Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #54: What Friends are For (10/22/97)
Veraik waits in his office, wondering when Alea was going to return from her project.
Veraik looks around and sighs with relief. The painters have done an excellent job of repainting the walls a soothing color of blue.
<Veraik> [The only problem seems that the Center practically has no transfer couches since they are still at the upholsterers.]
AleaF enters the Center, an hand holding Zray's coat as she drags him to the office
<AleaF> Hajene Veraik will want to meet you immediately
Tarsh is taking a cold shower to distract himself from the need.
<Zray> Tarsh warned us about those things, you know
AleaF signals at the door
<AleaF> I know that... but you don't have anything to worry about... as long as you cooperate
Zray shrugs
Veraik goes to the door. "Come in."
AleaF prods the Gen inside
<AleaF> This is Zray... a former friend of Tarsh's
Veraik signals that the two should take a seat.
<AleaF> He is more than willing to help us out
Veraik sits behind his desk.
AleaF goes over to a chair and sits down, removing her cloak and dropping it on a chair
Zray reluctantly follows
<Veraik> Zray. Did Alea explain what we want you to do?
Zray shrugs
Tarsh lets the cold water run over his swollen tentacle sheaths.
Zray looks uneasily from Alea to Veraik
<Zray> she said you wanted me to give transfer to... Tarsh
<Veraik> Not exactly.
AleaF sighs
<AleaF> I said you had to be WILLING to give transfer...
AleaF glares
Veraik zlins that Zray has enough selyn to serve a renSime and is pleased with Alea's choice.
Zray looks uneasily from Alea to Veraik again
<Zray> same thing, isn't it
<Veraik> There is nothing to be nervous about Zray.
Tarsh keeps thinking of Alea's nager and keeps trying to force his thoughts over to Snake's.
<Veraik> What I am proposing is that you form a triangle with Alea [points tentacle] and myself.
Zray thinks there is if Alea carries out her threat
Zray listens wondering exactly what they're about
<Veraik> Tarsh has never killed therefore he is nonjunct.
<Zray> of course he's never killed
<Veraik> What we are going to do is prove to him that he will never kill.
<Veraik> The point is, Zray, that he has a huge fear of killing and has been having needmares of it.
<Veraik> I am proposing that you help us help him.
<Veraik> When he is given a choice. Alea [looks to her], a Farris Donor, you, and myself.
AleaF remembers their discussion last night and shudders
<Veraik> and when he accepts Channel's transfer over the two of you, then he will accept his life. The life of a nonjunct renSime.
Tarsh can't force his thoughts in the desired direction and bangs his fists against the wall.
<Veraik> What do you think? Will you help us?
<Veraik> It is your choice. [zlins for truth]
Zray squirms
<Zray> he's my friend...
Veraik looks to Alea and frowns.
<Zray> and you're telling me all I have to do is stand there?
<Zray> I won't get in no trouble for any of this?
<Veraik> Yes, that is right.
<Zray> Like with the Tecton or Zeor?
Zray glances at Alea who simply stares back innocently
Tarsh sits down on the shower floor and stares at his arms.
Veraik cocks his head in curiousity. "No."
Zray considers
<Zray> fine. Will you put that in writing?
<Tarsh> Why do you do this to me?
<Tarsh> "Why do I let you do this to me?"
<Veraik> This is a classic disjunction triangle, only we are going to use it to convince Tarsh that he can accept Channel's transfer.
Zray listens and finally nods
<Veraik> That you will not get into trouble for helping?
<Zray> fine. As long as I can leave afterward and no one's gonna stop me if everything goes wrong
<Veraik> Sure, I can do that.
<Zray> good
<Zray> okay, then, I'll do it
<Veraik> [goes to filing cabinet and pulls out form]
<Veraik> This is the basic consent form. Please fill it out and I will sign it.
<Veraik> Of course, you will be paid for this.
Zray brightens at being paid, though he is still suspicous. He takes the form and fills it out, reading it carefully
<Veraik> Alea. will I go to Tarsh. Please take some time to explain what is going to happen.
<AleaF> of course, hajene
AleaF glares at Zray
<AleaF> I'll be glad to explain anything he still doesn't comprehend
<Veraik> Make sure that he knows where to stand and how to feel during the process.
<AleaF> as you wish
Veraik sighs the form then hesititates.
<Veraik> Are you sure Zray? You don't zlin like you are absolutely sure. Did Alea say something to you?
Zray shrugs
<Zray> We've done it before
<Zray> as long as you don't have someone waiting for me when I leave, I'll do it
<Veraik> Veraik zlins Zray.
<Zray> and if you don't hold me responsible if this all blows up in your face
<Veraik> Never. Rest assured. That will not happened, will it, Alea?
AleaF blinks at Veraik
<AleaF> of course not, hajene
Tramila places the last file into her filing cabinet and sighs.
<Tramila> [This is going to be her home for the next several months.]
<Veraik> "Good." Veraik smiles and leaves.
<Tramila> She just hoped that her stay was better than the last time she was here.
Veraik goes to Tarsh's deferment suite and signals.
<Tarsh> [the 3rd watching Tarsh opens the door. The shower is running and Tarsh is in there.]
Veraik steps in and signals that he will take over. The third leaves.
Veraik waits patiently while Tarsh finishes his shower.
Veraik zlins a disturbance coming from the shower area.
Tarsh is need-sensitized and zlins the change in the ambient.
<Veraik> "Tarsh? Tarsh?" Veraik zlins the ambient and walks in.
Veraik adjusts the ambient for Tarsh's comfort.
Tarsh struggles to his feet and stands staring at the faucet, trying to remember what to do with it.
Veraik opens the shower door and turns off the water.
Tarsh is standing in the shower. ~~ cold ~~
Veraik projects a nager full of promised transfer, a willingness to give.
AleaF patiently explains the details to Zray, answering any questions he might have
Veraik takes a towel and starts to dry his shoulders.
