Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #44: Apology Deflected (10/12/97)

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* Briel glances up

* Linn stops to admire a small maple tree which still has some color on it.

<Alea> sorry, I thought Veraik was here

<Briel> he's still upstairs... I was looking for retainers. I plan to go today and talk with Linn about the fiasco since Veraik is still feeling poor

<Alea> he keeps them in his bottom drawer

* Briel turns back to her duties until she finds them, then pulls them out

* Briel slips them onto her belt, grabs her cloak, motions to Jon and pushes past Alea, ignoring her

* Briel starts down the street, on her way OT to find Linn

* Alea shrugs and, pulls the door to before going to her office

* Linn continues down the street to Snake's apartment.

* Briel ties her cloak about her neck, heading down the street

* NickR is sitting in the window of the apartment, studying his notes from his last training session with Snake.

* wisesnake is to all outward appearances crashed out on the couch.

* wisesnake is actually trying to think through the 20 or so steps of an extremely convoluted business deal she is on the verge of thinking up.

* Briel is surprised to see Linn walking down the street

* Briel grabs Jon by the arm

<Briel> stay RIGHT BY ME

<Briel> Linn!

* Linn pauses outside of Snake's apartment to look at a garden.

* Linn looks up at the sound of her name.

* Briel slows down and stops a few feet away

<Briel> hello Linn

* NickR , glancing idly out of the window, notices Linn.

* wisesnake 's laterals lick out as she zlins the three out front

* wisesnake groans

<wisesnake> spare me.

* Linn 's eyes widen as she recognizes Briel.

<Briel> would it be possible to talk with you a minute. I wanted to... apologize

* Linn backs a little farther away from Briel, watching to see if her eyes glaze over.

* Briel doesn't move, but stands calmly, tentacles completely retracted

* wisesnake pokes her head up over the couch

<NickR> Who's that talking to Miz Haskins? Whoever it is, she doesn't seem happy about it.

<Briel> Well Linn... what's it to be... can we talk or do I leave?

* wisesnake jumps over the back of the couch to look out the window

<wisesnake> How in the world...

* Linn decides that Briel looks at least mostly sane at the moment.

* Briel shrugs turns to go

<Linn> What is it you want to say?

* Briel pauses

<wisesnake> Nick, as soon as we get done with this, start packing your things. We're going to have to move already.

* Briel turns back around

<Briel> I wanted to apologize for what happened

<Briel> and for the incident in the cafe too

* Briel sighs

* Linn listens skeptically.

<Briel> You signed the paper wanting help with your Simephobia.

<Briel> I was simply trying to follow up on that... until I saw you with Snake

<Briel> I'll admit it infuriated me that you were coming to us for help while hanging around Snake, who in my opinion is dangerous

* wisesnake zlins, notices everything seems semi-stable, is reluctant to interfere too soon

<Briel> I don't know why you signed the order with Veraik for help if you don't really require it

<Briel> although, it seems with certain Simes you do and others you don't... which, in my opinion isn't Simephobia

<Briel> however, that's not the point

* wisesnake goes over to the door, cracks it open quietly, and watches the three, ready to augment to intervene if Linn panics

<Briel> the point is, I took over some very delicate work that only Veraik should have been working on with you

<Briel> and I failed

<Briel> I apologize for that

* Briel shrugs

<Briel> I just wanted you to know. Don't blame Veraik either, for my mistakes

* Briel turns to leave

* Linn wonders just what Briel was talking about.

* Briel knows Snake is there and sees no reason to stay and discuss it when Linn is going to visit Snake

* Briel plans to tell hajene Veraik just to tear up the orders signed by Linn, that it's a wash out

* Briel motions to Jon

<Briel> call on hajene Veraik if you require him at any time

* Briel starts down the road with JonDrake in tow

* Linn stares after them, completely confused by the conversation.

* wisesnake didn't hear their words, but thinks confusion is better than panic, most of the time

<Briel> you know, Jon, I don't think Linn ever wanted help from the Center

<wisesnake> Linn?

<Briel> she has no desire to be over her phobia

<Briel> she'd rather live in her own safe little world that involves lunatics like Snake

* JonDrake hadn't gone into Gen Territory in quite some time...

* Linn turns back to the door.

<Briel> one day she's going to find out the Center isn't her enemy, but Snake is

<Linn> Hello, Snake.

* Briel rubs wearily at the back of her neck

<wisesnake> What was that all about?

<wisesnake> And how did you find out where I - oh, Ola.

<Linn> I haven't the faintest idea. She was babbling something about a paper and Hajene Veraik.

* Briel pulls the retainers off her belt and tosses them to JonDrake

<Briel> glad I won't be requiring those

<Linn> Yes. She said I might be able to find you here.

<Linn> She's willing to take Rudy in, at least for a while.

<wisesnake> That's great.

<Linn> I thought you might want to know.

<wisesnake> Yes. Thank you.

<wisesnake> Are you sure you have no idea what Briel wanted with you?

<Linn> She seemed to be trying to apologize.

<wisesnake> Oh.

<Linn> It was something about trying some work that Hajene Veraik was supposed to be taking care of.

<wisesnake> Oh!

<wisesnake> Treating your Simephobia?

* Briel looks around and motions Jon closer

<Briel> stay close out here.

<Linn> She did say something about how she didn't think I was really afraid of Simes, but I couldn't see what that has to do with the school board.

* JonDrake moves closer.

* wisesnake 's eyes narrow

<wisesnake> The school board?

<wisesnake> I thought we were talking about Veraik and Briel.

<wisesnake> Uh... do you want to come in?

<Linn> Yes, I told you that I asked Hajene Veraik for help with the school board, and that he came up with that disastrous idea about having me nominated for an award.

<wisesnake> You know, that award idea wasn't such a bad one.

<Linn> Briel was trying to help me straighted things out.

* wisesnake holds open the door for Linn

<wisesnake> Please, come in.

* Linn goes through the door.

* wisesnake doesn't like standing around on the front steps for the whole neighborhood to see

* wisesnake closes the door behind her

<wisesnake> Have a seat... wherever

* Linn sits in a chair.

<wisesnake> Okay, so Veraik was helping you with the school board... and he had an idea for helping you that you didn't like, and... go on?

* Linn shrugs helplessly.

* Briel looks around and moves closer to Jon. After the disaster at the Center, she doesn't like being around anyone she doesn't know

* NickR is standing in the hall, ready to help Snake if she'd had to intervene between Linn and Briel.

* NickR smiles.

<NickR> Hello, Miz Haskins.

<Briel> well, that was a complete washout, Jon. Veraik is going to be disappointed

<Briel> I suppose we'll just have to go to another school and find someone to work with

<Briel> about getting the literature into schools

* NickR resumes his seat on the couch.

* wisesnake surveys the scene, then goes and sits down beside Nick

<Linn> Well, I went back to talk to him, and he wasn't there, and each time I tried to see him, they kept putting me off, and telling me to come back the next day.

<wisesnake> Okay...

<wisesnake> And where does your Simephobia treatment fit into all this?

<Linn> Simephobia treatment?

* NickR resumes his seat on the couch.

<JonDrake> I don't know -- I'd hate to give up. Are there any other schools quite so close?

<Linn> Alea asked me if I wanted to try something like that, but I told her no.

<wisesnake> [patiently] I was told you were under treatment for Simephobia.

* wisesnake frowns at Linn's denial

<Linn> You were?

<Linn> Who told you that?

<wisesnake> Uh... [thinks back]

<JonDrake> Are there ANY other schools in that town?

<wisesnake> Briel... and maybe Veraik has mentioned it... possibly Alea.

<Briel> I don't know

<Briel> we'll have to leave that up to veraik

* Linn shakes her head.

<Briel> it's a shame we've lost this school. But since Linn obviously wants nothing to do with us, and now that the idea about working with the schools has come up, I'm sure Veraik will follow up on it with another school

<wisesnake> Well, were you or weren't you?

<Linn> Well, I certainly never asked for any such treatment. Although lately, I've been wondering if that was a good decision.

<JonDrake> The thing is, is Linn linking herself and the school with the underbelly that Snake serves?

<Briel> surely not

* wisesnake thinks there is something a mite bit peculiar about this whole situation

<JonDrake> Snake seems to be concerned with keeping the worst of it at bay, under control, but she still works to maintain the status quo.

<Briel> I doubt Linn knows any of the activities that Snake is involved in

<JonDrake> This is the whole reason this small Center was put here, wasn't it? To break this hold?

* wisesnake thinks if it had been her, instead of Veraik, she would have offered to trade help with the school board for agreeing to Simephobia treament.

<Briel> I have no idea why the Center was put here. All I know is it is hajene Veraik's pet project

<Briel> you'd have to ask him

* wisesnake massages her jaw

<Briel> I only work here

<Linn> I seem to be spending so much time on this side of the border these days.

<wisesnake> Yes...

<wisesnake> [still thinking]

* Linn blushes, thinking of Verile.

<JonDrake> Of course, we'd have to actually pin him down for a long enough.

<Briel> Yeah, I'm sure there are

<wisesnake> Well this doesn't really sound like Veraik, but... is it.. um.. possible that you were receiving Simephobia treatment without having actually given consent?

<Briel> other schools, that is

<Linn> I don't know. How is Simephobia usually treated?

* wisesnake spreads her hands

<wisesnake> I -- look, I'm not 100% up to date on Tecton techniques.

<Briel> Veraik is still under bed rest, by my order, backed up by his Donor

<wisesnake> I think phobia treaments of most kinds has to do with exposing the person to what frightens them the most in a well controlled, safe situation, until they become desensitized to it.

<Briel> he took a shock to his systems and isn't allowed out of bed

* Briel shrugs

<Briel> he's been working too hard lately anyway. He required the rest

* Linn thinks back over her visits to the Sime Center.

<JonDrake> He seems to be having a great many problems lately. Is he having some sort of chronic problem?

<Briel> you can ask that with the Donor he has?

* Briel shakes her head

<Briel> and he lost Snake on top of this and now is at some sort of odds with Zeor

<Linn> Well, Hajene Veraik might have been trying something like that, a little. Either that, or he just got excited and started waving his tentacles in my face.

* wisesnake laughs

<wisesnake> Well, it's possible.

* wisesnake 's smile freezes and an alarmed look crosses over her face as her quick mind finally puts all the pieces together

<JonDrake> I guess that _is_ a bit of stress...

<Linn> What Briel did, though, was not remotely similar.

<Briel> very true.

<wisesnake> Wait a minute. Wait a minute, I think I know what's going on here.

* Linn looks at Snake hopefully.

* wisesnake grips her forehead briefly with the fingers and tentacles of one hand

<wisesnake> Oh, what a screw up. I hope this isn't true.

<wisesnake> Veraik will have a heart attack if he ever finds out what happened.

* Briel sees the Sime Center and sighs in relief

* Linn has grown accustomed enough to Snake that the sight of the tentacles doesn't bother her

too much -- at least, as long as they're across the room.

* Linn waits for enlightenment.

<wisesnake> Look... the reason why Briel seemed to think that there was some connection between Veraik helping you with the school board, and your being scared of Simes...

<wisesnake> And the reason she said something about... uh... a paper, and Veraik?

<Linn> Yes?

<wisesnake> Did you sign something?

* Linn thinks.

<Linn> Well, I signed some paperwork before I donated that first time, and... [thinks some more]

* JonDrake sees that they are almost home...

* wisesnake waits

* Briel goes up the stairs to the Center

<Linn> Wait a moment. When I told Alea that I'd come to take advantage of Hajene Veraik's offer to help me -- he was concerned after that fiasco with Brett Salvo and the other parents --

<wisesnake> Yes?

<wisesnake> Go on...

<JonDrake> You mind if I just secure these retainers?

* Briel motions to the retainers

<JonDrake> I'll be right back.

