Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #55: What the Blue Cannot Cover (10/23/97)

[view copyright information]

Valrie and Frieda walk into the Sime Center's lobby, giggling like the young teens they are.

AleaF hears the disturbance and comes out of her office

<Valrie> That's blue's the coolest!

Tarsh is at the desk, looking at forms.

<Frieda> Yeah, it's cosmic!

AleaF sees Tarsh and pauses, letting him handle the girls

Tarsh looks up. He has bad memories of Gen saying "Cosmic."

Frieda sees Tarsh and nudges Valrie to get her attention.

<Tarsh> May I help you?

Valrie giggles, and looks at Frieda.

<Frieda> Go on.

Valrie looks at Tarsh.

<Valrie> We're here to, you know, donate.

<Valrie> Is Hajene Tramila here?

<Tarsh> Certainly. Let me check.

Tarsh looks over at the board.

<Valrie> Great!

Frieda shoots Valrie an admonishing glance.

AleaF smiles at their enthusiam... a long cry from Frieda's hysteria yesterday

<Valrie> I mean, cosmic!

<Tarsh> I'm sorry, Hajene Tramila is off duty now.

<Tarsh> Hajene Briel is on duty at the moment.

<Valrie> Oh.

Valrie looks at Freida, and Frieda looks at Valrie.

<Valrie> Well, I suppose Hajene Briel would be all right.

<Tarsh> She's a very good channel. One of our best.

<Tarsh> I'm sure she will. Have either of you donated before?

<Valrie> Nah. We didn't even know we were Gens until Hajene Tramila told us yesterday.

<Tarsh> Ah. Well, your donations will make it possible for two Simes to live for a month.

Frieda nods confirmation of this information.

<Frieda> Really?

Briel is in her office working

<Frieda> That's cosmic!

AleaF listens in amusement and Tarsh explains donations to the girls

<Tarsh> Donation is a noble gift, and the Tecton feels it is only fair to compensate your for your efforts.

Valrie and Frieda are soaking up Tarsh's spiel like sponges.

<Tarsh> It is selfless donors like you who make the Tecton and Unity possible.

Valrie seems particularly interested -- though not surprised -- by the mention of compensation.

Frieda responds to the idea of self-sacrifice.

<Tarsh> If you have any questions, feel free to ask at any time.

<Tarsh> Regular donation is known to improve the health of Gens.

Frieda giggles.

<Frieda> Cosmic!

AleaF watches Frieda giggle and smiles

<Tarsh> Donors are of course entitled to medical care at any Sime Center.

<Frieda> Like yesterday?

<Tarsh> Additionally, a donation of selyn will reduce your nageric field, you will be less likely to disturb or provoke Simes.

Briel stretches and pushes her papers away

<Frieda> That's nice.

Briel standing she goes to look out the window

<Briel> The Gnome is back

Briel frowns

<Briel> why in the world would someone paint it orange?

<Tarsh> Yes. Channel's healing is always available.

<Frieda> Cosmic!

Briel blanches

<Briel> Rior orange

Briel is certain it must be some sort of awful joke....

Tarsh wishes they would stop saying that. At least they aren't wearing Torn By Tentacles shirts...

Briel shakes her head and goes back over to her desk

<Valrie> So where is Hajene Briel?

<Tarsh> I think she is in her office. If you'll excuse me a moment?

Tarsh gets up.

Briel gathers the infirmary reports she's finished and puts them in her folder for them to be filed

Valrie watches Tarsh leave the lobby, then nudges Frieda.

<Valrie> See, I told you they paid for it.

Tramila walks into the lobby.

<Valrie> Central Stadium, here we come!

Tarsh goes to Briel's door and signals.

<Briel> come

Briel turns from her desk

<Tramila> Hello Frieda and Valrie

Frieda nudges Valrie to shut her up as she sees Tramila.

Briel slips the folder where it goes in her files

Frieda and Valrie reply in unison:

<Briel> what can I do for you, Tarsh?

Tarsh opens the door. "Hajene Briel, we have two first time donors up front.

<Frieda> Hello, Hajene Tramila.

Briel smiles

Frieda giggles.

<Briel> great

<Briel> where are they?

Briel strides toward the door

<Tarsh> "They came in last night thinking one of them was in changeover, but, obviously,  she wasn't. Hajene Tramila healed her.

<Tramila> I see you are feeling better. What can I do for you?

Briel pauses

<Briel> ah... Fada, Frieda... something like that?

<Valrie> We're here to donate.

Briel frowns... goes back over to the infirmary reports

<Tarsh> In the lobby.

Frieda smiles and nods.

Briel leafs through them. "It says here in Tramila's notes that she was very frightened of the idea of changeover. And you say she came in for transfer?"

<Tramila> To donate?

<Tarsh> "Yes she did."

<Valrie> Yes.

Briel nods

<Tramila> [pleased] That is a good idea. It will help you to stay healthier.

<Briel> okay. Well, let's go check them out

Briel smiles... zlins Tarsh

<Briel> you're looking much better today

Tarsh leads the way back to the lobby.

<Tarsh> Thank you hajene. I am feeling much better.

<Briel> good, good.

Briel slows down at the sight of the Farris channel she has never met

<Briel> Hajene Tramila. Nice to meet you

<Tarsh> ~~ Happily post-Post ~~

<Tramila> Hello. [zlins]

Briel zlins the girls... but doesn't see the fear indicated in the charts yesterday. She wonders if Tramila overreacted in her statments

<Briel> are you handling this?

Briel indicates the two girls with a tentacle

<Tramila> My name is Tramila and no... but I can if I am required.

<Briel> Since you worked with them yesterday, I'll be glad to allow you to take their donations if you'd like

<Tramila> There are two of us and two of them. Why don't we both handle it.

<Alea> of course, hajene

<Alea> perhaps, Frieda, if you'll come with me?

<Valrie> That's Simelan they're talking to each other. [to Frieda]

Alea thinks she wants to examine this one closer... maybe learn a bit about their new channel who worked on them

<Tramila> Have you filled out the forms yet?

<Valrie> No. Just that form last night.

AleaF thinks the lobby is getting too crowded and goes back into her office

<Valrie> Is there another one?

Tramila pulls out two sets of forms and hands them to the Gens.

Tarsh produces two clipboards with the usual forms.

Briel watches Tramila and wonders why she feels so comfortable at the Center... nods her thanks at Tarsh

<Tramila> As soon as you have completed these, we will take your donation.

Briel leans back against a filing cabinet and crosses her arms, waiting

<Frieda> Whow! Those are long.

Frieda and Valrie put their head together and scribble busily, with occasional giggles.

<Briel> so, Tramila, I don't think we've met yet. I'm Briel

<Frieda> Cosmic!

Briel winces at the enthusiam and is certain Tramila is just one of those jumpy idiotic Farrises like Alea... or Snake

<Tramila> Briel. Yes it is nice to meet you.

Valrie drops her pen, and giggles as she and Frieda try to chase it down.