Tarsh turns towards Veriak, laterals peeping out.
AleaF continues to explain, a bit impatiently
<Veraik> You have to get out of the shower and get dressed now Tarsh. Your transfer is scheduled in two minutes.
<Tarsh> What? Oh.
Veraik notices the laterals, thinking that it is a good sign. A willingness to take transfer with a channel.
Tarsh walks out and zlins around for clothes. Tarsh grabs his clothes and starts pulling them on.
Veraik stays close to Tarsh.
<Tarsh> [shirt gets stuck on wet flesh]
Tarsh tugs the shirt in annoyance and it tears.
AleaF stands
<Veraik> [Adjusting the ambient, Veraik watches the renSime, encloses the level sensitivity part of his nager and wonders what Alea sees in the man.]
<AleaF> come with me. And do exactly as I said...
Veraik goes to Tarsh, removes the shirt, and dries him with it.
<Veraik> Then he goes to a drawer and pulls out a fresh Tecton shirt and places it over his head.
<Tarsh> [muffled] "Thank you."
Tarsh pulls the shirt on the rest of the way.
<Veraik> You're welcome, Tarsh. You are ready for transfer?
<Veraik> I can begin to help you raise intil now.
<Tarsh> "Yes. But I don't know which kind."
<Tarsh> I've been trying to keep it down.
<Tarsh> ~~ without much success ~~
Veraik adjusts his show field to project Gen desire to give transfer.
AleaF stops in the lobby and takes Zray's coat
<AleaF> you won't want this
Zray watches where Alea places the coat
Tarsh goes hyper under the Gen field.
AleaF continues on down the hall to the deferment suite
Veraik strengthens his Gen desire show-field, projecting need to give.
AleaF wonders if she is running late and hurries her steps
Veraik takes a tiny step back from Tarsh.
Tarsh move forward the same amount.
AleaF pushes open the door to the deferment suite
AleaF sees Tarsh and Veraik...
AleaF motions to Zray
Veraik remains focused on Tarsh.
Zray moves over on Tarsh's right
AleaF moves toward Veraik on his left
AleaF nods to Veraik
<Veraik> Tarsh? It is now your choice. Alea, Zray or channel's transfer. [projects a stronger need to give]
AleaF feels a strange itching start on her spine and shifts, while trying to project caring
Tarsh comes down slightly. "Who?"
<AleaF> Tarsh
Tarsh zlins around.
AleaF smiles carefully at Tarsh
Tarsh zlins Alea. "Alea"
Zray waves slightly
<AleaF> yes
<Veraik> Come to me Tarsh. Let me give you transfer. [strengthens show field]
AleaF sniffles and her eyes begin to water... she tries to blink the reaction away, forcing all of her concentration on Tarsh
<AleaF> it's your choice, Tarsh
Tarsh zlins Zray. "Who? Familiar...."
<AleaF> Gen or channel...
Tarsh doesn't zlin any channel here, just three gens...
<Zray> uh, hi. I'm here if you want to have transfer again for old times sake
Veraik flips to channel's mode. "Come to me, Tarsh. Let me give you transfer."
<Tarsh> Zray? here? Why? I told you that... it was... dangerous.
AleaF rubs at her eyes, finally seeing the problem
<Zray> they said you required help
Tarsh twists. Is this some Sime trying to steal his transfers?
<AleaF> Flowers? Where'd someone get flowers this time of year [Alea motions to behind Veraik] and why here?
<Veraik> Tarsh. You can take transfer. Choose.
Tarsh remembers the flower he killed.
<Tarsh> [the flower that was Alea]
<Tarsh> [and his baby died of it...]
AleaF realizes she is allowing her mind to drift again and forces it back to offer caring and love to Tarsh
Tarsh zlins Alea, and tears himself away to zlin Zray.
Zray offers the familar, the old as he stands there with his arms at his side
Tarsh reaches for Zray. Good Old Zray....
<Veraik> Tarsh? [pushes nagerically to get his attention.] "I am here for you. [projects Gen need to give]
<Tarsh> [suddenly Zray zlins like Zilla]
Zray hesistates, looking to Veraik
<Tarsh> "No! I won't kill you!"
AleaF holds her breath, waiting...
Veraik projects hard need to give.
Tarsh turns towards Veriak. "Help me."
<Veraik> "Come to me, Tarsh"
<Veraik> [holds out arms]
Zray drops his arms
Tarsh takes a step towards Veraik.
Tarsh takes another step.
Tarsh goes entirely hyperconscious.
Veraik projects desire to give. "I am here, Tarsh. For you Tarsh."
Tarsh 's attention flickers back towards Alea, then Zray.
AleaF projects love and encouragement
Veraik waits and projects his Gen need to give.
Tarsh forces his attention back to Veriak.
<Veraik> "Tarsh. Come to me, Tarsh."
Tarsh reaches for Veriak.
Zray holds his arms up, thinking that these people are tormenting Tarsh for no reason
<Veraik> I have what you want.
Tarsh lurches forward.
Veraik meets Tarsh.
<Veraik> and waits for him to make the fifth contact.
Tarsh 's attention flickers backwards again.
Tarsh pushes his head forward and makes the fifth contact, but is still zlinning backwards.
AleaF steps forward but stops herself
Veraik strengthens his Gen need to give but holds the transfer, waiting for Tarsh to initiate.
Tarsh starts to draw feebly. Veraik allows it.
Zray watches intently, waiting....
<Tarsh> [the trickle of selyn pulls Tarsh's attention back to Veraik's Genness]
<Veraik> [projects Alea's nager]
Tarsh draws faster.
AleaF sneezes from the flowers
Veraik gives.
<Tarsh> [Flower - Gen - Alea dead - baby's nager flickering out] ~~ NO! ~~
Tarsh chokes off his draw.
Tarsh 's system cramps up from the change.
Veraik projects Alea's nager and reestablishes the transfer.
<Veraik> [need to give]
Tarsh starts to draw again.