* wisesnake has no idea what fiasco Linn is talking about but can probably guess something close

<Briel> please put those in the storage cabinet

* Alea goes to Veraik's office, unlocks the door and goes in

* JonDrake smiles. "He must be getting better."

<Linn> She handed me some papers. Said they required a signature before he could help me. I thought that was a bit excessive, but I know the interterritorial situation is tense just now.

* Briel goes to Veraik's office, unlocks the door and goes in

* wisesnake changes her mind about the details of the fiasco... they seem kind of important now.

<wisesnake> Just what happened with the parents?

<Linn> Well, some of them were upset by the literature you distributed when you visited my class. Claimed it was obscene, and children shouldn't have been allowed near it.

* wisesnake thinks back... that was an awfully long time ago...

<wisesnake> Oh!

<wisesnake> Oh, well, I can understand THAT.

<Linn> You can?

* wisesnake is amazed at how stupid some kids can be... she wouldn't have dreamed of showing those articles to parents.

<wisesnake> They should have taken that stuff out before they showed their parents the Sime Center brochures.

* Linn looks at Snake sternly.

<Linn> What stuff?

<wisesnake> The goodies I put in some of the pamphlets to keep the rowdy kids quiet. Didn't you wonder why they sat so still during my presentation?

* JonDrake returns quickly to report for rounds.

* Briel rubs a tentacle across her forehead

* Linn remembers Rudy and Bobby giggling over their brochures.

* Tarsh dreams of a two headed Gen, one screaming in fear, the other projecting need-to-give.

<Briel> okay, Jon, come on, we only have the infirmary rounds left

<Linn> What kind of goodies? Snake, I think you owe me a straight answer.

* Alea wanders back down to the infirmary, thinking she should get back to Tarsh

<JonDrake> Right away!

* Tarsh thrashes in his sleep.

* Briel pushes herself up, stretches, extending her tentacles and turns to go

* Briel pauses to lock Veraik's door behind her, having promised not to leave it unlocked

<Tarsh> [The Two-headed gen splits apart and a dark void grows out of it]

* wisesnake shrugs

<wisesnake> Well, I cut some articles out of magazines, and folded them up between the pages of the brochures.

<Tarsh> [the void envelops Tarsh in the nageric equivalent of total darkness]

* Alea pauses outside Tarsh's door wondering if she should go in or leave him sleeping

* Alea decides to slip in quietly

<Briel> come on, Jon

* Briel starts down the hall

<Linn> Sime Territory magazines?

<Tarsh> [a distant pinprick is zlinnable]

* Alea opens the door and slips inside

* JonDrake follows.

<Tarsh> [It grows to a blazing brightnager in the darkness]

<wisesnake> Yeah... well... they must have some OT circulation.

* Alea slips back over to the bed and takes up her position that she has had all night, sitting in the chair with her hand next to his shoulder

* Briel and Jon pause to check on Zilla and then Veraik before going on to the infirmary

<Tarsh> [Enveloped in a blinding soft/warm/gentle nager]

* Briel goes past two other rooms, pausing to check on the patients before finally making her way to Tarsh's room

* Linn sighs.

* Briel opens the door zlinning, sighing when she finds Alea there

<Linn> I wish you had consulted me first. I have a lot of parents who have very strict ideas of what their children should be exposed to.

<Tarsh> [A form of darkness impinges on the brightness]

* wisesnake is surprised

* Briel approaches the bed

<Briel> excuse me, please

* Tarsh toses and groans.

* Alea stands and moves out of the way

<wisesnake> Honestly I don't understand why kids would show that stuff to their parents in the first place.

* Briel motions to Jon and then effecitvely cuts out Alea's nager

<Tarsh> [the brightness retreats and is devoured by the new darkness]

<wisesnake> And I barely knew you at the time. But I will be sure to consult you if a similar situation ever comes up again.

* Tarsh is sweating and twitching.

* Briel reaches out to touch Tarsh and wake him

<Briel> Tarsh

* Alea clasps her hands, worried

<Linn> I would appreciate that. I had a very hard time getting permission for the children to hear you at all, and then only because the parents were allowed to view your coloring books ahead of time.

* Tarsh awakes. "AAUUGH!"

<wisesnake> Ah.

<Linn> They assumed that your materials would be very similar.

* wisesnake wonders what this has to do with anything

<wisesnake> Look, uh,

* Briel braces herself against Tarsh's onslaught

<wisesnake> Getting back to why you required Veraik's help.

<wisesnake> What kind of help did you ask Veraik for?

<Alea> Tarsh?

* Tarsh looks around, panting and frightened.

* Alea calls out without moving foward

* Tarsh turns to look for the voice. "Alea?"

<Briel> needmares?

<Alea> it's okay

<Briel> she's over there

<Tarsh> "what? Yes. Just a needmare."

* Briel waves a tentacle

<Linn> I asked him to address the unhappy parents, to answer their concerns. He tried, but it went all wrong, because Mr. Salvo wasn't being at all reasonable.

<wisesnake> Ah.

<Briel> are your needmares usually this severe?

<wisesnake> And the subject of your Simephobia came up... when?

<Linn> I told Veraik afterwards that I was afraid for my job, and he promised to help me if I got in trouble over this.

<Briel> or is this tied into the other night?

<Tarsh> "Sometimes. But not this early."

<Tarsh> "I think so, yes."

<Briel> I see

* Briel reaches for his arms, zlinning him closely

<Linn> Well, Alea talked to me about it earlier, and I told her I wasn't interested. Several times, as I recall.

* Tarsh starts to draw back, then stops himself.

<Briel> you know, my offer of yesterday still stands. If you should require help in this area, over your fears, we can talk

* Briel notes his action but ignores it

* wisesnake massages her eyes with her hand and tentacles again

<wisesnake> Look, I guess it's not important now.

<wisesnake> Forget it.

<Tarsh> ~~ reluctance ~~

<Linn> Forget what?

<wisesnake> What did they tell you those papers you signed were for?

* Linn thinks back.

* Briel extends her laterals and leans forward for fifth contact for a deep scan

* Tarsh allows the contact.

<Linn> They didn't, really. Alea just said that Hajene Veraik couldn't help me unless I signed.

* Briel finally releases Tarsh

<wisesnake> I think you did sign consent forms for Simephobia treatment.

<Briel> I think you can probably get out of the infirmary today if you'd like.

<wisesnake> You probably just thought they were for helping you with the school board because those problems were foremost on your mind at the time.

<Briel> Of course, we'd want you to stay at the Center for the next few days...possibly until your next transfer

<wisesnake> Because I really can't see Veraik doing that kind of a treatment unless he genuinely thought he had your consent.

<wisesnake> Nothing you have described so far... literature, or angry parents... none of that involves forms to sign, that I know of.

* Tarsh wipes sweat off his face. "Yes, but I may just use my room upstairs for a day or two.

* Linn reconsiders her recent visits to the Sime Center in view of this new information.

<Briel> Yes. That's where I would expect you to stay.

<Briel> I think Veraik would agree that after the recent shocks to your system, we want to keep a close monitor on you until after transfer. That's why I suggested staying here until after your transfer.

<Briel> Your room is fine.

<Linn> It's beginning to make a twisted kind of sense.

<Tarsh> ~~ is vaguely evasive at the mention of transfer ~~

<Briel> Just somewhere that you can be around the safety of channels.

* Alea moves up by tarsh

<wisesnake> Briel is recently disjunct. If she ended up getting involved in trying to handle Simephobia by deliberate scaring, it could easily have gotten ugly... and resulted in the kinds of scenes we saw at the restaurant and in the Sime Center's lobby.

* Tarsh turns to smile at Alea.

* Linn shudders.

* Briel zlins alea then Tarsh and frowns

<Linn> Ugly, yes.

<Briel> I'm sure he will.

<Briel> Well, then, you're dismissed

* Briel makes a note on the chart to watch Tarsh closely because of his evasiveness. She is afraid he will abort

<wisesnake> It would explain why, you said, she apologized for doing some work of Veraik's.

* Briel motions to Jon and goes to the door

<wisesnake> She was apologizing for getting in over her head with you.

<Linn> It would.

<Alea> he'll be fine

<Briel> like I said, if you want to talk... my door is open

* Briel leaves

<Linn> What a mess.

<Tarsh> "Thank you, Hajene, I'll remember that." ~~not bloody likely ~~

<wisesnake> The most awful thing about it is, if Veraik found out he was deliberately scaring a Simephobe who hadn't actually given consent for treament, he'd probably go into shock.

* Alea smiles at Tarsh

<Alea> You know, I think she really wants to help you. Maybe she can understand the things you don't think I do

* Alea shrugs

<Alea> let me get you your clothes and then I'll leave so you can dress

<Tarsh> "oh you can stay of you want to."

* Alea gets Tarsh's clothes and brings them to him

<Alea> you look a bit pale. Do you want some fosebine or something?

<wisesnake> He would never have done it without what he thought was your consent.

<Linn> I owe him an apology -- and Briel, too.

<wisesnake> None of them would have, I don't think. It must have been a mistake.

<wisesnake> I think it would be best for all concerned, yes, especially if as you say Briel already offered one.

<Tarsh> "No, I'm just a little shaky from the dream."

* Alea nods

* Tarsh reaches behind to untie the gown.

<wisesnake> Also you might want to reconsider that award. What harm could there be in being awarded a prestigious teaching award?

* Tarsh pulls off the gown and reaches for his shirt.

* Linn tries to control her nervousness at the thought of talking to Briel again.

<Alea> I'm sorry about leaving you. I only went to catch up on some work real quick

<Alea> I didn't think leaving you for thirty minutes would hurt since you were sleeping so deeply

* wisesnake 's eyes narrow at the change in Linn's nager

<Linn> Now that Forrest is in disgrace with his followers for donating, it might not be so bad.

<wisesnake> So bad? It would be a tremendous honor.

<wisesnake> At least most teachers would think so.

<wisesnake> And the money couldn't hurt either... that's a lot of cash.

* Alea takes the gown and then strips the bed, taking the sheets out to dump in the dirty linen hamper

* Alea comes back and quickly wipes down the bed and then puts another sheet on it

* Tarsh puts on his shirt and gets his pants.

<Alea> you're moving much better today

* Linn thinks about the changes she could make if she had more resources.

<wisesnake> It's amazing what even a small amount of extra funding can do when inserted into the appropriate link in the chain of desired events.

<Tarsh> "I feel a lot better. Don't be silly about leaving."

* Alea does not appreciate being called silly after all of her screw ups

<Linn> I'll not deny that I'd find uses for the money -- but I can't carry through with most of them if I lost my job because of it.

<Alea> of course not

* wisesnake looks disgusted

* Alea gathers the rest of the dirty utensils and takes them to the door to put them on the cart in the hallway

<wisesnake> Didn't Veraik tell you anything about the award? You could get a teaching job at any school you wanted if you won that award.

<wisesnake> Why stick around where you are not wanted?

<Linn> Because the children here need my help the most.

<wisesnake> So long as you know it is your choice to remain in the situation you're in, with the resources you have.

<Linn> It's fun to teach children who've got all the advantages: a safe home, sane parents.

<Alea> by the way, for the time being, you can have Snake's old office for the financial office, until veraik decides where he wants it set up

<Linn> But it doesn't satisfy like taking a Rudy and giving him a chance.

<wisesnake> Putting yourself in a position of greater power doesn't prevent you from helping the needy children also.

<Linn> I'm not a martyr. If the situation here becomes so bad that I can't be effective, I'll move on. But I don't want to leave my job here half done.

<wisesnake> The job will never be fully done, Linn. At the end of this year there will be kids you will have to see again next year. I know how it works with schools.

* wisesnake thinks so, despite the fact that she has never actually attended one

<Tarsh> "My own office? Wow!"

* wisesnake [aside from the 2 months at Zeor]

* Alea blinks as she comes back in

<Alea> well, yes

* Linn shrugs.