Tramila adjusts the ambient for the Gens' excitement.

Valrie finally grabs the pen, and signs the bottom of her form with a flourish.

<Valrie> I'm done!

<Briel> how long are you assigned here? [to Tramila]

<Tramila> Until Alea has had her baby. I'm a midwife.

Frieda is still scribbling.

<Briel> oh

Tramila takes form and looks it over.

Briel glances at Frieda and wonders why it is taking her so long to fill out a simple form

<Frieda> What does "dermatitis" mean?

Alea leaves her office to go outside for a walk

<Briel> it means skin rash

Briel smiles patiently

<Frieda> Oh.

Alea can't find her cloak, so she grabs Veraik's cloak instead

Frieda scribbles a few more answers, then signs her form.

Alea ignores that it drags the ground

<Alea> hello Tarsh, Tramilla, Briel

Alea smiles and goes past them

<Tramila> I see that you have had no childhood illnesses, not even a cold. Most unusual.

<Tramila> Alea?

Briel sighs and shakes her head at Veraik's cloak dragging the ground... she goes forward to take the form from Frieda

<Alea> yes?

<Tarsh> Hi Alea!

<Tramila> Would you assist me with this donation?

Alea turns from Tramila

<Alea> hi Tarsh

Alea smiles sweetly

Alea glances over her shoulder

<Alea> Of course, Tramila

<Briel> let's have a look at that Frieda

Frieda hands her clipboard to Briel.

Briel reads down the form

<Tramila> [in Simelan] Attend me Alea, you are my Donor.

Alea blinks at Tramila

<Alea> Veraik usually doesn't want me around

<Tramila> Valrie. Please follow Alea and me.

Alea nods

<Alea> if you want....

<Briel> rock star?

Briel looks up curiously

Alea grins at Tarsh

<Alea> see you later

<Briel> so, tell me, Frieda... who is your favorite group?

Tarsh smiles.

Valrie follows Tramila and Alea.

<Frieda> Well, Twisted Connection is good, and so are the Rapid Ravens.

Briel glances over her shoulder at Tarsh to see if he has heard either group. She shrugs...

<Briel> that's... great

Tarsh breathes a sigh of relief.

Tramila opens the door to Donation Room 1.

<Briel> well, come on. Let's go to a donation room

Briel strides down the hall to room four

<Frieda> Frieda follows Briel.

Alea trails Tramila inside

<Alea> uh oh... looks like they missed this couch... it's still orange and yellow

<Tramila> Please be seated. [studies forms]

<Alea> you do know, Veraik had all the furniture redone

<Alea> we're just now getting it back to the right color

Tramila frowns. "I'll tell him about it as soon as we're finished."

<Alea> of course, hajene

Alea forces herself to concentrate on Tramila

Tramila shudders in pain to think that she is going to have to take a donation on the monstrosity.

<Briel> right in here Frieda

Tramila relaxes a little from Alea's attention.

NickR is now known as Valrie

<Tramila> What made you decide to donate? [zlins for truth]

Frieda follows Briel into the donation room.

<Briel> have a seat right over there[points to transfer couch]

Valrie shrugs, somewhat defiantly.

<Valrie> I wanted to.

<Frieda> On _that_ monstrosity?

Briel tries not to look at the color

<Briel> Fraid so

Tramila thinks that isn't much of an answer and wonders what the very young Gen is hiding.

<Briel> It says here you've never donated before. [Briel scans the chart]

<Briel> I also read your chart from yesterday...

Frieda decides that it's a good thing her friends won't be seeing her next to the tasteless eyesore.

<Briel> that said you were terrified of becoming a Sime.

<Briel> Are you going to have a problem donating to a Sime?

Briel zlins

Alea notes how drab the room looks with the transfer couch and makes a mental note to ask Veraik about changing the colors of the donation rooms

<Frieda> No, I don't think so. It's not like my parents would murder me for donating, or anything.

<Briel> do you have any idea what donating entails?

Valrie walks over to the couch, trying not to look at it, and sits down.

<Tramila> The couch over there [points with tentacle and zlins for fright] is called a transfer couch.

<Frieda> Yeah. [giggles] Valrie got a book from the closed shelf of the library, when the librarian wasn't looking.

Briel sighs at the joys of youth and the forbidden

<Tramila> The couch is designed to give the maximum comfort during a donation or a transfer.

<Valrie> Really?

<Briel> well, then, you realize you won't feel a thing. I simply wrap my tentacles around your arms... touch your lips with mine, wait a minute and then it's over

<Briel> you'll sit perfectly still and so will I

<Frieda> Cosmic!

Frieda sits down on the couch.

<Tramila> Why don't you sit on it? [signals Alea to join her in the Donor postion]

Alea glides over, shoving the cloak out of the way of her feet

Alea takes up her position, concentrating on Tramila

Tramila sits down opposite.

<Tramila> There is nothing to be afraid of.

Briel tosses the chart on a nearby table and goes over and seats herself

<Tramila> When you are ready, you simply give me your arms and at that time, I will wrap my tentacles over them.

Valrie holds out her arms.

<Briel> okay, Frieda, you ready?

Briel holds out her arms, waiting

<Frieda> Yeah.

<Briel> you hand me your arms... whenever you are ready

Frieda reaches out to place her hands on Briel's.

Briel takes her arms and allows her tentacles to wrap around Frieda's arms

Tramila takes Valrie arms, wraps tentacles and waits.

<Briel> now lean forward and touch my lips... and remember to sit still, it'll only take a short time

Valrie looks down at Tramila's tentacles.

<Tramila> How does that feel? It's not too tight, is it?

<Valrie> They're soft.

Tramila smiles

Alea smiles at Valrie's remark

Frieda leans forward to make lip contact.

Briel begins to draw

Frieda sits very still.

<Tramila> Now the next step is for you to lean forward to make what we call Fifth Contact. When that happens, you must be very still until I release you. Can you do it?

Briel finishes quickly and then sits back

<Briel> all done

Valrie nods, and leans forward as directed.

Briel carefully releases Frieda's arms

<Frieda> Really?

Briel smiles

<Frieda> I didn't feel anything happening at all.

<Briel> really.

<Briel> You shouldn't

Tramila makes Fifth Contact and begins to slowly draw selyn.

Briel gets up and grabs the chart and scribbles on it

<Briel> here you go

Briel hands Frieda a voucher

<Briel> take this to the cashier... go back down the hall and hang a left... and she'll pay you

Alea watches thinking Valrie looks so young

Valrie feels a faint frustration.

Frieda looks at the amount on the voucher.

<Frieda> All that?

<Briel> yes

<Briel> and if you'd like to donate again...

Briel scribbles down some information

Tramila takes the first level then proceeds the the second.

<Briel> come back on this date

Briel hands her another piece of paper

Frieda looks at the paper, then puts it in her purse, making a mental note to destroy it before she gets home.

Tramila feels her frustration and goes for the last level then stops and withdraws her tentacles.