Veraik projects Gen need to give. Willingness.
Veraik allows Tarsh is draw at his own speed.
AleaF covers her nose from the smell of the flowers as she watches the transfer taking place
Tarsh 's draw speed leaps to high speed.
Veraik gives.
Veraik gives joy.
Tarsh draws faster.
Tarsh recieves joy.
Zray can't believe that Tarsh is really taking transfer from a channel with such a struggle...
Veraik 's nager sings joy of giving.
Tarsh soars on the joy.
Veraik projects happiness.
Tarsh relaxes as he draws his fill.
Veraik projects care as the transfer comes to a close.
Tarsh breaks the lip contact as his eyes start to track.
Veraik holds still until Tarsh withdraws his tentacles.
<Tarsh> ~~ surge of resentment... quelled ~~
Veraik zlins Tarsh.
<Veraik> "Tarsh? Talk to me."
AleaF quietly slips past the group and grabs up the flowers... she opens the window and tosses them out, then closes the window
Tarsh looks bewildered. "Veriak? Did I ..."
AleaF rubs at her arms, hoping the hives don't go ahead and follow the allergic reaction that started. She moves softly back over to where she was standing
Veraik points. "Alea is fine and so is Zray."
<Veraik> Look for yourself
Tarsh withdraws his tentacles.
AleaF glances up at Veraik's words, realizing her mind has drifted. She smiles
Tarsh , unable to zlin, turns around.
Zray only wants out of there
<Tarsh> Alea!
Veraik smiles.
AleaF waves
Tarsh runs forward to embrace her.
AleaF slips her arms around Tarsh, guessing it worked... or at least is a start
<Tarsh> "Alea! You're... You're..."
<AleaF> alive?
AleaF grins
Veraik pushes jealousy out of his nager.
Tarsh hugs her tighter.
<Veraik> Zray? Thank you.
Tarsh turns his head. "Zray? What are you doing here?"
Zray shrugs... looks over at Tarsh and the Donor who drove him crazy on the train and sighs
<Zray> they said you required help
Veraik zlins Alea and the hives which are forming on her hand.
Tarsh looks from Zray to Alea to Veriak.
<Zray> I came.
<Tarsh> Yes I did. Thank you.
AleaF blinks innocently, glad Tarsh can't zlin very well right now
<Zray> Well, uh... no problem
Zray shifts uncomfortably
<Tarsh> "It has to be this way, Zray. This is best. It's... safer."
<Veraik> Tarsh? Allow me to heal Alea's hand then Zray and I will leave. It will only take a moment.
<Zray> If that's what -you- want
Zray doesn't believe it's best for him though and doesn't plan on changing
<Tarsh> Her hand? [releases Alea and grabs he hand to look at it]
<Veraik> Alea? Let's them talk while I take care of you.
<AleaF> It's just a minor allergic reaction to the flowers, hajene
<AleaF> I'm fine. Really.
<Veraik> I know. [holds out tentacle for the hand in question]
<Tarsh> Oh. [hands her hand to Veriak]
<Tarsh> Zray, come with me.
<Zray> sure
Zray is greatly relieved to get out of there
Tarsh is careful not to touch Zray.
Zray goes with Tarsh
Tarsh leads him down to the lobby, and sends the clerk off on an errand.
Veraik takes hand. "You did a good job for Tarsh" [projects nager at blisters]
<AleaF> thank you hajene
<Zray> you're doing okay then?
<Tarsh> How did you get here? I swear I didn't tell them about you.
<Zray> that's what that crazy Gen said... she swore you didn't tell her but that she knew all about us
<Tarsh> For the moment. Last time I was fixed on..."
<Zray> She found two of us... was threatening us...
Zray shakes his head
<Zray> fixed on?
Zray looks up curious
<Tarsh> Well she's a Four Plus, which means she can read fields like a Sime...
<Tarsh> Yeah. Not very bright. Like a Donor would even notice.
Zray growls low
<Zray> I'll tell you, when you said something might happen I never expected someone from Zeor to come knocking on my door.
<Zray> You didn't tell me Zeor was interested in you.
Veraik forces the blister to shrink.
AleaF looks at her hand and nods
<AleaF> see, it really is okay.
<Tarsh> That isn't what I meant. Not at all. Please believe me I never told them about you.
<Veraik> He finally withdraws. "How is that Alea?" [zlins her]
<AleaF> I wasn't expecting flowers... fine fine.
<Tarsh> "They're not. Just her. She's ambrov Zeor."
<Zray> huh... she made it clear to me and Zed that if one of us didn't help there would be nowhere we could hide from Zeor's wrath
Zray shakes his head
<Tarsh> I just meant that all that stuff leaves Simes... vulnerable...
<Zray> I'm certainly glad not to be in the mess and think I might just be changing my address after this
<Tarsh> Zed too? Damn.
<Zray> vulnerable? Not if you continue to take Gen Transfer... it's only when you go back to the channel you start having trouble
<Tarsh> I'll try and keep them off you too. I've got some... influence.
<Zray> yeah, I'm sure you do
<Tarsh> No. I almost killed three times the last two months.
Zray looks shocked
<Zray> no... uh... well shen
<Tarsh> And I've got family to worry about now.
<Veraik> Alea? You can go to him but please send Zray back to me. I haven't paid him yet.
AleaF shrugs, wondering why Veraik is always ordering her around
<AleaF> as you say...
<Zray> what'd you do, go and get married?
<Zray> and didn't invite the old group?
Zray jokes
AleaF leaves the room
Veraik encloses nager and steps back from the enticing Alea nager which has been driving him crazy.
<Tarsh> Not exactly. But I'll be a father soon. If nothing goes wrong. Tarsh looks worried.
<Zray> oh...
Zray nods
<Zray> well, you wanta go out for a drink or something? I have an hour before I catch the train back home
Zray reaches for his coat on the coat rack
Veraik goes to his office and sits down heavily in his chair then calls housekeeping to have the deferment suite cleaned.