<Alea> it is a promotion

<Alea> even though you've been doing both jobs all along

<Linn> You're right. That's part of the reason I love my job.

<Tarsh> "Kick me upstairs where I can't do as much damage. Good idea."

<wisesnake> whatever

<Alea> well, not upstairs... but down the hall from the lobby area

* Tarsh finishes dressing.

* Alea grins

* wisesnake shakes her head

<Alea> they'll have to get past Veraik and me to get down to where you work

<wisesnake> Just remember it's easier to be generous when you have a lot, than when you have nothing to work with.

* Tarsh grins back.

<Alea> ready?

<Tarsh> "how is the weather today?

<Alea> cold

<Alea> but a nice cold

<Tarsh> "Just a sec."

<Alea> invigorating

* Tarsh goes to the mirror to comb his hair.

<Tarsh> "I was thinking we could go see our friend the gnome.

* Alea smiles

<Alea> that'd be great

<Tarsh> "let's go then." [offers his arm]

* Alea slips her arm through his

<Alea> better let me get a cloak

<Tarsh> "Sure."

* Alea hurries upstairs to her room to get her cloak

* Alea comes back down stairs, slipping it on

<Alea> ready

<Tarsh> "Shall we?"

* wisesnake shifts, made uncomfortable by the silence.

* Alea nods

* Alea buttons her cloak as she walks with Tarsh

* Tarsh walks out into the garden. The leaves have turned colors and are starting to fall.

* Alea inhales, enjoying the smell of the cool crisp air

* Linn starts buttoning her coat, summoning her courage.

<Linn> Well, I don't suppose that offering that apology is going to get easier if I put it off.

<wisesnake> Probably not.

<Linn> I must admit, even knowing that she was trying to help, I'm not looking forward to talking to Briel again.

* Linn remembers Briel's face, eyes black as she stalked Linn.

* Tarsh stretches extensively, trying to shake out his stiffness.

<Alea> I imagine augmentation would be good to help your stiffness, but since you've agumented so much all ready, I doubt they would advise it

* wisesnake shifts uncomfortably, unwilling to offer help after pushing so hard on the award issue and failing.

* Alea looks over at the gnome thinking what an odd little creature it is

<Tarsh> "Yeah. The rough part is I augmented and didn't do anything with it. All that energy just backed up."

* wisesnake knows Linn isn't likely to respond well to more on her part

* Tarsh looks at the gnome speculatively.

* NickR sees Linn's nervousness, and remembers how Briel has scared Linn.

<NickR> We could go with you, if that would make it easier.

<Alea> I imagine that's frustrating too

* Linn looks at Nick with dawning hope.

* wisesnake massages her eyes

<Linn> Would you?

* Linn looks at Snake, having picked up enough on the body language to know who's in charge, if not precisely of what and why.

* wisesnake removes her hand

<wisesnake> All right.

* wisesnake also not looking forward to going there_again.

* NickR sees Snake's upset and moves closer, thinking soothing thoughts, and glad that B'cal won't be coming along as well.

* Linn smiles.

<Linn> Thank you.

* wisesnake gets to her feet

* Linn and Nick also stand.

<Alea> you know, I wonder who put the stone statues here

* NickR reaches for two cloaks tossed over a footstool, and hands one to Snake.

<Alea> I just can't imagine Veraik doing something like that

* NickR puts on the other cloak.

* wisesnake puts on her cloak

* wisesnake looks around, curses B'cal for her absence again, silently

* wisesnake thinks she'll have to take that little issue up with Veraik while she's at the Center

* NickR opens the door courteously to show Linn out.

<Tarsh> "I wonder if supernatural creaures like him have split into Sime and Gen?

<Alea> good question

* Linn thinks once more that Snake has found herself a nice man.

* wisesnake follows Linn out the door

* NickR closes the door behind them and locks it.

<Tarsh> "Whoever had the landscaping project. Of course, the garden is really supposed to be for medicinal herbs, but..."

* Linn squares her shoulders with determination and leads the way.

* wisesnake follows, silently

* Alea nods

<Alea> someone got fanciful

* NickR falls in at Snake's side.

<Alea> probably Veraik

<Alea> since he is the one who argued so hard for this Center

<Alea> you okay or should you sit down?

* Linn hesitates outside the Sime Center, trying to convince herself that what happened there wasn't what she thought.

* Briel goes upstairs to check on Veraik

* Briel signals

* wisesnake waits patiently at Linn's back

* Linn swallows, then forces herself down the walkway.

* wisesnake signals 'remember' at Nick to remind him of the discussion they had after the last disastrous visit...

<Tarsh> "We can sit down, yeah."

* Alea motions to the bench near the gnome

* wisesnake follows Linn

* NickR tries to get straight exactly what he was and wasn't supposed to have done.

<Alea> so, after what happened, tarsh, how are you about this upcoming transfer

* Alea -concerned-

* Linn climbs the steps to the porch, crosses it, and opens the door.

* wisesnake follows

* Briel signals at Veraik's bedroom door again

* Tarsh sits down.

* Linn remembers that her first encounter with Tarsh happened well before the Sime Center channels thought they were supposed to be scaring her, and inspects the lobby for Tarsh before entering.

* Veraik goes to the door and opens it.

* Briel nods to Veraik

<Briel> Jon and I came to check on you and see if you were back up to duty yet

<Tarsh> "I... I think I'll sneak out and find Snake when the time comes."

* Alea sighs

* wisesnake enters warily

* Alea takes his hand and squeezes it

* NickR looks around at the empty lobby, wondering how this place expects to do any business if they never have anyone attending to the customers.

<Alea> just please be careful, Tarsh.

* Veraik nods and wipes tentacles over face and eyes. "I'm all right. Just require a shower and a shave."

* Alea [clerk sitting at front desk... a Gen]

<Briel> why don't you let me zlin you first before I offically release you

* Tarsh squeezes back. His tentacles start to emerge, then retract.

* Briel motions to Jon to stand with her

* JonDrake moves into position...

* Alea remembers he is past turnover and carefully removes her hand

<Veraik> [groan] Why don't I take a shower first. [tries to shut the door]

* Briel holds the door open

<Briel> I have better things to do than wait on you Veraik

* Veraik frowns

<Briel> let me do this so I can get on with my work

* Briel waits

* Linn sees the front desk clerk return from the john and is relieved that they have a Gen on duty today.

* Veraik encloses nager from prying zlinning.

<Briel> Veraik

<Briel> I have been treating you. It won't do any good to act spoiled and tempermental now

* wisesnake recognizes the clerk from an earlier visit and wonders if the clerk remembers who she is too, or has already forgotten.

<Briel> just let's get this over with

* Linn asks the clerk if she can speak to Veraik.

<Alea> [clerk sends someone for Briel]

<Tarsh> "I'm sorry Alea. For getting myself all messed up about you."

<Veraik> Spoiled! [anger] I just want a shower. Please

<Alea> what are you talking about, Tarsh.

* JonDrake looks to Briel.

* Briel sighs and moves back closer to Jon

* Linn hears Briel's name and tenses.

<Briel> it would be nice, Veraik if you would control that. You aren't the only one who was hurt that night

<Veraik> Look! You can zlin me after my shower and my support Donor returns. [shuts door and locks it]

* Briel shakes her head

<Briel> come on

* NickR increases his support of Snake as he sees Linn's increased tension.

<Tarsh> "zlinning you too much and getting the wrong ideas. About transfer. I'm just an idiot."

<Briel> why did I expect him to be reasonable

* JonDrake follows..

* JonDrake smiles.

<JonDrake> Well, he is controller...

<Alea> no Tarsh, you're just going through a hard time right now

<Alea> we're going to get you straightened out. Don't you worry

<JonDrake> This doesn't feel good to me, Briel.

* Briel thinks controller is an apt word

* Linn realizes she is pacing the lobby and makes herself sit down on a couch.

* Veraik quickly showers and shaves then puts on a Tecton uniform.

* wisesnake meets Nick's eyes, then goes and sits down too

* Briel interecepts the message and goes dwonstairs

<Veraik> Combs hair then leaves.

<Briel> please stay with me Jon. I don't know what Linn would want

<Tarsh> "I hope so, but... I just don't know."

* Briel goes into the lobby

* Briel sees Linn, Nick, and Snake... she stiffens

* NickR sits beside Snake, placing a hand on her knee.

<Briel> hello, Linn

<Alea> talk to me, Tarsh. Tell me what we can do here to help. What you're feeling

<Linn> Hello.

<Briel> may I help you?

* Briel stays close to Jon

<Linn> It appears I'm the one who owes you an apology now.

* Briel raises an eyebrow in surprise

<Briel> what do you mean?

* Briel motions toward Veraik's office

* Veraik goes his office.

* Briel is very uncomfortable talking to her in the lobby after last time

* Veraik resets the locks at a different tentacle combination.

<Tarsh> "I've never liked channel's transfer. It was always so ordinary. And Gens always zlinned so nice."

* Alea nods

* Veraik goes to the medical cabinet and mixes a double fosebine.

* JonDrake maintains a strong support of Briel.

<Alea> but renSimes are not allowed Gen transfer, Tarsh

* Linn remembers what happened the last time she was there, reminds herself that it was done under a genuine misapprehension, and gets up to follow Briel to the office.

* wisesnake studies JonDrake with lidded eyes and a serrupticious zlin

* Briel finds the office locked and realizes Veraik must already be down. She signals

<Alea> it could be dangerous

* NickR looks at Snake to see if they should follow.

* wisesnake gestures to Nick and they get up and follow

* Briel glances at Snake, curiously wondering why she is zlinning her Donor

* Briel reaches out and takes Jon's arm

* JonDrake focusses even closer on supporting Briel.

* Veraik opens the door.

* Linn sees Briel test the door and find it locked, and reflects that locked doors appear to be very much in evidence, despite Veraik's assurance two days before.

<Briel> hajene

* Briel gives him a look that says she will zlin him later

<Briel> Linn is here and wanted to talk

<Briel> please Linn, come on in

<Tarsh> "I know, but that always seemed so... arbitrary. I mean, Gens who aren't scared, of course. If they wanted to, why not?"

<Veraik> Hello Linn. [smiles]

<Tarsh> "That's what I used to think, anyway."

* Linn enters the office.

* wisesnake follows silently

* Alea sucks in a breath at what Tarsh is saying

<Alea> do not let Veraik hear you sasy that, Tarsh. Please.

<Tarsh> "And there were a bunch of kids in my hometown who thought that way."

* Alea alarmed

* NickR follows at Snake's side.

<Alea> you're from In Territory, aren't you?

* Alea wondering where they would be thinking this

<Tarsh> "I know. It sounds like Distect propaganda, but it wasn't that way."

* Veraik goes to sit behind his desk, sees the empty glass of fosebine and swipes it into a drawer without a word.

* Alea thinks it -was- that way but doesn't comment on it

<Alea> how do you feel now about it? Do you still think Gen transfer is good?

<Tarsh> "Yeah. Southeast Nivet. As close as it gets to Gulf."

<Alea> before you answer, think about the need you have when untrained Gens who fear come in... where you aren't in a "safe" situation

* Linn sits down on one of the chairs in front of the desk.

* Briel sits down and motions Linn to a chair

<Briel> now just what in the world do you think you have to apologize for, Linn?

* JonDrake takes position next to Briel.

<Veraik> [Looks at Briel.] What seems to be the problem?

* wisesnake dreads what is coming next, but is resigned to it

* Briel zlins Veraik and wonders if she should send Jon to find Veraik's Donor

* wisesnake sits down on a couch nearby, with Nick

<Veraik> Apologize?

<Tarsh> "You're right. I can zlin that now, the danger it starts."

* Veraik zlins Snake and wonders.

* Alea sighs in relief

<Tarsh> "I never thought I could kill, because I only tried with willing Gens."