Alea frowns at Tramila...but doesn't comment

<Valrie> Is that all? [disappointed]

<Tramila> Yes Valrie. That is what a donation is.

<Valrie> Oh.

<Tramila> You didn't feel anything, did you. [suspicious]

Alea is sorry that Valrie is disappointed. Wonders what she expected.

<Valrie> No, not really...

Valrie 's frustration grows.

<Tramila> But you thought there should have been more?

Alea studies the young girl, curious

<Valrie> Well...

<Tramila> Yes. [smiles]

Tramila goes to the filing cabinet and pulls out a copy of "So you want to be a Donor."

<Tramila> Take this brouchere home and read it.

<Tramila> If you have any questions, please come back and we can talk.

Tramila zlins someone at the door and goes to it.

Alea trails after Tramila

Valrie looks at the brochure's title, and thinks about what her father would say if he caught her with it.

Valrie puts it into her purse, deciding to at least skim it before ditching it in the nearest trash can.

<Tramila> [frowns] I have a call. Alea, perhaps you could talk to Valrie about the joys of Giving Transfer while I am away.

Tramila leaves.

Alea turns to valrie and smiles

<Alea> You have any questions about being a Donor?

Frieda walks down the hall to the payment window.

<Valrie> A Donor?

<Valrie> I'm going to be a missionary.

<Alea> you were wondering... ahh....

Alea nods

<Alea> how nice.

<Alea> well, then... you just read over that book.

Semla is playing solitaire behind the bursar's window.

Alea wants to ask more questions but doesn't

<Alea> You can come back in one month to donate again

Alea goes over to the chart and pulls off a voucher

<Valrie> Why would you think I wanted to be a Donor?

<Alea> you'll see that donating pays pretty good

Alea glances up

<Alea> you were looking for more during that donation

Frieda waits shyly for Semla to look up from her game.

<Alea> Tramila assumed you were wanting what a Donor has...

<Alea> that something Special... that need to give... need to Donate, to help out a channel....

Alea smiles

<Alea> there is nothing else like it

<Valrie> What does a Donor have? [curiously]

Frieda drifts a little closer.

<Frieda> The red nine can go on the black ten, there.

<Alea> it's something that few have. She wouldn't have given you that if she didn't think you were not able to be a Donor.

Semla notices Frieda.

<Semla> Oh! "Hello I am Semla ambrov Taglar. May I see your invoice please?"

<Alea> It's a very special honor. Very few people can ever be that.

<Valrie> I didn't know that.

Briel goes back to the lobby to make sure no one else is waiting

Frieda hands Semla her invoice.

<Alea> well, you read that carefully. We can discuss it when you come back next month for donation... unless you decide to drop back by before then

Semla looks down. "so it does."

Semla puts it there.

<Alea> uh, Valrie....

Alea hesitates, wondering if she should get into this

<Valrie> Yes?

<Semla> Thank You.

<Alea> doea your father know what you're doing?

Semla looks at the invoice.

<Valrie> Do I look dumb? Or suicidal?

Alea chuckles

<Alea> no

Semla initials the invoice and open the cash drawer.

<Valrie> Don't worry. He's so pround of my sister Bitsy these days that he doesn't pay any attention at all to me.

<Alea> I am pretty sure your father wouldn't approve. But here, in Sime Territory, you're an adult and can make your own decisions.

<Valrie> She's with the Anti-Tectonists, you know.

<Alea> no, I didn't

Valrie draws herself up proudly at being treated like a real adult.

Alea 's concern grows for the Center this time

<Semla> Did you want that as In-Territory or Out-Territory currency?

<Alea> We're here for you if you want to talk.

<Alea> Not donate, which of course, you know we'll be here for. But to just talk if you want to.

<Frieda> Out-Territory, please.

Alea picks up Valrie's chart and slips it under her arm

<Alea> down the hall to the left you'll find the cashier for the voucher

Alea smiles gently at the young girl

Semla picks it out and carefully counts it out on the counter.

<Semla> There you are. And could you sign here, please?

Valrie picks up the voucher, eyes widening at the amount.

<Alea> like I said... Tramila feels you have Donor potential

Alea goes to the door and opens it

Frieda signs where indicated.

<Semla> Thank you for donating to the Bender Cove Sime Center.

Valrie leaves the donation room.

Alea goes out, kicking the edge of Veraik's cloak out of the way ... heads to the garden

<Valrie> Thank you for telling me...

<Semla> We hope you will return next month to help us again.

Alea smiles and nods

JonDrake comes down the stairs into the lobby.

Valrie walks down the hall in search of the payment window, and finds Frieda.

<Valrie> Frieda!

Briel checks the board, looks around, sees no more donations or anything and turns to head back to her office

<Frieda> What took you so long? I've been done for ages!

Valrie shakes her head.

<Valrie> I'll tell you later.

<JonDrake> Hi, Briel! Training with Veraik is done for the day.

<Briel> JD. Hi.

<Briel> Great.

Valrie hands her voucher to Semla.

Semla smiles, remembering her youth.

Briel goes to Jon

<Briel> I was working in the office, but we can take a break.

<Briel> tell me, how did the training with Veraik go

<JonDrake> I'm learning new things every day.

Alea goes outside realizing the temperature has drooped really low overnight. She looks at the overcast skies and smiles.

Alea wraps the cloak closer about her and begins to walk the paths

<JonDrake> He's really putting me through the paces on learning to hold the ambient.

<Briel> Veraik is good at his job.

<JonDrake> How did your day go so far?

<Briel> He's trained several Donors. You couldn't ask for a better trainer, unless it was a Farris. But then you have to put up with all their little quirks

<Briel> Actually, you probably have the better end of things.

<Semla> Thank you.

<Briel> fine. Fine.

<Briel> Had a donation.

<Briel> first timer.

JonDrake smiles

<JonDrake> I've been reading up on Farrises.

<Briel> she supposedly went crazy yesterday, thinking she was in changeover. She was fine today.

<Briel> that's what I mean about Farris quirks.

<Briel> A wild panic to them is really very mild in most cases

Valrie waits patiently for Semla to process the voucher.

Briel shakes her head

<Semla> Did you want that as In-Territory or Out-Territory currency?

<Briel> Why read up on them. You have two here, plus Snake...

<Valrie> Out-Territory, please.

<Briel> That should tell you everything you should know right there

<JonDrake> A Farris Donor?

<Briel> Farris Donor? What about Alea?

Briel looks at Jon in confusion

<JonDrake> No, I thought you were talking about this first donation...

<JonDrake> I must be a little more tired than I tought.

<Briel> oh no. She came in yesterday worried she was changing over. Come to find out, she's been establshed for a few weeks now

Semla counts out the money. "There you are. Please sign here."

Alea trails up and down the paths, keeping the cloak close before finally sitting down on the bench next to the Gnome

<Alea> Orange. How very pretty in the garden. It certainly adds color

<Semla> Thank you for donating to the Bender Cove Sime Center.

<Frieda> That's lots more than you gave me!

Valrie signs for the cash.