<Zray> so, what is worrying you?
Zray asks as he slips his coat on
Tarsh is torn. An old friend... but Alea is back there... and he's post...
AleaF walks into the lobby
<AleaF> uh, Zray... before you leave, Veraik would like to talk to you
<Tarsh> You know all the stuff they say about Farrises....
<Tarsh> Oh! Hi Alea.
AleaF smiles sweetly
<AleaF> hi, Tarsh...
AleaF holds out her hand
<AleaF> As good as new
Tarsh takes the hand and kisses it.
AleaF chuckles and shakes her head
Zray remembers mention of pay and brightens
<Zray> uh, excuse me a minute Tarsh?
<Tarsh> Huh? Sure Zray.
Zray nods and goes back to Veraik's office, tapping gently on the door
<AleaF> your friend was very nice to come and help out
Veraik goes to the door and opens it.
<Zray> That Alea girl said you wanted to talk to me
Valrie Forrest stumbles into the Sime Center lobby, supporting most of the weight of her her friend Frieda, who is very pale. Both are in their early teens.
<Tarsh> And how did you find my friends?
<Veraik> yes. [points tentacle] Please sit down while I make out your payment forms.
<AleaF> uh welll....
AleaF sees the kids stumble in the door and is relieved not to have to answer Valrie looks around a little wildly.
AleaF rushes forward
<Valrie> Is this that Sime Center place?
<AleaF> what? what's happened?
Tarsh turns to look at V & F
<Valrie> Frieda's sick.
<Zray> I don't want any payment
<Veraik> Why not?
<Zray> I just wanted to tell you to keep your shendoni Farrises and the people from this Center away from me from now on
<Zray> I don't cater much to threats
<Tarsh> "I'll get Veraik."
AleaF hurries forward
<Frieda> I'm not in changeover, I'm not! [wildly]
AleaF projects soothing comfort....
Veraik frowns.
<AleaF> just relax
Tarsh comes back to Veriak's office.
<AleaF> you'll be fine
<AleaF> come with me
Frieda does not respond in any way to Alea's projection.
AleaF slips her arm around Frieda
<Veraik> Threats? But Alea... you... I thought you came volenteerily.
<AleaF> tell me what's going on [to Valrie]
<Zray> oh yeah, after she threatened to have Zeor hunt me down for the rest of my life if I refused to help Tarsh
<Veraik> I would have never allowed you to take part in this, if you hadn't.
<Zray> He happens to be a friend... if she had asked and explained without the threats...
<Valrie> She was throwing up, running a fever... What else could it be?
<AleaF> there's many things it could be
<AleaF> let's just get her back to the infirmary and check her out, okay
Tarsh notices the schedule board listing Tramalia as the duty channel.
AleaF starts toward the infirmary
<AleaF> just come with me
Tarsh goes looking for Tramalia.
Valrie helps her friend after Alea.
<Frieda> I'm not! I'm not!
AleaF pushes open the door to room 8
<Veraik> Then I humbly appologize.
<AleaF> it's okay Frieda
<Zray> well yeah... it wouldn't be so bad if we hadn't been warned you might be taking retribution to us
<Zray> I see people are right about that
Frieda stops just inside the door to throw up in the trash can.
<Zray> just can't trust the Centers....
AleaF helps support her
<Veraik> When she suggested that she knew a friend of Tarsh's, I ask if she could go ask, not threaten. This is most disturbing.
Zray calms down a bit
Frieda 's skin is Sime-hot.
<Zray> well, I would have come. Tarsh is a good friend. I think he's crazy to go strictly channel transfer... [shrugs]
<AleaF> let's get you on the bed now
Veraik frowns at his attitude but is relieved that Zray has calmed down.
Tarsh signals at Tramila's door, making a note to correct the spelling on the board.
Valrie helps Frieda get over to the bed.
Tramila opens the door.
<AleaF> I want to check your arms... just to make sure Frieda... can you let me see them
<AleaF> when did all this problem start Valrie?
<Veraik> I would still like to pay you.
AleaF reaches for Frieda's right arm
Zray shrugs
<Zray> fine, whatever
<Frieda> There's nothing wrong with my arms!
<Veraik> The money is good and your friend a favor.
<AleaF> of course, there's not
Frieda clenches her arms across her chest.
<AleaF> but I have to check for hives... something that might have you reacting allergically and causing the vomiting
<Veraik> I'll look the other way. You deserve it after your help.
Zray sneers contemputously at Veraik
<Tarsh> "Changeover in the lobby."
<Tramila> Tramila zlins Tarsh .
<Tramila> Let's go!
Tarsh leads out to the lobby, only to find it empty.
Valrie looks suddenly hopeful at the alternative explanation.
<AleaF> well? when did she start throwing up?
AleaF reaches again for Frieda's arms
<Valrie> A few hours ago.
AleaF nods
<AleaF> let me just look here, now sweetie
AleaF takes Frieda's arm and pulls it toward her
<Tarsh> Alea must have taken them to a treatment room.
Veraik pushes the payment voucher over. [It is four times the pay of a first order Donor.]
Frieda jerks her arm free.
<Frieda> No!
AleaF sighs, exasparated
<AleaF> do you want help or not?
<Frieda> I won't be a Sime, I won't!
Tarsh goes down the hall, looking into the rooms.
<AleaF> well fine
<AleaF> but if you want help, then let me examine you
AleaF reaches for the back of Frieda's neck
<Valrie> She didn't want to come here, but what could I do? Let the teachers shoot her?
<AleaF> she might not even be Sime. You did what was right, Valrie
<Valrie> She's my friend.
<AleaF> Frieda is just a bit worried.
<AleaF> you're a very good friend too
AleaF soothing
Valrie starts crying.
AleaF reaches to the back of Frieda's neck
Zray gapes
<Zray> there's some mistake here
Tarsh looks in to see them.
<Valrie> I don't want to lose my friend.