<Alea> I'm so glad to hear that, Tarsh

<Alea> I thought it was an accident?

<Tarsh> "But we know how true that turned out to be."

* Alea eyes widen in shock

<Linn> It appears that we've all three been the victims of a misunderstanding.

* Veraik zlins the dance of selyn fields in his office.

<Veraik> Oh?

<Briel> what is that?

* Briel bows to Veraik as the controller and allows him to question Linn

* Alea reaches out and takes Tarsh's hand, studying his face

* Veraik focusses on Linn and zlins her as she speaks.

<Alea> your Gen transfers weren't simply that you accidently were around a Donor?

<Tarsh> "No. There was a group of us. Rensimes and Gens. Thought we were perfect and invulnerable, like singles* always do.

* wisesnake shifts closer to Nick, waits

<Alea> I, I didn't realize

<Linn> For some reason, Snake tells me, you thought I was interested in working with you on some Simephobia therapy, instead of on my problems with the school board.

* Veraik adjusts the ambient as it shifts with Snake's movement towards Nick.

<Alea> Just how many Gen transfers have you had?

<Tarsh> ===* singles. In-t equivalent of teenagers, single digit age people (age starting at changeover/establishment)===

* wisesnake twitches at the use of her name, looks up belatedly

* Veraik stares hard at Linn and zlins. [hesitates] Those are the forms you signed.

* wisesnake eyes bright with dread

* Tarsh looks off into the distance and thinks.

* NickR stops listening to the conversation and concentrates entirely on Snake.

<Alea> you don't have to tell me

* wisesnake looks down again

<Tarsh> "No, I'm just trying to ...."

<Veraik> I thought you were aware of what you signed. If you were not, then I wholeheartedly appologize.

* Alea sighs

<Alea> no wonder you're having a hard time adjusting back to Channel transfer

<Linn> I thought they were some forms required before you could help me with the school board.

* Briel pales considerably as she realizes what she has put Linn through

<Briel> Oh, Linn...

* Briel turns ashen at the thought of her blunder

* wisesnake thinks that there is still Nick, despite all else that has gone wrong in the last weeks

<Tarsh> "Eight, I think. Starting at my 11th."

<Linn> I didn't think anything of it at the time. You know how much paperwork seems to be required for every little thing.

* Alea shudders

<Alea> eight?

<Alea> and then the problems just lately

<Linn> And the forms were all in Simelan, anyway.

<Veraik> I... I don't know what to say Linn. I am so sorry to have put you throught what I did and on top, even though I did work on the school board problem, it didn't work out the way you had wanted to.

<Alea> I think hajene Veraik is going to have to work with you on this, Tarsh. You're going to have to go through some training with him...

<Veraik> I hope you can forgive me.

* JonDrake lays his hand upon Briel, increasing his support.

* Alea can imagine the training and work Tarsh is going to have to go through to break this problem

* Briel sinks back gratefully into Jon's support

<Tarsh> "No. I can't tell him about this. He'd want to know who the others were."

<Alea> Tarsh

<Alea> you have to

<Veraik> You received the forms in Simelan? You were supposed to have received them in Genlan, I mean, English.

<Alea> you can't walk around like this. It's got to be tearing you apart

<Tarsh> "That's the real reason why I got a Tecton job, and the -" [gestures at the gnome]

<Tarsh> "To help cover up."

* Alea stares at the gnome perplexed, having no idea what he is talking about

<Alea> oh Tarsh.

<Alea> Why haven't you come forward before this

* JonDrake projects "It's alright. You're ok."

* Linn sighs.

* JonDrake projects support, approval.

<Tarsh> "Because it is illegal. And it seemed harmless until now."

<Veraik> This is most unusual.

<Alea> Tarsh. If you go to Veraik he will not say anything about this if you are getting help.

<Veraik> So Linn, I promise not to continue with your treatment. but...

<Tarsh> [sarcastic] "Oh right. Veriak is going to pass up a chance to get rid of me for good."

<Linn> Well, however it happened, I'm glad to know that you -- and Hajene Briel -- thought you were doing what I'd asked.

* Briel looks abjectly horrified that Linn receieved the treatment she did by her

<Alea> Patient privilege with him as the person treating you

<Linn> It explains a lot.

<Alea> I know Veraik is angry right now, Tarsh. But it's at me he's angry at. If you go to him about this problem, he'd be more than willing ot help

<Veraik> you still have known that you have every right to demand that the Tecton settle with you monetarily

<Alea> that's his job

* JonDrake holds his support of her strong, helping to create a safe nageric bubble within the ambient.

<Tarsh> "It wouldn't be fair to him even if he did. Think of the headlines. "Distect Sime Center!"

<Alea> but Tarsh. It wouldn't get out. You were going to Snake for help when she was here. What is the difference of going to Veraik?

<Alea> There is NO mention of this in your files or I would have seen it

<Veraik> [stares into the distance] The pain I must've have caused you. There is simply no excuse for my behaviour.

<Tarsh> "Snake is no stranger to the shady side of life. I can deal straight with her."

<Alea> and you can't with the Center?

* Alea releases his hand and sits back

<Briel> Linn, I have to apologize again. I had no idea.....

* Briel trails off

<Tarsh> "I'm afraid Alea. Afraid of getting caught, afraid of going to disjunction camp, afraid of betraying my friends."

<Tarsh> "And now I'm afraid of killing too."

* Alea can't resist the plea in his voice and wraps her arms around him

* Linn looks from Veraik to Briel and back.

<Alea> listen Tarsh

<Linn> I don't see that creating an interterritorial incident would serve anybody's purpose but Forrest's. However,

* Tarsh hugs her back.

<Alea> Snake can give you transfer, but you're only putting off something you're going to have to face...

<Alea> Snake hasn't had enough training to help you with that

<Alea> Veraik, no matter how much of a jerk he is, has over ten years experience in working Centers and with renSimes who have had problems

<Alea> sooner or later you're going to have to go to him

* Alea strokes his back

<Alea> I'll be there for you, to help however I can

* Alea thinks she won't have any choice in the matter

<Linn> since a large part of the mixup appears to have been on the part of the Sime Center

staff, I can't simply overlook it, either.

* Briel wonders just who gave Linn those papers and has a good idea

* Alea pulls back

<Veraik> So what would you like? I will do whatever you wish... [tightens nager] including attrition.

* wisesnake narrows her eyes at the floor, at Linn's words

* Linn waves off this offer.

<Linn> What would that accomplish? No, I have a different idea.

<Veraik> Which is?

* JonDrake does his best not to involve himself with what is being said, save to try to anticipate Briel's requirements.

<Alea> I won't push you, Tarsh.

<Tarsh> "I ... I just don't know. I doubt anything can be done for me. Or should."

* Alea let's go of Tarsh and looks back out at the leaves covering the ground

<Alea> of course something can be done for you

<Alea> Veraik tried to explain to me in a meeting that was held about your condition, though I don't think he knew there were others

<Alea> as for should.

<Alea> Why not?

<Alea> look at Briel. She's killed, but they disjuncted her

<Linn> I would like your support and that of your staff to expand some projects I've been working on.

<Alea> how good would the Tecton be if they threw out the people who had problems

<Tarsh> "She's a channel."

* Alea sighs

<Alea> true

<Alea> and you're a renSime

<Alea> who contributes to the Tecton just like anyone else here

<Veraik> Tell me about them.

<Tarsh> "I've seen what that means for renSimes. I watched my father die of it."

<Alea> what do you mean?

* Alea looks up warily at Tarsh

* Alea slips her fingers, which are starting to get chilled, into her cloak

<Tarsh> "My father was older. From before Unity. Ever since I can remember he was always sick with transfer problems. Sometimes he would get better for a while, but it never lasted."

<Alea> so, you aren't even willing to try?

<Linn> First, I saw recently just how different changeover can be when help is available and the child is properly prepared. I want you to offer after-school changeover classes for the children of those parents who will agree to let them take it.

* Alea 's nager goes flat at this

* Briel smiles in great relief at Linn's words

* wisesnake looks up again, wary

<Linn> Since you won't be able to use the school property, that means finding and renting an appropriate site. There are several office buildings withing walking distance of the school; I'm sure you'll be able to find something.

* Tarsh stretches out his arms. "I saw what he went through. Do you know how terrible it is for the old Pre-Unity Juncts?"

* Veraik relaxes and grins. Of course we can do that.

* Tarsh eyes his forearms.

<Briel> that is more than reasonable, Linn

Tarsh eyes his forearms.

Briel: that is more than reasonable, Linn

Alea: no, Tarsh, I don't

wisesnake massages her forehead

JonDrake relaxes a bit...

Briel: there will be no problem with that. I think Veraik would readily agree that would be our intention... to help you in any way we can. That has always been our intention

Alea studies Tarsh's forearms, thinking how beautiful they are

Veraik: I will get right on it. Hopefully, we can have the new changeover school operational within two weeks. Is that satisfactory?

Linn: However, there are children whose parents aren't willing to let them take classes, but who want information anyway. I want to know that if I send those kids to you, at your new school or here, that they will be provided with full information.

Tarsh: "I don't have any siblings, and I was... not expected, but very welcome. I don't think my father was post enough very often."

Alea can't help but grin at that

Alea: well, you certainly don't suffer that problem

Veraik: Of course, Linn, that has always been the case. WE turn no one away.

Linn: I'll warn you now, sooner or later, some parent is going to find out, and cause trouble.

Briel: Linn, I think you would know that we practice confidentiality here

Tarsh grins and blushes.

Briel looks at Veraik as if to say, when have we NOT had trouble

Veraik grins. I think I can handle that.

Alea softens at Tarsh's grin

Alea: I'm glad to know your parents were very happy with your birth

Tarsh: "one year they sent father away to another 'rest camp' like had helped him before, but he... never... came...."

Alea 's smile fades

Tarsh: "I wish I could cry now."

Alea takes his hand

Briel: we won't reveal who comes and if there is a problem, we will handle it. Your name will not enter into it. Nor the school.

Alea: maybe I should cry for you.

Alea squeezes his hand again

Alea: for the boy who lost his father and now fears the same thing happening to him

Alea sighs

Alea: things are different now.

Alea: Veraik won't send you away

Tarsh: "Will he have any choice?"

Briel glances at Veraik who nods

wisesnake looks to Linn

wisesnake eyes shadowed

Linn: I expect that from time to time, I will come across situations which will require the peculiar resources of your Center. I won't ask you to do anything illegal, but I do expect you to make those resources available to me.

Briel considers

Briel: that, will, of course, have to be on a case by case basis. Since you are from Out Territory, you won't know all of our rules. But we will of course, help you in any way we can.

Briel: Linn, we are not your enemy. Please understand that. We want to help you in any way we can.

Linn: I'm glad to hear it.

Alea: yes, Tarsh, Veraik will of course, have a choice whether he sends you away.

Alea: and he won't do it.

Tarsh: "I wish I believed that."

NickR places a hand on Snake's, trying to ease her distress.

JonDrake chuckles within himself. He told Briel not to give up hope.

Alea: believe it.

Alea: If you don't trust, Veraik, then trust this.

wisesnake looks down, leans harder on Nick

Alea: I am a Farris. And no matter what has happened, that still carries weight.

Tarsh recalls other cases of Farrises throwing their weight around.

Tarsh looks over at Alea. "Why are you so good to me?"

Alea: certain people at Zeor would probably enjoy the chance to talk with Veraik alone

Alea thinks about the letters but knows Veraik is still in a precarious situation with Zeor despite his blackmail scheme

Alea smiles impishly

Alea: because I love you?

Briel zlins Snake and wonders what is going on with her

Briel: is there anything else Linn?

wisesnake looks at Veraik

Briel: other than the fact that Veraik and I both want you to know how very sorry we are for all that has happened

Briel glances from Veraik to Snake

Linn: I believe Snake has something she would like to discuss with you.