<Semla> Payment is based on the amount of Selyn the channel was able to draw.

<Semla> Selyn yeild varies with individuals, but increases with regular donation.

<Briel> no, the Farrises I was talking about were Snake, then Alea and Tramila, a new channel who is here for Alea.

<Frieda> Oh.

<JonDrake> Ah, I see...

<Alea> and you know, you were right... being honest has certainly made a difference... good or bad, I'm not sure yet.

Alea glances up

<Alea> Look....

<Semla> Most Second time donors show an increase of 10% or more.

Alea reaches out and catches a small snowflake

Briel shrugs

<Briel> just study them... you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about Farrises

<Valrie> Come on, Frieda. With this, we'll have front row seats for Torn By Tentacles, and enough left over for a new outfit apiece.

Frieda cheers up.

<Alea> well, now that it is snowing, I can move Tarsh's box of stamps and stuff back over here....

<Frieda> Cosmic! Let's get shopping!

Alea stands and goes over to the gazebo and looks for the loose board

<JonDrake> A regular microcosm, eh?

<Briel> whatever... you'll just learn to be glad you don't work with them daily....

<Briel> and be glad if you require healing that they're around

Alea finds the board and pries it up and reaches for the box... only to find empty space

Alea feels around, disbelieving

Valrie and Frieda leave the Sime Center, on their way to assault the local haberdasheries in search of the most cosmic outfits obtainable.

<JonDrake> Thanks for the warning.

<Briel> they are certainly good if you require medical help

Alea gets down on her knees, ignoring the mud, and the snow that is falling and squints to look for the box

<JonDrake> The Farrises sure seemed to play a big part the major events, haven't they?

<Briel> they think they have

<Briel> of course, if you ask a Farris, their house is the only household

<Alea> well shen

JonDrake shrugs.

Alea pushes up, looking around, wondering if maybe Tarsh found it and put it back under the Gnome

<JonDrake> The history books sure seem to focus on them.

<JonDrake> I noticed that they've been analyzed to the nth degree.

Briel knows hero worship when she hears it. She smiles at Jon

<Briel> yes...

Alea goes over to the Gnome and shoves until she tips it backwards

<JonDrake> They seem to consider it, what's the Simelan word...? Type? Species? I can't remember it.

Alea glances with Dismay when she sees the box is not there

<Gnome> Ooff!

<Briel> they are a mutant... a special type of channel

<JonDrake> That's it!

<Briel> they are more sensitive in many ways... but have many more problems than the other channels

<JonDrake> Are they the only ones? It seems strange that there are no others in all the world.

Gnome mutely testifies to the uncertainty of life.

<Briel> Tigues are also an odd mutant

<Briel> Now if you want to study and interesting group, study the Gulf houses of Carre and Keon.

Briel smiles

<Alea> oh no

<Briel> They are something....

<JonDrake> Really? What are they like?

Alea grabs the Gnome and struggles to upright it

<Briel> well, they have a longer period of learning than most channels... they also have stamina ...

<Briel> when any other channel would be in a mess a Tigue is stilll going

<Gnome> Good. Always get up again when things go wrong.

Alea flops down in front of the Gnome

<JonDrake> That doesn't sound too bad.

<Alea> it's gone. I can't believe it's gone

Alea ignores the mud or the snow that is falling and collecting on her... she just stares at the orange Gnome

<Briel> no... they are something

<Briel> but they're... freer in their beliefs than Zeor. It drives Zeor crazy

Briel smiles

<Briel> actually, that's where Alea belongs

JonDrake pauses in consideration.

<Briel> they could probably tolerate her much better than anyone else

<Gnome> All material things are transient. Focus on what endures.

Briel thinks, including her

<Alea> you know, I should have stuffed leaves around the bottom

<Alea> If I had just left the box here, under you, and stuffed leaves, I bet it wouldn't have been found

<JonDrake> She could really do to find a place for herself. She seems so lost sometimes.

Briel rubs at her neck

<Briel> sometimes I wish she would get lost...

<Briel> you don't understand, Jon, being a Donor... but with her field and erratic attitude...

Briel just shakes her head

<Briel> she's fine

<Briel> She's a Farris.

<Gnome`> Secrets have a way of getting out.

<Briel> The Farrises own the world as far as they are concerned.

JonDrake thinks about those letters...

<Alea> maybe Tarsh has it

<Alea> you know, he could have come out here and found it

Alea is upset that she didn't destroy the darned thing when she found it

<Gnome`> It's possible.

Alea rubs at her cold nose

<Alea> maybe I should go check before I panic

<Alea> you know, it IS possible he came out here, couldn't find it and tripped over the board at the gazebo and discovered it

JonDrake begins to put a little bit more into perspective.

<Gnome`> Anything is possible.

Alea stands, brushing at the snow

Briel goes down the hall to her office

<Alea> I think that's what I'll do. Of course, Tarsh has it. I'm worrying for absolutely no reason

JonDrake accompanies her.

Briel goes in and puts on water for tea

Alea shakes out Veraik's cloak, noting suddenly the mud.

Alea slaps hard at the mud, then goes inside... feeling the blast of heat hit her cold face

Briel makes up two cups of tea and brings one back to Jon

<JonDrake> Thank you. What are we doing today?

Alea goes up the hall in search of Tarsh

<Briel> Donations and some transfers. By the way, from now on, it'd be wise for you to go with me during all donations.

<Briel> Just until our transfer, that is.

Gnome` is now known as Tarsh

Alea goes down the hall to Tarsh's office

Alea signals

Tarsh is writing at his desk.

<Tarsh> Come in!

Alea goes inside

<Alea> hi Tarsh

<JonDrake> I'll stay with you.

<JonDrake> Will we be adjusting your schedule or mine with Veraik?

Tarsh brightens. "Alea!"

Briel gives Jon a get real look

Alea wonders why everytime she has bad news, Tarsh is so bright about seeing her.

Alea smiles weakly, reminding herself it might not be bad news

<Briel> Veraik can adjust his schedule

<Alea> well...

<Tarsh> Is something the matter?

<Alea> not exactly

Alea clasps her hands together in front of her

Alea realizes she is still wearing the cloak and slips it off, hanging it on the coat rack in Tarsh's office

Tarsh gets up and comes over.

Alea turns back to Tarsh

<Alea> you remember... well....

Alea clasps her hands together again

<Alea> I found your hiding place for your papers, Tarsh

<Tarsh> Papers?

<Alea> stamps... you know, the uh, things you put under the Gnome

<Tarsh> Oh.

<Tarsh> You found them. Need to find a better place before someone else does.

Alea heart drops to her toes

<Alea> well, you see... I thought exactly that

<Alea> so, I hid them under a loose board in the gazebo

Alea looks hopefully at Tarsh

<Tarsh> If you think that's a better place.

Alea pales at Tarsh's words

<Alea> well, I did....

<Alea> but when I went out today... well, it's snowing and I thought under the Gnome would be better since the snows would hide them...