<Tarsh> Hajene Tramila! Down here! Room 8!
<AleaF> you aren't going to, she's fine
<AleaF> well, I don't see any sign of changeover
AleaF smiles
<AleaF> we'll want a channel to check you first though...
AleaF goes over and gets a thermometer
<AleaF> let's just put this in your mouth and then I'll ask a few questions
<Veraik> No mistake. You earned it and more.
AleaF grabs up a chart and pen
<Zray> hey, who am I to argue
Zray slips it in his pocket
<AleaF> now, hon, what is your name?
Tramila enters the room. "Alea? What is the problem?"
AleaF glances up
Tramila zlins the kid.
Valrie is somewhat cheered by Alea's words.
<AleaF> I'm not sure... I don't think it's changeover though
<Tramila> Let me zlin her.
<Valrie> ~~both Frieda and Valrie are Gens, not long established~~
<AleaF> her name?
AleaF looks to Valrie
AleaF lifts the pen
<Tramila> Can you hold still? [looks to Alea silently asking for her name]
AleaF shrugs
<Valrie> She's Frieda Bowman -- her father's Alan Bowman, the businessman? And I'm Valrie Forrest.
AleaF nods
AleaF writes down the name... pauses...
<Frieda> No! No! I won't be a Sime!
<AleaF> Forrest? Why does that name sound familiar
Frieda curls up into a fetal ball.
<Valrie> You may have heard about my dad; he's on the Eastcove school board.
<Tramila> What do you think Frieda. Will you hold still for me while I zlin you. I'll have to use my tentacles.
AleaF almost drops the chart
<AleaF> oh... uh... really
<AleaF> excuse me just a moment
Fise comes into the lobby and looks around. Not seeing anyone, he saunters towards the stairs to his room.
AleaF leaves and goes looking for Veraik
<Tramila> Frieda. You're not a Sime. You zlin like a Gen. I just have to check you.
Frieda looks at Tramila's tentacles for the first time, and shrieks.
<Zray> well then, I'll just be going....
<Valrie> She's not a Sime?
Veraik raises. "Thank you once again."
<Veraik> [opens door] The cashier is down the hall and to the right.
AleaF almost runs over Tarsh in the hallway
<AleaF> oh, uh, Tarsh
Zray goes outside, looks around then decides to leave a note for Tarsh where he'll be for the next hour
<Tarsh> "hi Alea." [smiles]
AleaF smiles
<AleaF> I think Tramila is going to need Veraik in there... have any idea where he is?
Fise goes into his room and picks up a few things.
<Valrie> But she has all the symptoms -- fever, throwing up...
Tramila encloses nager to protect herself.
<Tarsh> Still in his office I assume.
AleaF nods
<AleaF> great
<AleaF> good news is she's not in changeover, I don't think
AleaF starts down the hall
<Tramila> No. She's not.
Tarsh goes along with Alea.
<AleaF> bad news, though...
AleaF glances at Tarsh
<Tramila> Why don't you help me with your friend? She's sick and I would like to heal her.
<AleaF> the other kid is the daughter of Forrest... you know, big wig of Eastcove school board
<Tarsh> What?
Tarsh winces. "Ouch."
<Tarsh> Good thing she isn't in changeover, then. That would be all we needed.
<AleaF> you've got that right
AleaF signals at Veraik's door
Frieda lifts a tear-stained face to her friend.
Fise comes down the stairs with a bundle.
<Frieda> Valrie?
<Veraik> Enter.
AleaF pushes open the door
<AleaF> hajene...
<Veraik> Yes.
Valrie goes to the bed and sits down, hugging her friend.
<Valrie> It's all right, Frieda. You're not a snake after all.
<AleaF> uh... I think Tramila requires you in room 8. Seems like we have Forrest's daughter... the school board Forrest... in there with a friend
<AleaF> media nightmare, if you know what I mean
AleaF sees Fise and signals for him to wait
Veraik groans. Which room is it?
<AleaF> room 8
Tarsh tries not to think about the parental notification reg.
Veraik goes to the door then turns back.
<Veraik> Did you two have a post date?
AleaF moves out of Veraik's way so he can exit
Fise doesn't notice Alea's gesture.
AleaF glances at Fise
<AleaF> Fise!
Tramila waits patiently.
AleaF calls out, determined not to let him get away
<Fise> [bundle falls open spilling clothes]
<Tramila> You know Valrie. You are Gen also.
AleaF glares at Veraik for his question
AleaF turns and walks off
Valrie looks up, amazed.
<AleaF> Fise!
<Valrie> I am?
Veraik shakes his nod, thinking "I don't get it."
Fise turns, irritated. "What?"
Valrie grins widely, so relieved that she's practically floating off the bed.
AleaF is getting tired of Fise's attitude
<AleaF> you do realize you are on duty in fifteen minutes?
You are now known as Alea
<Tramila> Yes. You are.
<Tramila> Congraduations.
<Fise> Nonsense. I'm suspended, remember? Sheesh.
<Alea> oh?
Fise squats to gather his stuff up.
Alea points at the board
Alea goes over and grabs the clothes
<Tramila> Now how about convincing your friend to let me heal her so that you two can go home.
<Alea> I think you'd better talk to Veraik first
Alea looks down at the things she's holding
Veraik enters the treatment room.
<Veraik> Hello Tramila. What seems to be the problem?
Tramila smiles
<Fise> [silk underwear, fancy Imil weave clothes]
Alea lifts a curious eyebrow and looks up at Fise
Frieda leans over the side of the bed as another attack of nausea hits.
<Tramila> We have two Gens who just arrived. They thought that Frieda [pointing to sick girl] was in changeover.
<Tramila> I am trying to convince them to let me heal her.
<Fise> [mongrammed hankerchiefs, small gold and silver jewelry]
Valrie manages to kick a throw run to cover the crucial section of the floor just in time.
Tramila takes the fields and dampens them for Veraik.
<Alea> quite a few things here....