Briel nods

Briel: very well

Tarsh: "I don't understand that either. Love it, but don't understand it."

wisesnake: With Veraik.

JonDrake is amazed at the rifts which appear to have been mended this day.

wisesnake meets Veraik's eyes

Alea smiles up at Tarsh

Alea: then don't try to undrestand it

Alea: I don't suppose you're getting cold yet, are you?

Alea nose is turning red with cold

wisesnake: B'cal came home with me last night, and was gone this morning. I haven't seen her all day. Where is she?

Briel looks at Veraik and then to Snake, shifts through the paperwork

Tarsh zlins Alea's chill. "Oh my goodness, I'm sorry. Come on!"

Briel: Veraik has been up in bed and I'm sure he wouldn't know

Briel: she went with you

Briel: officially assigned there. That's all that's known

Briel looks to Veraik who nods

Alea stands

wisesnake glances between Briel and Veraik, eyes narrowing

Briel: you know, Snake, Veraik told me you were guaranteed a good Donor. You took B'cal withyou. If she ran off or something, he can't be held responsible, but we will send immediately for a new Donor

Briel: in that area of town, I wouldn't be suprised if it was foul play

wisesnake stares at Briel

Briel stares back, glad Jon is there since she doesn't completely trust Snake anymore

Linn is surprised to hear the relatively good Plum Street neighborhood called in such terms.

Tarsh hustles Alea inside.

JonDrake holds steady with Briel.

Alea: much better

Alea: don't you Simes ever get cold?

NickR sees Snake absorb the disappointment of being unable to get information on B'cal, and does what he can to cushion the blow.

Briel: for what it's worth, Snake, I can't see B'cal desrting you.

wisesnake looks more desperate than disappointed

Briel: She searched for you... constantly. Something just doesn't sound right.

Tarsh: "Not in need. Or we don't notice it. And we can use selyn to heat, but shouldn't."

Alea: are you wasting selyn just to sit in the garden?

Alea smiles exasperated

wisesnake stares at Veraik again, searchingly.

Tarsh: "No, I wasn't paying attention to my body. I am chilled. Almost to Gen levels."

Alea: come on, let me fix you some tea to warm you up

JonDrake really no longer knows how to see Snake. Things have changed so much in the last weeks.

Tarsh: "you talked me into it."

Briel: Briel remembers a recent conversation with Veraik and decides to break the silence

wisesnake: You're trying to make me crazy, aren't you.

Briel: he'd never lie to you Snake, you know he'd do anything to help you

Briel: of course he isn't

Briel: if you want help searching for B'cal, we'll gladly help

JonDrake has seen his view of the world turned upside down more than a few times.

wisesnake: This is all part of a... a plot to drive me completely rogue.

Alea takes him to the kitchen and finds them two cups

Briel: no, it isn't Snake

Briel: how many times have we asked you to come back

wisesnake: What else would be the point of offering me this fantastic gift of transfers forever and then snatch it away one day later?

Briel: or do you forget how determined I was to get you to stay here

Briel: we did not snatch it away

Briel: she went with you, willingly

wisesnake eyes dark, darting

Briel: if she's gone, then I'd suggest you start searching because it was probably by force

wisesnake: Stolen out of my living room in the dead of night with Nick and I there?

Tarsh looks for bread for some toast.

Briel sees her reaction and stands, holding out her hands

Briel: it's okay Snake

Briel: we'll work this out

Alea brings two cups of hot steaming tea

Alea dimples

Alea: I didn't spill a drop

wisesnake: I don't have time for this. I can't search for her... I have to work!

Briel: we weren't at your house, we don't know what has happened

Briel: of course, you have to work

Briel: you're a channel

Tarsh: [jokingly] "All right, who are you and what have you done with the real Alea?"

Briel: tell us what type of help you want and we'll help

wisesnake knows she is being completely irrational but can't think of any way to not be that, under the circumstances

Alea pouts, playfully

Alea: I could make an exception with your tea, if you want

wisesnake: Why won't you speak to me??? [to Veraik]

Tarsh: "I'll take a rain check."

wisesnake takes a few deep breaths

wisesnake: fine

wisesnake: all right, fine

wisesnake: Nick, let's get out of here.

wisesnake: Come on.

Briel: you're being unfair to Veraik

Briel: he has no idea what is going on since he's been sick. I've been handling evrything

wisesnake: I can't take this right now. You people are making me crazy. I can't think when I'm crazy. I have to get out of here.

wisesnake: Nick!

veraik: okay, Snake, what do you want me to say?

wisesnake stops halfway to the door

veraik: I've told you I'm here for you.

wisesnake turns, slowly

veraik: I told you I'd do everything in my power to help you

NickR joins Snake.

wisesnake eyes burning

veraik: B'cal went with you and she isn't one to run off

veraik: you know the deal we have

wisesnake: I know the deal we were supposed to have.

veraik stares hard, reminding her that his whole career is on the line just to help her

veraik: and I've held up my end

veraik: if something has happened to B'cal I'll make sure you have someone here immediately to replace her while we search for B'cal

wisesnake: Then you'd better do so, and do so soon. She is gone.

wisesnake: [tightly]

veraik: you've brought it to my attention like you should have

veraik: and as Briel said, it will be taken care of

Alea: if you insist, Tarsh

Alea adds sugar to her tea

veraik: I'll have someone here within twenty-four hours

veraik: in the meantime, trust Nick. He's well trained

veraik: or, he will be with you working with him

wisesnake trembles, faintly, in every nerve

veraik: and if you need anything, Snake, anything at all, I'm here for you

veraik has a yearning in his eyes for the daughter he feels he is losing in Snake

wisesnake: Veraik, I'm counting on you for this.

NickR feels a little better at the qualification -- at least Veraik isn't so incompetent as to think Nick is a full Donor.

veraik rubs a hand wearily over his eyes

wisesnake: I'm depending on you for this, I can't take this happening again, do you understand? Send somebody you can really spare.

veraik: I did

veraik: B'cal is yours

veraik: She always has been, Snake

wisesnake eyes shadowed

wisesnake: Not today.

veraik: that's not my fault

veraik: if you were at the Center, I could have monitored and known when she left

veraik: you're not here

Tarsh sips his tea while smiling at Alea.

veraik: I can only do so much

Alea wraps her hands around the cup, absorbing the warmth

wisesnake lifts her chin

wisesnake: This is not encouraging me to return.

veraik: why?

veraik: because someone left YOUR house

wisesnake: The unreliability... the randomness.. no! I cannot tolerate it.

veraik: had you been here, Snake, we would have known the instant she left the building

veraik: that's your problem

veraik: I am doing everything I can

veraik: you want perfection

wisesnake: Yes!

veraik: well, this is the real world, snake

wisesnake breath snorts out in anger

veraik: perfection is a fairy tale

veraik: I'm sorry. I wish I could give you perfection. I can't

wisesnake: A little striving for quality never hurts!

veraik: but I can give you all I have

veraik shudders at Snake's cruel words

veraik: what would you know about quality since you never have stuck out anything in your life

veraik: everytime pressure builds, you run

wisesnake eyes Veraik oddly

veraik: stick around, watch us work, you might be surprised what you find out

wisesnake: No, that's not how it's happened.

Alea: So, Tarsh, what are your plans for today now that you've been released

wisesnake: If you are speaking of Zeor, I was thrown out against my will.

veraik rubs a tentacle over his eyes again and goes to get some more fosebine

veraik: I know, Snake

veraik softly

veraik: but you've been running ever since

veraik: I'd make a home here for you, if you'd only give me a chance

wisesnake: You have to make it a home that isn't more dangerous than the streets...

veraik: what do you suggest?

veraik: I've bent over backwards for you. I don't know what else you want.

Tarsh: "I should get my new office set up. But I was thinking I should find my old... friends and warn them."

veraik: you have to talk to me... not get upset and run when things aren't going your way.

Alea studies Tarsh

Alea: you will come back, won't you. After you find those friends?

wisesnake: Make the Center a stable place, where one isn't regularly assaulted by first order Donors that cannot control their fields...

wisesnake: where fires are lit no more often than once per decade...

veraik: like you're controlling your field right now?

wisesnake: Where windows aren't broken out by... what?!

veraik shudders from Snake's shout

wisesnake thinks if Veraik knew what all she was hiding, he'd be more impressed by her control

veraik would love to explain everything to Snake, but has promised not to share the information on Alea with anyone

veraik: if you would stick around, you might find, Snake, that things are improving

veraik: I'm sorry if it hasn't been at the rate you wanted

wisesnake zlins Veraik's hiding something

veraik: but then, if you'd completed First Year training, that might have made a difference too

wisesnake expression darkens

wisesnake: might have

veraik: and the offer is still open for me to help you with that training

Tarsh: "Of course. Where would I be without you?"

veraik: anytime

wisesnake starts shaking, stills it by force of will

Alea looks up from her tea, relieved

Veraik shifts his field, adjusting the ambient

wisesnake: Survival first. Training second. Right now I don't see that the Center is any safer now than it was before.

Linn is concerned at Snake's obvious distress, but knows that Snake has a lot of anger and pain to vent.

Veraik: there's nothing I can do to convince you Snake

Veraik: I've done all I can... and will continue to do all I can

NickR sees Snake shaking, and puts his arm around her.

Veraik: it'll have to be your decision to come back

wisesnake: I cannot come back unless I see it changed.

wisesnake: That is what you can do, Veraik. Make it changed in a way that makes a difference.

Veraik: well, I can change it to make it a better Center

Veraik: but you aren't the only one here, Snake

wisesnake: No more fires... no more crazy First Order Donors...

JonDrake is noticing the stress on Veraik, despite supporting Briel.

Veraik: you're going to have to get that ego under control and learn to adjust too

wisesnake something snaps behind wisesnake's eyes

wisesnake: My ego?

JonDrake gets Briel's attention and motions toward Veraik questioningly...

veraik: yes

veraik: a Center is made up of several people

JonDrake sees Briel nod and slowly adjusts his position to stand between Briel and Veraik, with the attention of giving Veraik some support.

Briel nods to Jon

wisesnake: You think this is all about ego?

Veraik turns to Jon and motions him back to Briel

Veraik: Ego is a part of it... yes.

JonDrake looks at Veraik with an "Are you sure? You don't look so well..."

Veraik thinks that Jon should protect his channel because of the strange ambient in the room.

Briel motions to jon to obey Veraik

JonDrake reluctantly moves back...

Alea: I'm glad Tarsh

Alea: You go warn your friends

Tarsh: "I could never stay away from the two of you."

Alea smiles

Alea: well, good. Then maybe you want to go shopping with me later today. It seems I've outgrown all my clothes

Veraik: So you have nothing else to say, Snake. [zlins]

Alea: none of them buckle, snap, button....

Alea shrugs, embarrassed

NickR realizes that he actually understood the exchange of signals between Veraik, Jon and Briel.

wisesnake looks stunned

JonDrake moves back to Briel and extends his field.

Tarsh: "Of course. Be glad to carry your packages."

Briel leans back, glad that Jon is back, unable to understand what is going on exactly between the two

Alea: or maybe you want to go talk toyour friends, first

JonDrake lets his field harmonize with Briel's, projecting a strength and support that is part of what it means to be Gen.

Veraik: Snake... I... I... have always cared for you.

Alea: It might make your mind a lot easier...put some of your fears to rest

Veraik: I... [embarrassed]... [looks down] love you as a daughter.

JonDrake stands behind her, placing a hand on each shoulder. His hands project comfort, support, safety.

wisesnake doesn't look quite sane

Veraik: I have tried... so very hard, I have tried but... now I simply don't know what else to do.

wisesnake continues to stare at Veraik

Tarsh: "that would take a couple of days."