<Alea> oh, Tarsh... I'm so sorry

Alea begins to wring her hands

<Alea> If you don't have them... then someone else does.

<Alea> you see... they're gone

<Briel> okay Jon... since Veraik doesn't have the time to change schedules, I can temporarily take over your training.

Briel smiles

Tarsh looks grave.

<Briel> perhaps we should start with teaching you to stand on your head nice and steady... not moving... and see how well you concentrate? [at Jon's horrified looks Briel relents] Well then, just don't worry about missing a few training sessions until next week....

<Tarsh> You're sure?

Alea looks ill

<Alea> very sure

Tarsh sits down in his chair heavily.

<Alea> I should have destroyed the shenned thing when I first found it.

<Alea> Do you have any idea who might have it? Has anyone contacted you?

<Tarsh> Those are very hard to get.

<Tarsh> No, noone. Alea goes over and pulls up a chair next to Tarsh, staring intently...

<Alea> okay... well then, we can rule out Veraik. If he had gotten it, he would have been in here immediately

<Tarsh> How would they know who to contact?

Alea stops

<Alea> you're right

Alea sighs in great relief

<Alea> just because I know....

Alea pauses

<Alea> you didn't have anything with your name in there, did you?

<Alea> anything that would lead them back to you?

Alea is worried again

<Tarsh> No, of course not.

Alea thinks, yeah, of course not... she would do something stupid like that... like leaving her letters in her office... but he wouldn't. She sighs

<Alea> well, that's good

<Alea> then no one can trace it back here

<Tarsh> But if they were compared to the papers they were used on... and those could be linked to me...

Alea goes back to near panic

Alea takes a deep breath, trying to relieve the sudden nausea at the thought of someone finding out about Tarsh

Tarsh reaches out to her. "Hold On."

<Tarsh> This isn't the collapse of Unity.

Alea remembers the disaster when she was found out... looks up at Tarsh, nervously

<Alea> well, according to has those stamps... it could mean a lot of trouble

<Tarsh> Hmmm... I'd better lay some false trails. But who to implicate...

Alea thinks....

<Alea> Tramila hasn't been here long enough and doesn't have any hand in the paperwork

<Alea> how about... Veraik, or Briel or Snake....

Alea doesn't like the idea of any of them... but thinks a channel would get in less trouble....

<Tarsh> Snake... she's gone from the Tecton, but she isn't someone I'd want to cross....

<Alea> well, you know, Tarsh... you could implicate me... I mean... what can they do to me? Throw me out of Zeor? Toss me out of the Center?

<Tarsh> Semla's too nice a person.

Alea chuckles

<Alea> yeah, not Semla

Tarsh looks shocked.

<Alea> what?

<Tarsh> I could never do something like that to you.

Alea smiles

<Alea> after what I've been through, that would be minor... however, I appreciate the sentiment

<Alea> too bad you don't hate me, would have been the perfect candidate... So, who else is there?

<Tarsh> I'll have to muddy the water so much no one is clearly involved.

<Alea> good idea

<Alea> then whoever has them, if they try to trace them, they won't know who is behind it

Alea is greatly relieved. She has come to care for everyone here in different ways and wouldn't want any of them to get into trouble

<Alea> so, how do you go about muddying the waters... you know, I should be able to help with that considering that was basically my job for the past several years

<Tarsh> It's my fault for having them here on site in the first place.

<Tarsh> Replace real documents with fakes to confuse things.

<Alea> I shouldn't have interefered, Tarsh. If I had left them alone, no one, except me, would probably still know about them.

<Alea> well, considering I have a set of master keys to everything in the center... that'll be no problem

<Tarsh> have some accounts with too much instead of too little.

Tarsh doesn't comment on that.

<Tarsh> hey! That second fire! Water damage. Yes.....

<Alea> yes?

<Tarsh> A little more water damage could cover a lot of sins...

Alea eyes lighten

<Tarsh> In the right places.

<Alea> yes, you're right

Alea smiles

<Alea> you're brilliant, Tarsh

<Alea> I've been wanting to make that flaming omelet again....

<Alea> wanna help?

<Alea> it'd be real easy to set the alarms off... flood the Center

<Tarsh> You talked me into it.

Alea jumps up

<Alea> come on

Alea grins

<Tarsh> No, that isn't what I mean. I'll just spill some water in the right places. Discreetly.

Alea frowns

<Alea> oh, but that'll be so obvious

Alea flops back down

<Alea> but, I suppose, it's better than ruining all of the beds and couches again

<Alea> so, what files do you need to soak?

<Alea> or perhaps a cup of tea on top of the wrong cabinet?

<Tarsh> I'll have to select the right papers. Just some here and there.

<Tarsh> I'll do it when there isn't anyone around.

Alea nods

<Alea> do you want my set of keys?

Alea flushes a bit

<Alea> last time the locksmith was here, I had an extra set made

<Tarsh> That's all, right, I have one too. [grins]

Alea smiles

<Alea> well, good

<Alea> I don't know why anyone even bothers with locks

<Tarsh> I've wondered that myself...

<Alea> oh well...

Alea turns serious

<Alea> I apologize again, Tarsh for the problems I've caused. I'm glad you came up with a solution

<Tarsh> [serious] Alea.

<Alea> yes?

Alea nods

<Tarsh> Haven't I told you you're the best thing that ever happened to me?

<Tarsh> I can deal with this.

<Alea> eventually, dear one, you are going to get tired of saying that though.

<Alea> but I'm glad you can deal with this.

Alea smiles softly and cups his cheek

Alea sits back

<Tarsh> Never!

Alea blinks at the vehemence

<Alea> well, good

<Tarsh> Meet me later?

Alea nods

<Alea> sounds great

Alea pushes back her chair and stands

<Alea> in the meantime, I should go find Tramila and work with her some. I'll see you later

Alea kisses Tarsh and then heads out the door.

Alea thinks her flaming omelet doesn't sound so bad....

Alea realizes, however, that it isn't breakfast time... so she decides to fix something else instead

Alea goes to the kitchen

Alea pulls out a skillet

Alea plops it on the stove

Alea goes to the fridge and pulls out various vegetables....

<Alea> Fried Vegetables on fried bread. Yum.

Alea pulls out the butcher knife and, holding it over the kale, slams it down, slicing it perfectly in half.

Alea turns the kale then repeats the process

<Alea> too much for me.

Alea takes the extra and puts it up.

<Alea> she then gathers some spicy vegetables for flavor, and, finding a smaller knife, begins to slice

<Alea> Ouch!

Alea jerks her finger back and sucks on it

Alea motions to the two Simes who come running in... they go running back out

Alea mutters

<Alea> they're probably going to go tell Veraik on me

<Alea> figures

Alea finishes cutting up the vegtables, very careful of her fingers

Alea finds the oil and splashes some in the pan

Alea waves her hand at the smoke... jumps when some of the oil pops her

<Alea> Yeow!

Alea rubs at her cheek, her eyes watering from the pain

Alea hears a groan, scuffle then sees the kitchen door slammed shut

<Alea> ooops....