<Fise> Which are not your business, thank you.
<Tramila> Valrie... thank you.
Valrie looks at her friend as the heaves finally stop.
Veraik holds the sick Gen's head.
Alea smiles, her eyes narrowing
Alea dumps the stuff in Fise's arms, not caring if it drops
<Valrie> You can't go home like this, you know. You're father wouldn't take a Sime's word that you were Gen.
<Alea> you still have to talk to Veraik and clear that... [points to board] up first
Fise grabs all of it and stuffs it back into the bundle.
Veraik goes to the cabinet and gets a tab to place under the Frieda's tongue.
<Veraik> She can stay here until she is well.
<Fise> Administrative incompetence is not my concern. I'm not going to violate a Controller's order on *your* sayso.
<Alea> I'm sending you to the controller you shendoni fleckin....
Alea forces herself to calm down
Veraik mixes a strange concoction and gives it to Valrie.
<Fise> Isn't getting me murdered three different ways enough? How many does it take to satisfy you, anyway?
Alea gapes
<Alea> excuse me?
<Valrie> What's that stuff?
Tarsh comes into the lobby with a note in his hand, reading.
Alea wonders what her punishment would be if she punched this guy in the gut
<Veraik> It will help your immune system so you won't get what Frieda has.
Tramila holds Frieda's hands, [no tentacles]
Tarsh looks over to see Alea squatting down on the floor with some other Sime, and feels a surge of jealousy.
Valrie looks at the weird stuff, then decides that she really doesn't want her father to make the same understandable mistake that she made when Frieda got sick.
Valrie drinks the medicine, making a face at the taste.
<Tramila> [projects hard need] Let me zlin you so I will know exactly what your problem is and can heal you.
<Tramila> Won't you let me?
<Veraik> Good. [hands her a glass of water] Alea shakes her head
<Alea> go, on, leave
Alea sees Tarsh and stands
<Alea> Tarsh!
Alea goes over to him
Frieda thinks about it, then realizes that she's pretty much stuck with a channel, since the out-T doctors would murder her on sight.
<Frieda> All right, I suppose. [timidly]
Fise finishes bundling his clothes together. "Which word didn't you understand?"
Tramila smiles.
Valrie drinks the water, glad to rid herself of the taste of the medicine.
<Tramila> Just relax. I will tell you every move as I do it.
Alea glances over her shoulder and glares then turns back to Tarsh. She'll let Veraik handle Fise later
<Tramila> First give me your arms.
Tarsh smiles "Hi Alea!"
Alea slips her arms around him
<Alea> Sorry I ran off like that
<Alea> I thought to straighten some things out
Frieda hesitates, then holds out her arms. She's wearing a wool sweater over a fashionable, long-sleeved blouse.
Fise takes the opportunity to walk out.
<Tarsh> Did Zray leave all ready? He invited us for drinks. Or me anyway.
<Tramila> Tramila zlins Frieda.
Alea steps back
<Alea> I'm not sure. Maybe you can catch up with him
Alea doesn't want to discuss Zray, afraid of where that might lead
<Tramila> Veraik? Can you help Frieda remove her woolen sweater, please?
<Tarsh> Never mind. I have other plans.
Alea smiles, relieved
<Alea> great
Tarsh grabs Alea by the hips.
<Tramila> Frieda. I'm allergic to wool.
Alea 's smile turns soft
<Alea> oh, really?
<Tarsh> Wanna be part of 'em? [leers]
<Alea> depends on what they are...
<Tramila> Go to drawer and pulls out a treatment gown.
Alea laughs and runs a hand up his arm
<Frieda> You are?
Fise is now known as out
<Tramila> Hands Veriak the gown.
Veraik takes the gown. She is.
Tarsh leans over to whisper in Alea's ear.
<Veraik> I promise not to peek.
<Veraik> smiles
Alea chuckles, low
<Alea> sounds perfect
<Veraik> Tramila is the best channel we have at the Center. She'll have you well in no time.
<Tarsh> "My place or yours?"
<Alea> either... lead the way
Frieda is obviously uncomfortable at being helped to undress by a man.
Tarsh sweeps Alea up in his arms and carries her up the stairs.
Valrie takes the gown from Veraik.
<Valrie> Here, I'll help her.
<Alea> great... a man who knows how to make choices.
Zray checks the time and goes back to the train station to leave
Valrie helps Frieda off with the sweater and blouse, and into the treatment gown. The short-sleeved treatment gown.
Veraik smiles and turns his back.
<Tarsh> I picked you, didn't I?
Frieda shivers in the lightweight garment.
<Alea> how sweet
Alea cups his cheek and kisses him
Tarsh lifts her shoulders higher to kiss more firmly.
Alea slips her arm around his neck
Tarsh uses his tentacles to caress Alea as he carries her.
Veraik gets a blanket and places over Frieda.
Tarsh comes to Alea's door, and tries to open it with tentacles.
Alea lifts her head to see the closed door in front of them
Alea wiggles around to reach the door....
Frieda pulls the blanket around her, still shivering.
Tramila signals Frieda to give her arms to her.
Alea pushes open the door
<Alea> there we go
Alea smiles back at Tarsh
Frieda bites her lip, but bravely holds out her hands.
Tramila takes her arms in tentacles then sets her laterals. Tarsh steps into the room and pushes the door shut with his foot.
<Tramila> Now Frieda I want to make fifth contact.
<Tramila> That means that I want to touch your lips with mine.
<Tramila> Hold very still while I do it.
<Tramila> I promise to be as quick as possible.
Tarsh sits down on the bed with Alea on his lap.
Frieda nods and holds still.
Alea hooks her arms around Tarsh's neck, smiling softly up into his eyes
<Tarsh> "I love you."
<Alea> it goes without saying, what my feelings are for you, Tarsh. You're the love of my heart
Tramila touches lips and zlins.
<Tramila> She removes tentacles and sits back.