* wisesnake continues to stare at Veraik

* JonDrake communicates "I am here for you. I will do my best to see that you are not hurt, that your needs are met."

* Briel relaxes, thinking this Donor is really learning

* wisesnake as if searching for something

<Linn> Try harder?

* Veraik turns and stares hard at Linn.

* wisesnake blinks

<Veraik> Has Snake told you how we met?

* wisesnake pushes past Nick and sits down heavily in the nearest chair

<Linn> It really does seem to me that you are more interested in coming up with excuses than on delivering on the promises you've made to Snake.

<Veraik> Has she told you what I did to help her... to make sure she didn't die of attrition?

* wisesnake puts her head between her knees and takes deep breaths

* JonDrake lets his field envelop Briel in a sphere of protection, a calm zone.

<Alea> you know, Tarsh, maybe I ought to let you visit your friends

<Alea> and go shopping later

<Alea> I should check in on Veraik

<Alea> Briel left him sleeping.

<Alea> And no matter how upset I am at him... I am his Donor

* Alea thinks of his threats about being a good Donor before he released her

<Veraik> Has she told you that the reason I pushed for years to get this Center approved to be built and operational was so that she would have a place to live which was more familiar to her.

<Veraik> Linn... I just don't know what else to do. Snake rejects everything I have to offer.

* JonDrake can feel Briel relaxing under his care, he understands a bit of the satisfaction a Channel feels in healing...

* Veraik suddenly gets up and goes to the window and looks out to the barely bare trees.

* Veraik shudders. [quietly] Tell me Linn... what else can I do?

<Linn> Well, you might try offering her something besides insults.

* Briel continues to relax until her head falls over, sound asleep

<Linn> The Donor you've apparently promised her would be a good place to start.

* wisesnake remains hunched over, head clutched in her hands, evidently unaware of all around her even Nick

* JonDrake smiles, amused. "I guess she needed it," he thinks.

<Veraik> Has it ever occurred to you that B'Cal was taken versus left?

<Veraik> Snake, you have resources... did you try those?

<Veraik> On my end, I will contact the Tecton

* Briel begins to snore

<Veraik> but frankly I don't want to waste time looking only to find out that B'Cal was kidnpped.

* JonDrake leans in, whispers in Briel's ear.

* Briel jumps, opens her eyes

* JonDrake lightens up on the heavy support.

<Linn> If the woman was kidnapped, I hardly think it would be a waste of time to go looking for her.

* JonDrake whispers "Sorry, I guess I got a little carried away."

<Veraik> Tell me, Snake. Does running away appear to be something that B'Cal would do?

* Briel kidnaped? Who was talking about kidnapped?

* Briel thinks they were talking Donors

* Briel wonders where kidnapped came in...oh, Bcal

* wisesnake looks up unsteadily at the sound of her name

<wisesnake> what? [whispered]

<Veraik> We were discussing B'Cal, Briel...[looks at Jon to say that they were going to have a talk about putting Channels to sleep in the middle of a meeting]

<Veraik> Does running away appear to be something that B'Cal would do, Snake? [repeated patiently]

* JonDrake blushes a little.

<wisesnake> I think if... if there were any way to do so and retain her Honor and that of her House... then she would have taken that chance immediately.

<Veraik> But, Snake... I assure you that that was NOT the case.

<Linn> Honor! That woman doesn't have the slightest idea what the word means.

<Briel> you know, Linn, since you have no idea what is going on right now, it might benefit the entire conversation if you stepped outside

<Veraik> Linn. Honor to Householding V'lar means honor to her House and all other Honors come afterwards.

* wisesnake 's eyes turn onto Briel

* JonDrake smooths his field....

* Briel shrugs at Snake, indicating she doesn't know either so she can't blame her for asking Linn to hold her tongue

<Veraik> To leave Snake would be to dishonor B'Cal House since she was sent BY her House to help Snake.

* wisesnake lowers her eyes

<wisesnake> Nobody could have stolen her from there while I slept.

<Linn> She didn't seem particularly interested in helping Snake last time I saw her.

<Briel> I seem to remember, Linn that when all hell broke loose last night B'cal did not take her attention from Snake once

<Briel> beleive me, there were a lot of us who could have benefited from her help last night

<Briel> and she stuck right there by her, even though Nick was there too

* Linn shrugs.

<Veraik> Interest... well, B'cal has her own way to show interest. She is one of the best in her field of specialities and she specializes in training Farris'.

<Briel> I know you don't understand the channel/Donor relationship, but let me tell you, that is a loyalty that many would appreciate, even envy

* Briel thinks she envied it last night

* JonDrake thinks, "And I wasn't there," but holds his support steady.

* wisesnake turns her face away, eyes shadowed

<Linn> That doesn't change the fact that the woman makes no secret of her absolute contempt for everybody around her, especially Snake. That's not loyalty or helpfulness as I define it.

<Briel> beside, why are we arguing about B'cal when Snake is the person we should be worrying about?

<Briel> like I said, Linn. You have no idea what is going on. So you are sounding ignorant on this subject. Now, if you'd like to come learn more about the subject, I'm sure we could arrange for you to attend classes

* Briel turns and zlins Snake

* Briel concerned

<wisesnake> ~~~unstable~~~

<wisesnake> ~~~mostly under control~~~

* Briel looks at Nick and nods at Snake

<Veraik> I understand that it is hard for you to comprehend but has Briel has mentioned, a Channel/Donor relationship is special relationship built on trust and understanding.

* NickR increases his support for Snake.

* JonDrake ups his support at the mere mention...

<Briel> we're trying to get you a Donor within twenty-four hours, Snake. Veraik is doing everthing he can.

* Veraik turns back from window. At this point, Snake, I can only promise you to get another Donor and to search for B'Cal.

<Linn> Hajene Veraik, I am quite aware that I know very little about the specifics of the channel/Donor relationship. However, I know trust and understanding when I see them -- and B'cal never came close.

* Briel rolls her eyes at Linn and decides to ignore her

Linn: However, if you can find a replacement -- preferably one with some interest in her job -- I will be content.

Briel stands and goes to the door

Briel: you have no reason to be content, Linn. This has nothing to do with you

Briel: Snake's needs are the only ones that matter

Linn: If you can't make good on your promise to Snake, I will have to reconsider whether I can trust you to make you on your promises to me.

Veraik: B'Cal was handling Snake the best way she knew how. It may not be your definition but she was true to her own.

Veraik: I understand Linn.

Veraik: All I can do is trying to find her and to discover the details of her departure.

Briel motions to Jon, refusing to sit there and listen to Linn act like a spoiled child

Briel: I'll find your Donor, Veraik

JonDrake goes with Briel.

Veraik: Can you be satisfied with that until I have some time to investigate?

Linn nods.

Veraik looks at Briel and gives her a stay here look.

Briel grits her teeth and nods curtly

Linn: I will withhold judgement until you've had time to act.

Briel slips a hand up her Donor's arm and moves closer to Veraik, positioning  Jon

Veraik: Then if you will excuse me, I have work to handle.

Linn: As do I.

Linn stands.

Veraik: Thank you.

Veraik: Until the next time.

JonDrake lets his field support Briel, knowing that she is here under protest.

Linn: Indeed.

Veraik holds door open.

Linn sweeps out of the office.

Veraik: [smiles a sad and tired smile of pain]

JonDrake buffers Briel against Linn's sweep.

Alea: perhaps

Alea: Tarsh

Alea: you might want to go find your friends. I really should check on Veraik

Alea: Briel left him asleep and though I am angry with him right now... I am still his Donor

Alea: unless you want to go with me to check on him

Alea grins evilly

Briel: can I give you my real opinion of her right now, Veraik?

Briel turns to Veraik and smiles

Veraik looks at Briel then at Snake?

Tarsh: "Ok Alea. I'll see you later."

Briel wonders why Snake stayed and glances back with a look of inquiry

wisesnake gets up without meeting anybody's eyes, and leaves

Veraik: Anything else?

NickR follows as if glued to Snake's side.

Veraik almost cries as he sees her leave.

Linn is waiting for them in the lobby.

Alea leans over and kisses Tarsh on the cheek

wisesnake looks exhausted

Alea: be careful... and come back

Tarsh: "I won't be going today. Maybe not for a few."

Linn hugs Snake.

Briel runs a tentacle up Veraik's arm

Veraik closes door gently then waves a tentacle to Briel and

Jon to take a seat.

Briel: well, I guess you're well enough to handle that

Alea: oh

Alea: okay

Tarsh slides his hand quickly down Alea's side.

Linn: Cheer up, Snake. I think Veraik might actually come through this time.

Veraik: I'm sorry for detaining you Briel but I wanted to talk to Jon.

wisesnake laughs a short, bitter laugh

wisesnake: I think it would be safer if I just gave up thinking.

wisesnake hugs Linn back, and lays her head on her shoulder

Briel: of course, hajene

Briel: except that I just sent Jon out....

Briel shrugs apologetically

Alea: you'll be okay?

Linn rocks back and forth slightly, like a mother soothing a fretful child.

Tarsh: "Yes. I'll just putter around in my new office."

Alea: great. Then I should go find hajene

wisesnake pulls away from her

Alea goes upstairs to Veraik's room and finds it empty

Alea: oh shen

wisesnake: I have to get out of this lobby.

Alea eyes widen in dismay and she hurries down the stairs

Alea wonders where he could be

Veraik thinks that he must be worse off than he thought since he didn't notice that Jon was gone.

Linn follows Snake and Nick towards the door.

Alea goes around the corner to Veraik's office, and finding the door closed, signals

Veraik: Briel... just send him to me the next time you see him.

Briel zlins

Briel: of course, Veraik

wisesnake leaves the Sime Center, heads down the steps into the Fall air

Veraik: If fact you had best go find him.

wisesnake: I don't know why I even ...

Briel hears the signal and opens the door

Briel: on my way

wisesnake: [cuts off the words unfinished]

wisesnake: [helpless]

Alea standing at the door,

Alea 's eyes widen in dismay when she sees briel leaving Veraik who is now in his office, freshly showered and shaven

Veraik: [deadpan] Alea.

Veraik goes to make another fosebine. Drinks it without a word to Alea.

Alea realizes she is still wearing her cloak and slips it off

Alea: hajene

Veraik waits for her to say something.

Alea: I thought you were sleeping

Alea: time got away

Alea: It won't happen again

Veraik: Yes.

Veraik: I haven't been asleep for hours Alea.

Alea tosses her cloak on the couch and goes over to Veraik

Veraik bristles at her nager.

Alea: um, well, yes, I know that

Alea clasps her hands

Alea: well, actually, I didn't know that

Alea: but I should have known that and I know that now

Alea projects a soothing nager

Veraik: [shrugs shoulders] Sure.

Veraik zlins Alea despite himself.

Veraik encloses nager.

Alea folds her hands together over her stomach trying to look professional

Alea: I apologize, hajene, for my tardiness.

Veraik notices the gesture but says nothing.

Alea: I haven't left the grounds

Alea: the clerk at the front desk knew where I was

Veraik: Tardiness?

Alea nods stiffly

Alea: it was an accident

Alea: you could have sent for me if you required me

Veraik: You call deserting your channel tardiness? [no voice inflection] Is that what you call it?

Alea studies Veraik warily

Alea: please, hajene, I apologized

Veraik: Could I have? Was I well enough to do that? How did you know how well I was?

Alea shoulders slump and she goes to the window, defeated

Veraik: [looks down] Sure. Fine.

Alea: I can't do this anymore, Veraik. We have to come to some sort of peace.

Alea: please [whispered]

Veraik: Sure [indicates with tentacle] sit down.

Alea goes wearily to the couch and drops down onto it, crossing her hands in her lap

Veraik throws himself into his chair thinking that this has been one h*ll of a day.

Alea refuses to look up at Veraik, trying to figure out what to say first

Veraik waits patiently.