Alea doesn't want to know who was on the other side of the door when that accident happened

<Alea> I know it wasn't Veraik. He would have come in...

Alea brightens, thinking maybe they didn't go tell Veraik after all

Alea rubs at her cheek and feels the blister

<Alea> shen

Alea goes and gets the fresh bread and the bread knife

Alea begins sawing her four pieces of bread...she figures someone will eventually show up and be hungry... she never gets to eat a meal in peace

Alea deicdes she's going to ruin her pretty new wool dress so she slips an apron on

Alea goes back to cooking, smiling as she doesn't burn anything else

Alea quickly browns the bread, then scoops the vegetables on top of the bread, adding the cheese she isn't allergic to, then making up a second sandwich just in case someone comes in

Alea pulls off the apron and goes over to the table to eat

Alea takes a huge bite of her sandwich, ravenous

JonDrake comes downstairs to the small kitchen...

Alea sniffs

Alea smells something burning

Alea looks toward the fire

<Alea> OH NO!

JonDrake pauses, his nose detecting an acrid odor...

Alea sees the grease on fire

Alea jumps up and runs over, filling a large pitcher with water

<JonDrake> NO!!!!

JonDrake runs in

<JonDrake> No water!

Alea rears back with the water to let it fly

Alea stumbles at Jon's yell

JonDrake tries to reach her in time.

Alea falls foward, knocking the grease everywhere... her arm getting burned in the process

JonDrake grabs at Alea, pulling her away.

Alea [the water goes the opposite direction]

Alea pulls away

<Alea> The fire

<Alea> quick!

Alea grabs at the apron and starts slapping at the fire

JonDrake searches for a cover, finds a large metal tray.

Alea looks in shock when the apron goes up in flames

Alea turns off the stove

<JonDrake> Baking Soda! Where!

<Alea> uh... baking soda?

<JonDrake> YES!

Alea shrugs

JonDrake sees that the major fire is contained under the tray.

Alea grabs a towel and begins swiping at the fire

Alea watches as it slowly dies

<Alea> oh, thank goodness... the sprinklers didn't go off

JonDrake remembers the last time...

JonDrake lets out a sigh of relief.

JonDrake looks to Alea.

Alea suddenly realizes she is hurting really bad

JonDrake sees her arm.

Alea drops the towel and looks at her arm

<JonDrake> Come on.

<Alea> that hurts

JonDrake pulls her to the sink.

Alea goes docilely, staring at her arm in shock

JonDrake starts cold water running to cool the burn.

<JonDrake> Keep you arm under here, I'll be right back.

<Alea> my face didn't hurt that bad

<Alea> you know, this really hurts

JonDrake rushes to the medicine cabinet.

JonDrake yells, "Keep it under the water!"

Alea sees black dots before her eyes and sinks down to the floor

JonDrake opens up the cabinet, searches his knowledge.

<Alea> ouch

JonDrake reaches over to the phone, punches intercom.

Alea continues to stare at her arm, seeing the skin blistering up

<JonDrake> Briel, report to kitchen, stat.

JonDrake finds some appropriate medications. Takes care to note the black stripe and Farris glyph.

Alea sees the skin looks sorta black and shiny red... it reminds her of the fire they had when the Center burned down

JonDrake runs back to the kitchen.

Briel hears the page and hurries to the kitchen

Briel zlins the Farris nager before she arrives and curses

<Briel> someone should lock these doors

Briel goes into the kitchen

<Briel> what happened JD?

<JonDrake> Grease fire.

Alea holds out her arm, shocky

<JonDrake> Alea stumbled into it just as I got here.

<Briel> figures

Briel drops down by her

<Briel> let's see the arm.

<Briel> Jon, come help me

Briel adjusts the ambient

JonDrake lays the medicines before her and goes into position.

Alea pulls her up, cooling the arm off before finally taking the medicine and smearing it on Alea's arm

<Alea> I'm fine, really.

<Alea> I was only fixing lunch.

Alea motions toward the sandwiches

<Briel> I thought Veraik said you weren't allowed in the kitchen anymore

Briel allows Alea to sink back down and then projects hard need so she can start healing

JonDrake holds steady, working to not react to the projection.

Alea shrugs, looking a little less pale

<Alea> I was hungry

<Briel> Jon, get her a tray of food... her drink... whatever and then we can take her somewhere safe to eat

<Briel> did you see this happen?

<Briel> yes, yes, you said you did

<JonDrake> Ok.

<Briel> well, you did the right thing by calling for help. There should be minimal scarring....

Briel turns back to Alea

JonDrake puts the items on a new tray.

<Briel> let me do a deeper zlin

Alea nods

Briel carefully takes Alea into transfer position and zlins....

Briel sits back

JonDrake holds steady...

<Briel> you're retaining a bit too much water... that's not good... but everything else looks fine

<Briel> except for this arm... and your blood pressure is too low

Alea looks up

<Alea> what?

<Briel> shock

<Briel> from the pain

JonDrake is glad he decided to come downstairs when he did.

<JonDrake> I'm just glad I decided to come downstairs when I did! A few moments later...!

<Briel> That's right. Be lucky Jon Drake found you when he did... who knows how long you would have been in here without help

Alea glances at Jon....

JonDrake decides not to mention the water and compound the problem to Alea before Briel.

Alea realizes suddenly that Jon really did save her life... and that he isn't scolding her either when he has every right to

Alea smiles hesitantly at Jon

<Alea> thank you, Jon

<JonDrake> I'm glad I could help, Alea. I'm glad you're not more seriously damaged.

Alea drops her eyes, embarrassed.

Briel sighs, disgusted

<Briel> come on, let's get you out of here. Can you walk?

<JonDrake> I'll get your lunch, Alea.

<Alea> thank you, Jon

<Alea> Yes, I can walk

Alea grabs the counter and pulls herself shakily to her feet

Briel assists

JonDrake makes sure she has plenty of water.

Briel braces herself then slips her arm around ALea

Alea does her best to guard her nager

Alea moves her arm from Briel to Jon for support

Briel steps back and takes the tray

Briel uses Jon's field to block out Alea's pain while projecting need to continue to stimulate Alea's body to heal

JonDrake takes Alea out of the kitchen.

Briel leads the way to Alea's office

<Briel> you don't have to go to the infirmary unless Tramila or Veraik order it... but I do want you behind insulation so you don't send half the Simes into killmode with that pain

<Briel> when we get to your office, I'll give you some fosebine

Alea thinks Briel must love fosebine to give it to everyone so much

Briel pushes open the door to Alea's office and steps back

JonDrake leads Alea to her couch.

Alea smiles, grateful

Briel brings the tray in and sets it frimly on her desk

<Briel> here is your food, Alea. Eat it... but don't go near the kitchen again

Alea nods, not meeting Briel's eyes

<Alea> thank you

Briel sends an exasperated look at Jon, then goes out the door to find Veraik

<Alea> you know, Jon... I hate to say this... but Briel really doesn't care for me.