Alea runs her fingers gently through his hair at his temple
Tarsh puts his hands on Alea's hands and runs them up her arms.
Alea shivers in response, enjoying the feel of his hands
<Tramila> You have a stomach flu which is obvious to even you and you have a small amount of fluid in the lungs.
<Tarsh> [hair is still damp and going every which way]
Frieda looks down at her arms.
<Frieda> They tingled.
Tarsh rubs his head against Alea's hand like a cat.
<Tramila> Let me place my tentacles over your chest and stomach. I would like to help your body drain the fluids.
Alea traces his ear with her finger before running her hand down his cheek to his lips and caressing them gently
Tarsh bites at her fingers with his lips.
<Frieda> All right.
Alea smiles, allowing it
Tramila places tentacle and projects need.
Alea moves her hand and leans forward to kiss Tarsh again
<Tramila> Veraik. I can handle this. Why don't you go on and make your rounds. We can talk later.
<Veraik> All right. Until then.
Veraik leaves.
Tarsh kisses Alea passionatly.
Alea slides her hands back around his neck and into his hair, groaning in pleasure
Valrie watches Tramila work, fascinated.
Alea finally pushes back, breathing rapidly
Tarsh breathes deeply through his nose, and puts both arms around her.
Alea slips her hands between them and slips the buttons of her top loose, letting it slide off her shoulders
Tarsh hugs Alea to him.
Alea rests her head on his shoulder
Tarsh sighs "Alea."
<Tramila> Have you not seen tentacles before Valrie?
Alea soaks in the comfort of his arms after a week of not seeing him
<Valrie> No. Not real ones.
<Tarsh> I missed you. Thank you.
<Alea> thank you?
Alea lifts her head
<Alea> for what?
<Tramila> What do you think? They are just like extra hands in a way, don't you think?
<Tarsh> For helping me. For getting Zray so I could see all my... options.
Alea nods, understanding
Valrie looks at Tramila's tentacles more closely.
<Alea> did it help at all?
<Valrie> No, they're different from hands.
<Tarsh> I think so. I realized I couldn't let the dream become real.
<Alea> dream?
Alea confused
<Tramila> Yes but we use them in much the same way.
Tarsh hugs Alea much more tightly.
Alea gladly accepts the hug, returning it... enjoying the closeness
<Tarsh> The other night. My needmare. I killed you both.
<Alea> what?
<Frieda> They don't feel like hands.
Alea is horrified... leans back...
Tarsh starts crying.
<Alea> then that's what you meant....
Alea wraps her arms around him, soothing, rubbing his back in slow gentle strokes
<Tarsh> I... there was a flower... and I picked it and, and...
<Tramila> Would you like to touch one? [holds a tentacle out to Valrie]
<Tarsh> It attacked me, I attacked it, and then you were dead. And then the baby died in you.
Alea reaches out and takes Tarsh's hand and places it on her tummy which is starting to round just a bit
Valrie reaches out a cautious hand to touch the tentacle.
<Valrie> It's soft.
<Alea> as you can feel... and see... we're both doing fine
Tarsh starts sobbing harder.
Alea pulls him closer, holding him and allowing him to cleanse himself emotionally
Tramila grins at the Gen. "Yes, it is."
Tramila curls a tentacle around her finger.
Briel goes down the hall planning to make rounds
Valrie curls the finger to squeeze the tentacle back.
Tramila zlins another pocket of fluid and moves her frees tentacles to the other place.
<Tarsh> [blubbering] When I zlinned you there before... I knew I couldn't do it.
<Alea> of course you couldn't... you just had to see that for yourself... without my interference
Tramila uncurls the tentacle and removes it from Valrie.
<Tramila> So what do you think now, Valrie?
<Tarsh> And Zray... he zlinned like Zilla ... and Tuib Haskins....
<Valrie> No wonder my father likes... 1
Valrie stops, frowning.
Alea tries to figure out how Zilla and Linn could zlin anything alike, but doesn't argue
<Alea> yes....
Alea continues to stroke his back
<Tramila> Likes what?
Tarsh falls sideways on the bed, taking Alea along.
Tramila smiles gently.
Alea glances at him, surprised
Tarsh buries his head in Alea's chest, sobbing.
Alea wiggles around until she is lying next to him and then relaxes, letting Tarsh cry while she holds him
<Alea> it'll be fine Tarsh
<Valrie> Bitsy says he doesn't, but he does!
<Alea> you're just fine....
<Tramila> Does what, Valrie?
<Valrie> Likes...
JonDrake meets Briel in the hall, a cup of tea in each hand.
Briel absently takes the tea
<Briel> I was just about to make rounds...
JonDrake nods
<Briel> how are you today?
<JonDrake> Shall we set these down or just carry them with us?
Briel zlins Jon
Tramila nods head in encouragement.
<Valrie> Bitsy doesn't believe it, but I've seen his stack of PlaySime magazines, and one night I heard him talking to Frieda's dad.
Tarsh 's sobs subside.
<JonDrake> I feel full of energy!
Alea sighs Briel zlins that and wonders why he is so enegetic
Tarsh lifts his tear-streaked face. "I'm sorry."
<Briel> well, with the schedule we have since Fise has still not come back, you'll be exhausted by the end of the day
Alea shakes her head
<Alea> Tarsh. You have nothing to be sorry about.
JonDrake shrugs.
<JonDrake> Maybe it's the increased exercises with Veraik in the morning.
<Briel> we have half the infirmary full... and then two extra shifts of donations.
<Briel> Of course, with Tramila here, things should ease up now.
<Tramila> PlaySime? That's interesting.
<Tramila> He must read Simelan then.
Tarsh kisses Alea.
Alea responds
Tarsh starts taking his shirt off while kissing.
<Valrie> I don't think so. He just likes the pictures.
<JonDrake> Well, we'd better get cracking then!
Alea feels Tarsh's movements and reaches to help
<Briel> okay... let's see just how focused you are. Treatment room one a kid came in with a broken ankle, room two we have a case of that flu going around...