Alea: this, this anger between us. It isn't healthy. If we're going to work together, we have to get past it

Veraik sighs and rubs tentacles over his eyes and behind his neck. "I know."

Alea: I just don't like feeling like a slave... with no choice. Do you know what that feels like, to be told you aren't going anywhere, can't go anywhere anymore without your permission?

Alea shrugs

Alea: I'm here for you, Veraik. All you have to do is call

Alea: You were sleeping soundly

Alea: I had work that had to be done

Alea: I was monitoring you, told them to keep in contact and advise me of any change

Alea: obviously they didn't think you required my presence and that's why I wasn't notified

Veraik: Correction... I was sleeping soundly until you left.

Alea: and yes, before you say anything... I wasn't in my office

Alea dabs at her eyes, turning her face away

Veraik: but you were gone.

Alea: are you past turnover yet?

Veraik: I woke up just as you left and was unable to sleep again.

Alea: I apologize, hajene

Alea deflates

Veraik: This is what I have been trying to tell you. You can't just leave a Channel unless you are sure and Alea, frankly your training is incomplete. That is why you do not know or understand when you can leave and when you can not.

Alea sighs

Alea: then let me go. If I'm such a bad Donor, just release me. I have other things I could do here

Alea: find another Donor because, frankly, Veraik, I am trying whether you believe me or not

Veraik ignores her turnover comment.

Veraik: I believe you Alea. I do.

Veraik: And I guess I should apologize to you.

Alea pulls out a crumpled paper out of her pocket

Alea hands it to Veraik

Veraik: After last night, I just haven't been the same.

Veraik: And I do NOT want another Donor at my side.

Alea: I'm sorry I wasn't at your side when... that... happened

Veraik takes the paper.

Veraik: Charm school?

Alea shakes her head

Veraik: [perplexed] What is this

Alea: no, just to help me be more... graceful

Alea: I thought it might help, as a Donor, if I wasn't quite so accident prone

Alea: and today, well, Briel was bogged down, so I was trying to help her out

Veraik sits back in his chair and contemplates then smiles.

Alea studies Veraik warily

Alea: um... you know how you had mentioned the clerk's job and financial job should be seperate

Veraik nods head... Not bad. Not a bad idea at all.

Veraik: yes

Alea sighs in relief

Alea: well, Tarsh is terrified he is going to kill a Gen after what happened

Alea: I took it upon myself to offer him the raise to financial affairs at the Center

Alea: I, in essence, seperated the jobs

Alea: There's no way he could continue on as the clerk after what happened

Veraik: Really?

Alea: and, well... since Snake's office is empty and so well insulated... I gave him that office

Veraik: OH?

Alea: it's down from ours, less chance of any accidents happening

Alea clasps her hands tightly

Alea: yes, hajene

Veraik nods, listening.

Alea: until he can get straightened out, I thought it might be best to put him somewhere... safe

Alea looks back down, praying he isn't angry

Alea: you did, after all, say you were going to seperate the jobs

Alea: and Tarsh has been handling all the finances anyway

Alea thinks and he promised not to use those stamps unless necessary

Veraik stretching tentacles and looks out the window,

Alea wipes again at her wet cheeks before tucking the hankie back in her pocket

Veraik: It's not a bad idea. Sure. That's all right for me but....

Alea guards herself, looking suddenly wary

Veraik: I want him to have some therapy sessions three days a week.

Alea: for what?

Veraik: Just hiding him away won't help his problem.

Alea: I know that, Veraik

Alea: but what if... perhaps... he was worried that you might want to get rid of him if you knew of his problem?

Alea: would you really be willing to work with him, help him overcome his Gen need?

Alea doesn't want to betray Tarsh to the others, so she adds, "Of, me"

Veraik: Alea. I've known about his problem for a long time. Controller's privilege that no one knows that I know.

Alea 's mouth drops open

Alea: he has no idea you know

Alea: he only told me today

Alea sinks back against the couch, stunned

Veraik smiles.

Alea: then you wouldn't send him away to a camp... you would help him break the need?

Veraik: I would like to help him

Alea feels lighter already

Alea: you've been so angry lately. I don't think he trusts you too much

Veraik: He requires help. I am the Controller and his problem is a delicate one so I would like to handle it myself.

Alea nods

Alea: I told him you would feel that way

Veraik: It's better that way. Fewer people would know.

Alea: I also told him you would keep it quiet

Alea smiles

Alea: then you'll talk to him?

Veraik: So I think that between your solution and my suggestion, we can help Tarsh.

Alea dizzy with relief

Veraik: Now

Alea smile drops away at that word and she straightens warily

Veraik: Now this is how a Channel/Donor team should work.

Veraik: In harmony.

Veraik: Doesn't it feel good to work as a team Alea?

Alea: I am TRYING, Veraik

Alea: I want to help

Alea: but I have other duties

Alea: it would help if I am gone when I shouldn't be that you tell me

Alea: send someone for me

Veraik: What other duties to do have, Alea. You are assigned to me.

Alea: the paperwork... eating

Alea: you do realize that when I left you I only stopped to check on

Tarsh and then to eat....

Alea eyes widen as her stomach suddenly rumbles

Alea: and some, um, paperwork

Alea think she KNEW she forgot to do one of the three she'd set out to do

Veraik almost laughs but doesn't.

Alea: and then I was coming right back

Alea: but I got sidetracked

Veraik: Come on. Let's eat. You're going to drive me crazy with your stomach growling if you don't.

Alea is so glad her stomach distracted Veraik from whatever he had been going to say

Alea: I'm getting fat. None of my clothes will button anymore... but I'm not eating that much more

Alea mutters as she goes to the door

Zilla goes down the stairs searching for Jirelle

Veraik zlins Alea. "It's just the baby making its presence known."

Alea flushes

Alea: I suppose

Zilla looks around for Jirelle some more

wisesnake: [whisper] ... zilla ...

Zilla wonders where she is

Alea stays by Veraik

Fise shifts in his sleep. "Verna"

jirelle: right here baby [murmered]

jirelle goes back to sleep

Veraik zlins the safety of his Donor

Veraik: 'Donor's presence.

Alea: hajene, I know you don't believe I'm trying, but as I said earlier, can we possibly try to get along?

Veraik: I'd like that.

Alea looks of at Veraik, wondering if he really means it

Alea -fresh tears start

Veraik enters the cafe.

Veraik blankets Alea with his nager but still says nothing.

Alea jerks out her hankie and begins mopping up her tears again

touch on Zilla's wrist

Veraik encloses nager around Alea.

Zilla jumps, wondering where the breeze came from

whispers: ....zilla....

Alea: I am starving

Alea sucks in a deep breath, trying to control her nager

shadowes move on the edges of her vision

Zilla knows she is going crazy, the voice sounds just like Snake's

Zilla jumps certain she saw somthing

Veraik takes hankie and wipes Alea's face for her.

Zilla runs back up the stairs, into her room and slams the door

Zilla is beginning to believe the rumors that this place is haunted

Veraik feels hunger.

Alea: forgive me, hajene

Alea: I guess this isn't very good as a Donor

Alea goes to get a tray of food

touch of a Channel's nager

Veraik: It's all right, Alea.

Zilla responds to the nager, thinking Jirelle must have come in the room

touch and a whisper......zillla....

Veraik takes a tray but never allows Alea's nager to be far from himself.

Zilla stiffens when she hears it, and when she doesn't see Jirelle, passes out from fear

Alea fills her plate and the goes to a table

Alea realizes she is starving

wisesnake brushes the hair gently back from Zilla's face

Alea: I missed breakfast and I guess it's almost lunch now

Veraik takes a very small protion of food and a cup of trin tea.

Veraik sits down and watches Alea eat without touching his food, only stirring it around.

Fise drifts back towards conciousness.

Alea notices he is not eating and pauses, reaching out concerned

Alea: hajene, you should eat

wisesnake reaches down and takes Zilla's arms gently in her hands and tentacles, still looking at the unconscious face

Fise wakes up and feels something warm against his back.

Veraik: [Pushes at food.] I'm not very hungry. [Drinks tea.]

Veraik: So tell me about the poise school?

wisesnake presses her lips against Zilla's unconscious mouth

Alea: well, it's suppose to help me not be so clumsy

Alea: I know you don't believe I"m trying and I thought, perhaps, this would convince you

Fise smiles as he remembers

Alea looks up, determined

Alea: I will prove to you, hajene, that I can be a good Donor

Veraik: The school will probably be good for you.

Alea: I will so that you won't hold the threat over my head anymore

Veraik tries to smile.

Alea flinches at his honesty

Veraik: I will help you any way I can Alea. You know that.

Alea: then why won't you drop the threat?

wisesnake lets her conscious attention dance along Zilla's nerves, like a flickering point of sunlight, here, there, igniting the spark of consciousness within the Gen

Veraik: What threat?

Alea: do you know what it's like, wondering if today is the day you're going to expose me?

Fise carefully sits up and looks down at jirelle.

jirelle is laid out magnificently upon his bed

Veraik: Expose you? What are you talking about, Alea?

Fise admires the magnificence.

Alea: my spying? I have been living, since you came back, with the threat that if I didn't do excactly what you said, you would tell the world I was a spy

Alea shudders as she thinks about it

wisesnake: Zilla... [whispered into Zilla's ear...]

Zilla moans, trying to rouse

wisesnake: [hands soft on Zilla's arms]

wisesnake: You can do it... easy now. [whispered]

Veraik: I promise not to ask you to do anything that your conscience says is wrong.

Veraik: At the same time, I too am trapped.

wisesnake: [tentacles stroke Zilla's arms, tenderly]

Alea shakes her head, confused

Veraik: I have promised the Sectuib in Zeor that I will finish your training.

Fise: Seeing that Jirelle is still asleep, Fise licks his finger and then strokes it down the headboard.

Zilla is pulled up through layers of unconsciousness

Alea: you threatened him, Veraik that if I wasn't left here for you that you would expose me

Alea: you wanted complete control over me

Alea: do you know how that terrifies me... especially after the other day?

Alea looking confused, a bit angry, hurt

Alea: I had stopped spying. I had written Zeor begging them

wisesnake: ...Zilla... softly now... [lips brush Zilla's ear]

Alea: I was changing.

Veraik: I want you to be the Farris Donor you were meant to be. You are not that Donor because Zeor didn't complete your training.

Alea: I know that [defeated again]

Veraik: That is not fair to all the channels who so desperately need your nager.

Zilla blinks and opens her eyes

Zilla: Jirelle?

wisesnake chuckles softly

wisesnake: no...

Zilla stiffens

wisesnake: shhh...

Zilla whimpers, refusing to cry out like last time

wisesnake: [hands and tentacles stroke Zilla's forearms, softly, softly]

wisesnake: shhhh, Zilla....

Zilla: please Snake....

wisesnake: Everything's going to be all right. [crooning voice like with a scared donor]

Zilla is certain Snake is crazy and wonders where Jirelle is

wisesnake lifts her head to look into Zilla's eyes; pale Snake eyes, somehow distant

Veraik: So please Alea. Let me help you to complete that training. I promise you can leave or stay as you wish once that the training is complete.

wisesnake: Zilla, zilla. You are safe.

Alea: then why did you tell me I couldn't leave... oh, Veraik...

Veraik: It's not so bad. Really.

wisesnake: You are here in your room, in the Center. What could be safer than this?

Alea shakes her head, her appetite gone

Zilla shakes her head, mutely

Alea: you don't call the anger between us bad

Veraik: If you had stayed at Zeor, you would have been just as trapped. Only this way, it is late in the game and feeling poorly about yourself because you don't understand.

Alea: You're going to be with me each day and I'm going to be with you....

Veraik: won't it be grand. [little smile]

Alea: I don't want to work around someone who is....

Alea shakes her head again

wisesnake: A first order Donor, Zilla... that's a valuable thing. A very valuable thing. I lost a First Order Donor today, Zilla.