<JonDrake> Is there anything else I can get you.

Alea shakes her head

<JonDrake> She's getting close to need, Alea.

<Alea> no, thank you. I'm fine.

<Alea> I know... six days

<JonDrake> Things have been rough on her, on all of us. Tempers are a little raw...

<JonDrake> Just get some rest.

Alea shrugs, but decides not to get into it with Jon Drake. He wouldn't understand since Briel is his Channel this month

<Alea> you're right

<Alea> I should just rest

Alea smiles

<Alea> want to do me a favor?

<JonDrake> Just ask.

<Alea> head Briel off before she finds Veraik

Alea grins

JonDrake doubts it's possible.

<JonDrake> And what would you like me to do?

<JonDrake> What would you like me to say?

<Alea> as for doing... use that field of yours to calm her down...

<Alea> you're a good Donor... you can do that

JonDrake smiles.

<JonDrake> Ok, I'll do what I can.

<Alea> as for what to say

Alea shrugs

<JonDrake> I'll be back.

<Alea> who needs to say anything with a nager like yours

Alea lays down on the couch, her arm killing her

Alea is no longer hungry

JonDrake gives her a sarcastic smile ~really now...~

JonDrake heads out to catch up to Briel.

Briel signals at Veraik's door and waits

JonDrake meets up with Briel just as she gets there.

Briel turns

<Briel> I thought you were with her

JonDrake takes a deep breath, slowing down.

Briel is a bit pale

<JonDrake> She's relaxing right now.

JonDrake lets himself be calm....

Briel relaxes a bit

<Briel> she should be committed

<Briel> I've never met a more clumsy Donor....

<JonDrake> I'm sure there's some reason. If we could only find the key.

<Briel> she's a clutz. Pure and simple. Until she learns that with that field there are certain things she is just going to have to avoid, she's going to be a danger to us all

Alea wishes now she hadn't talked to Tarsh about setting the kitchen on fire

<JonDrake> I know you've known her for longer than I have...

Alea thinks maybe she wouldn't have started thinking about food and gotten hungry... and then decided to have a little fun cooking

<JonDrake> I just can't convince myself that she's a lost cause.

Briel bristles at Jon's words

<Briel> she goes around seducing renSimes with that field... hurting herself and sending us all into outerspace

<Briel> she doesn't even think about channels being close to transfer... and what a hurt Donor does to them

<JonDrake> I'm sorry, Briel.

JonDrake concentrates on Briel's reactions to the recent events.

<JonDrake> I know it is rough on you. Especially now.

<JonDrake> Lets just forget about it now.

<Briel> it's rough on everybody

Briel gives Jon a get real look

JonDrake projects support, promise.

<Briel> I have to find Veraik

Briel narrows her eyes but respons to Jon's field relaxing a bit more

JonDrake balances the ambient.

<Briel> he should know so he can do something about her

JonDrake nods supportively, but not sharing in anger.

Briel shudders and leans against the wall, her head falling back as she closes her eyes

JonDrake helps to balance Briel's turbulent fields.

<Briel> just stop it

Briel to Jon

JonDrake eases off.

Briel breathes again

<JonDrake> Better?

<Briel> your field is ahead of mine

Briel shakes her head and opens her eyes

<Briel> you have more selyn than you should

JonDrake tilts head, questioningly.

<Briel> you're responding to someone else's field... possibly Veraik's

<Briel> I'll have to talk to him about that

<JonDrake> You think so? Hmmm...

Briel zlins Jon

JonDrake looks to Briel

Briel gets lost in the shifting of his field

JonDrake waits eagerly to hear her assessment.

Briel responds to the eagerness, hyper

JonDrake notices the glassiness of her eyes.

JonDrake relaxes his field.

JonDrake holds steady, not so alluring.

Briel becomes duo

Briel shudders

<Briel> sorry

<JonDrake> Not your fault. Looks like I have to be more careful.

<Briel> yeah, you are closer to matching Veraik than me this month.

JonDrake is perplexed, disappointed.

Briel zlins the disappointment

<Briel> what's the matter?

<JonDrake> I'm here to be your Donor, I wouldn't dream of upsetting that, of denying you.

Briel 's eyes widen

<JonDrake> We can work on it.

<Briel> you ARE my Donor

JonDrake endorses that in his field.

<Briel> don't even think I meant something different

Briel agitated and starts down the hall toward her office

<Briel> Veraik... he... well... he just had transfer... you won't be his Donor.

JonDrake relaxes.

Briel realizes she is heading toward her office and stops

<Briel> Jon. That field of your is going to drive me crazy

<JonDrake> I was just concerned that this would interfere with our transfer.

<JonDrake> I'm sorry.

JonDrake calms himself down.

<Briel> no... I mean... it makes me forget....

Briel runs a tentacle through her hair

Briel massages her neck and sighs

<JonDrake> What do you need right now, Briel?

Briel zlins Jon

JonDrake holds steady, trying not to push, giving her the space needed to think.

<Briel> I just need... you

Briel vunerable

JonDrake steps forward, supportive and stable.

<JonDrake> I'm here, Briel.

Briel lays a hand against his chest, sighing

<Briel> I want this to be a good transfer, Jon

JonDrake nods

<JonDrake> So do I, Briel. It will be.

<Briel> I am used to having transfers from my own people... my house....

Briel responds to Jon's field relaxing

<Briel> unexpected things, like Alea... they... unsettle me

<JonDrake> We've done so much work.

<Briel> I'm a shendoni First. They shouldn't

<JonDrake> [comforting] I know... things happen.

<Briel> but I've been too lax at my house. I'm having to learn to deal with the real world

JonDrake smiles.

<Briel> and I don't like it

Briel tries to smile

<Briel> instead of you taking lessons, maybe I should take lessons on being a channel again

<JonDrake> Tell you what. We can go back to your office and relax. You can tell me more about your House.

Briel nods

<Briel> that sounds good

JonDrake thinks so too.

Briel turns with Jon and heads toward her office

<Veraik> hello

Veraik comes back in from his walk and heads for his office.

Veraik is glad that his meeting had gone as planned.

Veraik just hopes that no one finds out about it.

Briel slips into her office, vowing to find Veraik in just a few minutes

Veraik opens the door and gets a blast of Gen pain.

<Veraik> Quickly shielding himself, he zlins Alea then augments to her.

Alea blinks

<Alea> Veraik?

Alea frowns and tries to shield her pain

<Veraik> Alea. [places tentacles on cheek and projects need]

<Veraik> What happened to you?

<Alea> I'm fine. really

Alea tries to struggle up

<Alea> I just had a small little accident

<Alea> Briel was treating me

<Veraik> Where is she?

<Alea> uh...

<Alea> she left

<Veraik> Haven't you had some fosebine?

<Alea> no

<Veraik> Stay there. I'll get some.