Briel checks the charts then shoves them at Jon
<Briel> here, read for yourself
Tramila thinks that in order to buy PlaySime you have to order it in Simelan. 2
JonDrake takes the charts one after another.
JonDrake opens up the first.
Briel strides down the hall to room one and goes in
JonDrake follow quickly.
Tarsh presses his chest against Alea. "mmmmmmmm"
Alea pulls back and trails kisses across his face and to his neck
JonDrake catches up and works to maintain field while listening and trying to decipher the chart.
<Tramila> You're probably right.
<Tramila> Frieda, would you like to feel a tentacle too?
Tarsh rolls his head back.
JonDrake puts his training to the test.
Alea moves her mouth back across his cheek, searching for Tarsh's lips again
<Frieda> I have.
Tarsh slides his hands down Alea's back.
Frieda reaches out to touch the tentacle with one finger anyway.
Briel realizes she is rushing Jon and slows down
Briel begins working on the ankle
Tramila smiles. "How are you feeling?
JonDrake is able to determine that the first chart is actually the flu case and begins looking over the correct one.
<Frieda> Better, thank you.
JonDrake makes sure his primary attention is on Briel, her state, and what she is doing.
<Tramila> Here, let me help you to sit up.
Alea arches against Tarsh
Frieda sits with Tramila's help.
Tramila zlins Frieda and is satisfied that she is better.
Tarsh rolls over on his back, pulling Alea on top of him.
<Tramila> You're not showing symptoms close to changeover so you are probably safe to go home now.
Alea pushes up, running her hands down his chest...her eyes following the path her hands take
<Tramila> Valrie... I think you can take her home.
Briel quickly finishes with the young girl's foot
<Tramila> Why don't you spend the night with her tonight.
<Briel> two days, then you'll be able to go about your business
Valrie nods, and begins to help Frieda get dressed.
<Valrie> I will.
Briel smiles gently at the girl and then turns to Jon
<Tramila> You should be safe enough since Veriak gave you the medicine.
JonDrake holds out the appropriate chart.
<Tramila> [points with tentacle] I'd help her get dressed but I'm still allergic to wool.
Briel takes the chart and flips through it
<Briel> flu
<Briel> what would you suggest for this?
JonDrake takes a deep breath.
Briel scribbles in the chart and hands it back
Tarsh smiles as he caresses her belly.
JonDrake opens the second chart.
Frieda smiles, reaching for her sweater.
<JonDrake> This seems to be a fairly routine case....
<Briel> yes?
Alea blushes
<Alea> I'm getting uh... well... fat
<Tramila> Let me give you cab fare
<Briel> Gen who established two years ago... a regular donor here... sick as a dog at the moment
Briel waits to see if Jon has any idea what to do
<JonDrake> This Gen should respond to a Sime field to boost the immune system to fight the infection, possibly a mild antihistimine and anelgesic to deal with the uncomfortable syptoms.
<JonDrake> Being a regular donor, he should respond very well to your field.
<Tarsh> Don't be silly. It's wonderful.
<Alea> I'm glad you think so
Tarsh caresses Alea's belly with both hands and eight tentacles.
<Tarsh> You want me to prove it?
Alea grins with delight
<Briel> yeah, that's perfect, Jon... let's go see to him
Tarsh hooks his fingers under her waistband.
Valrie takes the cab fare from Tramila.
Briel goes into the next room
<Valrie> Thank you.
Alea moves to help Tarsh
JonDrake beams as he goes with her to the next room.
<Tramila> You're welcome.
<Tramila> You be careful.
<Tramila> Come back to you require more healing.
<Valrie> We will.
Tramila smiles.
Briel begins examining the next patient...
Valrie and Tramila help the still shaky Frieda out of the room.
Curtains ripple in the currents from the heater.
Valrie pauses in the lobby, looking around.
<Valrie> You know, that paint job is wild.
<Tramila> The paint job. I like light blue, don't you?
<Valrie> Yeah.
wisesnake walks into the Sime Center being trailed by a rather subdued Nick
<Briel> Jon, please get a tablet... [writes down the name and hands Jon the slip of paper] of this medication and give it to our patient
Tramila opens the door to the cab. It was nice meeting both of you.
wisesnake sees Tramila
Briel steps back just in time to avoid getting covered when the man loses his lunch
JonDrake takes the slip and reads it.
JonDrake goes to the cabinet, finds the medicine. He carefully compares the words to make sure they are the same.
Briel gets a cloth and helps wipe the man's face
JonDrake checks the dosage, measures it out in a small cup and quickly returns.
JonDrake shows the pills to Briel for confirmation before continuing.
Briel checks it and nods
<Tramila> [Going back into the Center, Tramila signals for a cleanup crew of treatment room 8 then goes to her office.]
wisesnake is disturbed by being ignored by Tramila
wisesnake leaves the Center once again
JonDrake gives the medicine to the patient once he is ready, with some water.
Briel nods
<Briel> go home and rest [to patient] come back if you require anything else
Briel takes the chart from Jon and makes some notes heading toward the door
JonDrake disposes of the empty pill cup and deals with the water glass as well.
JonDrake follows quickly behind.
<Briel> diagnosis, the flu... he'll be fine in forty-eight hours
Briel sighs
<Briel> Let Tramila handle the rest of these
<Briel> I want to go over the cases with you and do some more quizzing.
<Briel> I hadn't realized you'd advanced so far in your training iwth Veraik
JonDrake nods and smiles.
<Briel> come on, let's go to my office
<JonDrake> I'm trying.
<Briel> and you're doing fine.
<Briel> come on.
<JonDrake> Ok.
JonDrake follows Briel.
Notes:
1) This is in reference to Forrest's apparent um, patronage of certain Bender Cove establishments where Sime women are available for a price. [return]
2) One really has to ask oneself just why is Tramila so familiar with the ordering requirements for PlaySime? [return]