<Veraik> That will give his raw systems some time to repair themselves.
* Alea turns away
<Veraik> It's only for four hours. You can wait that long, can't you?
<Alea> then, if you don't mind, I think I'll just ... walk
<Linn> It is getting late.
<Alea> of course, hajene
<Veraik> If you insist but I think I will tag along.
* Veraik zlins Alea and is concerned.
* Alea walks absently down the street not sure where she is going
* Veraik follows but doesn't say a word.
<Linn> I should go check in on Alice before I go home. I'll walk back with you as far as Plum Street.
<wisesnake> Ok.
* Bcal thinks she's going to be stuck with Linn and Nick all the way to Plum Street
* Alea turns down a side street
* wisesnake glances back, makes sure nick is in close attendance, then gestures for the door
<wisesnake> Well then, we go.
* Veraik goes with her.
* Veraik zlins the baby.
* Alea tunes Veraik out
* Linn and Nick follow Snake and B'cal out the door.
* Alea comes upon another side street and because of traffic, turns left again
* Veraik zlins Alea's selyn production rate has gone flat.
* Veraik goes with Alea, zlinning.
* wisesnake takes the lead and heads for home, feeling the burden of the assorted train of people behind her but unable to deny their value
* Alea just continues to walk... not noting the cold... but seeing the bleak, overcast sky above wonders if they're going to get rain later
* Linn looks at the sky, hoping she'll be home before it actually starts raining.
* Veraik grabs Alea, cradles her like a baby, and augments back to the Center and to the treatment room next to the infirmary where Tarsh is staying.
* Alea is shocked and struggles
<Alea> Veraik
* Alea focuses on him
* Veraik relaxes with her focus.
* wisesnake drops Linn off at Ola's
<Alea> please put me down
<wisesnake> You are welcome to stay with us if you can't make it home. Ola knows where we are.
<Alea> I don't want you to touch me
<Linn> Thank you. I may take you up on that if it rains. This coat isn't waterproof.
<Veraik> Alea. I've brought you back. It was too cold out and it is going to rain. Take some fosebine and relax here or I'm afraid you won't be able to see Tarsh at the promised time,
<Veraik> And I WANT you to see Tarsh. Do you understand?
* wisesnake and B'cal and Nick continue on home
* Alea simply stares at Veraik and finally accepts the fosebine
* Alea doesn't reply
* Alea looks right through Veraik
* Alea doesn't care what Veraik wants
<Alea> you should go rest, hajene
<Alea> you're not in the best of shape
* Veraik strokes her hair from Alea's eyes. "I'm sorry but I must care for you. You are hurting and you want to see the one you love but first you must be healthy enough to see him."
<Alea> I'm perfectly healthy, hajene
* Alea thinking but her rear hurts like the devil
* wisesnake realizes she has a long, long night ahead of her... the obligatory therapy with B'cal, sprinkled no doubt with many arguments, and then to explain to Nick, and spend some serious time with him.
* wisesnake realizes it's going to be a long, long 2 months
<Veraik> Sure you are Alea and I plan to make sure you stay that way. Remember I promised the Sectuib that I would care for you.
* Alea 's field goes flat at the mention of the Sectuib... something she doesn't care to think about
<Alea> of course, hajene
<Alea> could I have some peace and quiet now?
<Veraik> I'll help her under the covers and you can sleep until time to see Tarsh. Deal?
* Alea shrugs
* Alea sees no reason to rest, but refuses to argue with Veraik
* Alea thinks it's Veraik, not her that has gone off the deep end
* Veraik zlins Alea's despondent nager and worries.
<Veraik> He helps to under the covers and pulls the covers to her chin.
* Alea feels resentment at Veraik 2
<Veraik> Finally, he puts her to sleep
<Alea> please don't touch me, hajene
* Alea falls to sleep
* Veraik zlins his patient then goes to his bedroom to take a shower.
Notes:
1) For those who have not read the previous 41 episodes, or for whatever reason failed to see why this episode is entitled "Nageric Train Wreck", the train wreck scene is briefly set up here: Linn is a Simephobe and has been recently stalked by both Briel and Tarsh, and is therefore terrified of them both. She trusts Snake but no other Sime there. Tarsh is a renSime with a Gen fixation who is in love with Alea and has recently been thrown into hunting mode more than once when Gens flared fear. Zilla is a Donor who for various reasons (see recent episodes) is scared witless by Snake. VERY witless as it turns out. And Briel is a disjunct channel whose disjunction has recently shown signs of weakening. When Linn, Briel, and Tarsh set each other off, things are a little hairy but Snake and Alea and Veraik almost have it under control... until Zilla enters and sees Snake and broadcasts terror at TN-1 volume. Veraik is caught in the middle and collapses. Alea is torn between helping Tarsh and helping Veraik, and therefore succeeds in helping neither. Wise Snake is disoriented by B'cal and Nick fighting for dominance in protecting her, and therefore is of little use in helping anyone else. Okay! Now go read it again. :) [return]
2) It is unclear whether Alea's player meant to type "Alea feels resentment OF Veraik" insted of "AT Veraik", but thi [return]
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