Alea: I'll try, hajene

Veraik: This is hard on both of us.

Fise carefully gets out of bed.

Zilla nods

Zilla: you did?

Veraik: That is all I ask Alea.

Zilla thinking she'll say anything to keep Snake calm

Veraik: Believe me... it is all that I ask.

wisesnake: Yes. A first order Donor ran away from me. I didn't take it very well.

Alea sighs and rubs at her head

Alea: if you say so Veraik

Zilla: no, of course you didn't. I-I'm sorry, Snake. I really am

Veraik blankets Alea's nager protectively.

Veraik yawns.

Alea: can we just start over, trying to forget the past?

wisesnake trembles

Veraik: I think I should sleep a couple of more hours.

Alea looks up and sees Veraik yawn

Alea: of course, hajene

Veraik smiles. I'd like that very much.

Alea takes her tray to the dirty dishes

wisesnake: tell me something, Zilla, if you had a channel, would you run away?

Fise walks around the bed and stops for more admiration en route to the bathroom.

Veraik follows.

Zilla: oh, no

Zilla: no, of course not

jirelle looks great from all angles

Zilla: a d-d-Donor... they're faithful, always faithful...

wisesnake: yessssssssss...

Zilla shakes her head a bit wildly

Veraik: Are you sleepy or did you want to get something to do while I sleep.

Zilla: yes, Snake, faithful

Alea: no, I am a bit tired

wisesnake lays her head on Zilla's chest, grips her arms

wisesnake: Yes...

Veraik: When I wake up, I have to work on Snake's problem some more.

Alea: I told Tarsh I was going to go shopping but I just don't have the energy

Fise goes into the bathroom and carefully closes the door.

Alea: of course, hajene

Zilla: yes, Snake. Of course... would... would you like me to um... get you... something to eat?

Zilla: or drink?

Zilla heartrate is beating fast

Veraik: Come on. You can sleep in the Donor's bed next to mine.

Alea yawns and follows

wisesnake hears Zilla's heart racing

Veraik zlins Alea.

Alea blinks, suddenly very tired

Veraik: The baby is going to have that effect on you from now on.

wisesnake: You are so kind, zilla. So kind... that is hard to find.

Alea blinks, looks down at her thickening waist and thinks he's probably right

Zilla: oh, no, I bet hajene Veraik is much kinder

Zilla remembers Snake mentioning Veraik the other night

wisesnake stiffens at the name

Zilla remembers the look of love

Zilla feels her stiffen and tries to project a soothing nager

wisesnake starts trembling again

wisesnake: oh Zilla... sometimes it's hard.

Zilla tries to think, what did they teach her in Donor's school

Zilla thinks they didn't teach her WHAT to do with a Farris, yet.

Zilla thinks she's never going to get to learn either

Zilla: I know, Snake... it's hard... really hard

Zilla feels tears of fear leaking out of her eyes

wisesnake: can you keep a secret, Zilla?

Zilla: of-of-of course, Snake

Zilla: anything you want

Veraik enters bedroom and prepares for sleep.

Alea sinks down on the Donor's bed and falls to sleep instantly

wisesnake: sometimes I want to hurt Veraik.

Zilla: h-h-hurt v-v-Veraik?!

wisesnake: and then sometimes I want to hurt myself instead.

Veraik lies in bed but doesn't sleep. He zlins Alea instead.

wisesnake: I can't help it, Zilla....

Zilla thinks the second idea is much preferable

wisesnake: it's inside me.

Zilla: well, you don't really want to do that...what you really want to do is go home to that Donor you're training

wisesnake handling tentacles tighten around Zilla's arms

Zilla: he might require you, Snake

Zilla voice trails off in a squeak

wisesnake: what do you know of that, Zilla?

Zilla: of what?

wisesnake: Of my donor.

Zilla: only that you are training one

wisesnake: he is asleep. He requires nothing.... I am the one who requires.

wisesnake: [slippery tingling sensation of momentary lateral contact]

Zilla feels her fear soar

Zilla realizes she is allowing the fear and immediately clamps down on it, projecting desire to give instead

Zilla thinks she is a Donor that could probably match Snake and should should be thinking that way

Zilla feels a sudden calm fall over her

wisesnake 's tentacles clench hard and she presses down against Zilla, shivering

wisesnake: yes.....

wisesnake: I knew you would, Zilla....

Zilla: what is it you want, Snake

wisesnake: ...hold me...

Zilla: of course

Zilla forces the fear away, thinking if she dies, it's not going to be in fear

wisesnake calms as the fear fades

wisesnake lies passively on Zilla

Zilla projects soothing...

Zilla decides this will be okay if she can just keep control

Fise comes out of the bathroom, cleaned up.

wisesnake: [a single tear falls on Zilla's skin]

Zilla feels the pressure of her tentacles and wonders what she is doing

Zilla can't believe that Snake is actually crying

Zilla [unreality]

Zilla projects comfort

wisesnake 's grip loosens gradually

Zilla projects sleepiness, hoping to lull her to sleep

wisesnake grows heavier as she goes limp

Zilla: are you asleep? [whispers softly]

Zilla tries to carefully roll Snake off her so she can scoot off the bed

wisesnake 's tentacles slide off Zilla's arms as the Gen pulls away

Zilla slips out from under her and scoots to the edge of the bed

wisesnake moves groggily, tentacles twitching

Zilla carefully gets off the bed and freezes

Zilla projects soothing sleepy nager

Zilla edges to the door

wisesnake subsides

Zilla opens the door and slips out

Zilla , knees knocking, heads toward the nearest door, wanting anyone that can help

Zilla signals but no one answers so she goes to the next door

Zilla knees are trembling so bad by the third door that she collapses in a heap near the head of the stairs

Fise hears a thump outside.

Zilla begins to sob

Zilla looks at the bruises forming on her arms from the tentacles and thinks she is going to get sick

Fise cracks open the door and peeks out.

Zilla hears a door and looks up trying to locate which one

Zilla sees one open a space

Zilla pushes herself up...

Zilla: please...

Fise opens wider for a better look, standing crosswise behind it.

Zilla: there's a crazy person in my room... a channel... I need some help

Fise: "What is it?"

Zilla: it's Snake

Fise wonders why a Donor can't handle a channel. Isn't that their job?

Fise tries to remember what he heard about Snake.

Fise: "What do you want?"

Zilla: I want her put somewhere, safe so she doesn't murder me in my sleep

Zilla: the Tecton, something, call someone...

Fise reflects that this is not really his problem.

Zilla staggers toward the door

Zilla holding onto the wall for support, trying to take a few deep breaths and regain her composure

jirelle wakes up

jirelle: Fise? Whhh... who's at the...

Fise evaluates how Zilla would look if she wasn't terrified.

jirelle realizes what time it is

jirelle: Oh no!

jirelle jumps out of bed in a panic, or as close to one as she is capable of coming, which is sort of worried

Zilla takes a deep breath and let's it out slowly

Fise turns "That new Donor says Snake is trying to murder her."

jirelle: I know, I know... tell her I'll be right there.

jirelle puts on her clothes hastily

jirelle hopes she found everything

jirelle gives Fise a lingering kiss on the way out

Fise accepts the kiss.

jirelle smiles at Fise

Zilla decides he's not going to help, but she can't turn away from that human presence

jirelle goes out into the hallway

Zilla eyes widen

Zilla: Jirelle?

jirelle: I'm so sorry I was late!

Zilla: oh Jirelle... she's in my room now

Zilla: she... she... she's talking crazy again

Zilla: please, go call the Tecton to lock her up

jirelle: I know, I know honey.... I should have been there so you wouldn't get these nightmares.

Zilla: no!

Zilla: it's no nightmare

Zilla holds out her arms

jirelle: Come on back to bed. I'll sit with you...

Zilla: do these look like nightmares

jirelle looks at Zilla's arms

jirelle: No...

jirelle: They look like bruises.

Zilla: please...

jirelle goes towards Zilla's room

Zilla: Snake did that when she was trying to make me understand that she wanted to murder Veraik

Zilla: and that she wanted to hurt herself

jirelle: What?!

Zilla nods

Zilla: don't go in there

Zilla: call someone

jirelle pauses at the door

jirelle: I just want to... I just want to see...

jirelle reaches for the door knob

Zilla grabs at Jirelle's arm

Fise is idly watching this little drama.

jirelle: Hey, hey, careful there.

Zilla: no, don't ...she said she was going to murder Veraik or herself and she talked crazy

Zilla drops her arm and immediately guards her field

Zilla: forgive me, hajene

jirelle: It sounds like whoever is in there needs help.

Zilla: perhaps together we could subdue her if she goes crazy

jirelle: You're a first order Donor... I'm a 2nd Order Channel... we should be able to calm down just about anybody, right?

Fise reflects that he missed a chance to pull a hero schtick.

Zilla: of course, hajene

jirelle: So let's just calm down, both projecting calm, peaceful, thoughts... like you are on a beach on a sunny day, lying there in the warmth....

Zilla: forgive me...of course...

Zilla gets herself under control thinking panic is the last thing she should do after the other night

Zilla projects calm

jirelle [soothingly] that's good, that's perfect. You're doing such a good job, Zilla!

jirelle: Are you ready to go in, now? Projecting calmness?

Zilla: you shouldn't have to sooth me... yes, let's go

jirelle reaches out for the knob again

Zilla nods

jirelle turns the knob, and lets the door to Zilla's room swing open

jirelle looks at Zilla's empty bed

jirelle: Uh....

Zilla stares in shock and collapses weeping

Zilla: she was there

Zilla: I promise you, she was there

jirelle realizes she pulled a real boner by not being there in time for when Zilla wanted to go to sleep

jirelle: Oh no!

jirelle: You poor child, I should have been here for you....

Zilla: just go away. I'm fine

Zilla still weeping

jirelle: No... let me help you.

Zilla: no... no...

jirelle gets down by Zilla, urging her to get up and move toward the bed

Zilla refuses to get near the bed, going to a chair instead

jirelle helps Zilla sit on the chair, and continues to soothe her.

jirelle: Everything will be fine. I'll sit right here with you.

Zilla closes her eyes, refusing to look at anyone, certain Snake is still there somewhere

jirelle: Do you want to sleep in my room tonight?

jirelle: I'll sit and watch over you, I promise.

jirelle: There's nothing that can hurt you in there...

Zilla: fine fine... yes, please

Zilla: anywhere but here

jirelle helps Zilla up and leads her to her own room

Zilla: I feel bad that you're going to baby sit me though.

jirelle 's room has all sorts of beaded wall hangings and stuff

Zilla thinks but not bad enough to refuse

Zilla thinks Snake will never find her in here

jirelle: No, it's my fault... Veraik told me to be here for you every night, and I wasn't there for you. I screwed up.

Zilla: I-let's not talk blame...

Zilla: I just don't want to remember. I want to sleep

jirelle lays Zilla down on her bed, and pulls the covers up over her

jirelle: You're going to be fine. I'll sit here right beside you...

Zilla reaches out and grabs Jirelle's arm pulling her down on the bed next to her

jirelle lights some candles, making the room bright

jirelle: And see - Oh! all right

jirelle sits down abruptly, trying not to end up with a hurt arm

Zilla: good, light... a lot of light... no shadows

Zilla nods

jirelle: No shadows, of course.

Zilla: will you tell hajene Veraik that Snake was here?

jirelle reaches out and adjusts a candle to hide a shadow

Zilla: will you tell him that he might be in danger?

<Zilla> but, not really?

<jirelle> Of course I... I'm sorry?

<jirelle> Not really?

<Zilla> I don't know

* Zilla closes her eyes, trying to force herself to sleep

<Zilla> I don't want to remember...just let me sleep

* jirelle sighs and watches over Zilla, trying to help her sleep soon.

Go on to Episode #45: A Chance Encounter

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