Veraik augments, mixes triple and brings it back. "Here. Drink this. Burns are the worst, aren't they?" [eyes have adoring, caring shine in them]

Alea sighs and reluctantly downs the fosebine

<Alea> thank you, hajene

Alea turns her face back into the couch... waiting for it to take effect

<Alea> I just had a little accident

Alea mumbles it into the couch

<Alea> I'm sure Briel told you everything

Alea [right forearm is black and red and shiny... bubbling with second degree burns that have been halfway treated]

Veraik places tentacles directly over the burns on her arm [but not touching], projects hard need.

<Alea> Briel was projecting need earlier... it helped. [mumbled]

<Veraik> Alea's pain pulses through him.

<Veraik> I'm here, Alea.

Alea tries to pull her nager in

<Alea> please, Veraik. I'm sure Briel will be back

Veraik swallows bile as he fights to heal and shield himself at the same time.

<Alea> I promise you I'm fine

<Veraik> I'm the channel, Alea. Let me be the judge of that.

Alea sighs

<Alea> of course, hajene

<Veraik> How did you cut your finger?

<Alea> my finger?

Alea tries to think of an excuse

<Alea> it was an accident

<Veraik> Actually, why don't you start from the beginning and tell me how and why you are hurt again.

<Alea> do you know it's snowing outside?

<Alea> I went out earlier....

<Alea> Got snowed on

<Alea> oh dear!

<Veraik> I just came from outside.

Alea tries to struggle up

<Alea> your cloak... I borrowed your cloak

<Veraik> ALEA... stop.

Alea blinks at Veraik

<Veraik> Just tell me and stop trying it on.

Alea collapses back wearily against the couch

<Alea> I cut my finger

<Veraik> I zlin that. How?

<Alea> with a... um... [mumbles almost inchoherently] knife

<Veraik> A knife! And where did you get the knife.

Alea avoids veraik's gaze

<Alea> from the kitchen

<Veraik> The kitchen? And why were you in the kitchen when I had expressly told you, you were NOT to go there.

<KtchnWtch> That Gnome! He gets to see all the juicy stuff. I just get to see Alea set fire to the kitchen day after day...

<Alea> I was um... hungry for a fried vegetable sandwich

Alea thinks she should have left that "Fried" part out

<KtchnWtch> That girl's going to turn me to ash, mark my words!

<Alea> well, I was cutting vegetables and the knife just sorta slipped and sliced my finger

<Veraik> Fried... and so you were frying and grease just happened to splatter on you. Tell me more.

Alea realizes the pain must be fogging her mind if she let that slip

<Alea> well... I didn't cut my finger with the butcher knife... it's only a small cut with the smaller knife....

<Alea> the grease on my cheek was an accident

<Alea> it was when I had the sandwich and was getting ready to eat it that the grease caught on fire....

<Alea> I almost had it out until Jon yelled... distracting me... and I stumbled

<Veraik> A knife and grease... go on.

<Alea> and well... I fell into the pan, my arm landed in the fire and the grease

Alea shrugs, turning her face away from Veraik

<Veraik> Alea? Why do you bother with the kitchen?

<Alea> they brought my sandwich with them when they brought me here

<Alea> they didn't have what I wanted in the caferteria

<Veraik> With your nager, whenever you are in pain, the whole Center is in pain.

<Alea> I'm very low field

Alea tries to sound encouraging

<Veraik> Look, I can order the cafeteria help to make whatever you want, using your receipes... IF you PROMISE to never to into a kitchen again.

<Alea> but I like to cook....

Alea thinks she is being stingy...

<Alea> if I only make cold things?

Alea thinks that wouldn't hurt anyone

<Veraik> It doesn't matter that you are low field. You are a Farris. A Farris low field is a high field for other Donors.

<Alea> of course, hajene

Alea moves and winces as the skin pulls on her arm

<Alea> you were outside?

Alea just registers his words

<Alea> where did you go?

<Veraik> If I say that you can make cold food, then you will still cut yourself using a knife.

Alea sighs

<Veraik> No knife... no kitchen... no hot plate... no kettles... nothing which you can hurt yourself on starting now.

<KtchnWtch> Tell me about it! I got such a pain...!

Alea closes her eyes, thinking she is going to walk about... nothing to do

Veraik moves tentacles to another area.

<Gnome> Boy! Am I ever glad I missed all of this!

Alea sighs as the fosebine starts taking affect

<Alea> the snow is certainly pretty, isn't it, Veraik

<Alea> wonder if there'll be enough to make a Simeman

<Alea> or a Snowgen

<Veraik> yes it is but unfortunately there is a RiorOrange blight in the garden.

Alea opens her eyes, suddenly a bit pale

<Veraik> I have to get another repair man for it.

<Alea> you mean the um... Gnome?

<Alea> yeah, I saw that...

Alea doesn't like the glowering look on Veraik's face and closes her eyes

<Veraik> yes the GNOME!!!

Alea winces and projects a soothing nager

<Alea> it's not THAT bad, hajene

<Veraik> I thought the guys I hired were reputable.

KtchnWtch hums softly....

<Alea> just relax... everything's going to be fine

<Veraik> They weren't.

<KtchnWtch> I never saw an orange gnome...

<Alea> no... no... I tried to tell you that....

<KtchnWtch> I never hope to see one...

<Alea> but that's all right....

<KtchnWtch> But I can tell you anyhow...

<KtchnWtch> I'd rather SEE THAN BE ONE!

<Alea> we'll find someone else....

<Veraik> If I don't get these strange colors out of the Center, I'm going to go crazy.

<Alea> I'll do the hiring if you want

<Veraik> What will the Tecton say! [groan]

<Alea> well, the Tecton won't have to know now, will they

<Veraik> No thanks. And that's another thing.

Alea struggles up and reaches out for Veraik

<Veraik> NO more paint!

<Veraik> I know you did it so stop.

Alea leans back at Veraik's shout

Alea looks suddenly subdued

Alea whispers... "I was only trying to help."

<Alea> Fiona at finishing school said bright colors stimulate and soft colors soothe... I thought to make up for some of the things....

Veraik suppresses a shudder.

<Veraik> Fiona? But Alea... that is for fashion, not walls and offices.

<Alea> she didnt' say that

Alea blinks, the fosebine making her sleepy... or maybe the result of the earlier shock

Veraik zlins and adjusts nager to put Alea to sleep.

Veraik watches as her eyes drop and her breathing evens out.

Veraik picks her up and carries her to her bedroom.

<Veraik> He undresses her and tucks her in.

Alea rolls onto her arm, whimpers and moves back the other way before settling down

<Veraik> Before he leaves, he looks at the one he loves... hoping... wishing... but knowing that it will never be.

Veraik finally leaves. Time to take care of the gnome before he threw it into the bottom of the river.

* Piotr enters Bender Cove under cover of darkness. He casts a sinister figure with dark cloak and hood.

* Piotr walks the streets unheeding of the cold drizzle that has come up. He makes his way to a small rooming house near the edges of the largely burned out warehouse district.

* Piotr settles in for the rest of the night. He has a long, difficult job ahead of him.

Go on to Episode #57: (under construction)

Return to the Index of Episodes