Sime~Gen Roleplaying on IRC: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #74: (11/13/98)
Linn turns the page in a well-thumbed cookbook.
Linn skims the recipes, rejecting them as boring or things she's already cooked recently.
Linn: I don't see a thing here that I feel like trying. wisesnake is explaining something to NickR for what feels like the 300th time.
Wise Snake: No... no... well, almost.
Nick tries one more time.
Nick: Is that better? wisesnake zlins
Wise Snake: Well.. uh...
Wise Snake: I think we've been doing this too long without a break. Want to come back to this in a little while?
Nick nods, knowing Snake is right.
Nick: That's probably a good idea.
Linn puts the cookbook down.
Wise Snake: I want to work on your crowd handling too. Maybe later on we can go down to the border fair and mingle or something.
Linn brightens.
Linn: I haven't been to a fair in years.
Linn: My mother used to take me every year.
Nick smiles.
Nick: Mine, too.
Wise Snake: My brother used to take me there to show me how to pick pockets and steal candy apples. [nostalgia]
Nick: Caramel or butterscotch?
Nick: I always preferred caramel, myself.
Wise Snake: Caramel.
Linn: You two are making me hungry--and not for my own cooking, either.
Wise Snake: Since I changed over I can't deal with caramel.
But I still like apples.
Linn makes a quick mental shopping list: Apple pie, apple cobbler, baked apples, apple turnovers, and of course, apples for eating fresh.
Nick is still stuck on the simpler caramel-covered apple.
Nick looks slyly at Snake.
Nick: There might even be a few people who don't want to wait in line at the Tecton tent for their donations or transfers.
Wise Snake: Hmmm...
Wise Snake: And frost bite cases... and hypothermia... and people slipping on the ice and hurting themselves...
Wise Snake: If I recall the winter border fair was always good for a wild toboggan race or two... there might be some choice injuries during those.
Nick nods encouragingly, making a mental promise to himself to get that entran out function RIGHT if he has to stay up all day studying.
Wise Snake: But there's nothing like a mixed in/out territory crowd for crowd-training. We should go there and just walk around among all the people so you can practice.
Nick: And there's ice skating on the pond in the park.
People fall down all the time, particularly on a sunny day like this.
Nick is quite ready for the adventure--or rather, make that "practice session".
Wise Snake: Linn? Do you care to join us?
Linn: I would love to.
Nick is already at the hall closet, retrieving his cape and Linn's coat. On his way back, he retrieves Snake's cape from the floor. wisesnake stands up and stretches, tentacles reaching briefly for the ceiling
Linn lets Nick help her into her coat, then fetches her purse.
Nick hands Snake her cape, puts on his own, and goes to fetch the satchel of medicines and other medical supplies.
Nick checks it over, replaces a few items which were used during Rafe's shift, and slings the strap over his shoulder. wisesnake dons her cape, which threatens to fall into a dozen pieces on the spot
Wise Snake: You know, I am almost beginning to believe I may have to get a new one of these.
Nick: So it's pretty much the same drill, just more intense, because the crowd won't be doing their part to make the ambient livable?
Wise Snake: Right... you'll probably get tired much more quickly, since it won't be instinctive for you yet. You'll spend a lot of energy trying to see everything at once.
Wise Snake: I think there is something about the ambient of a heavy crowd that is entirely unlike the ambient of a few people. and it's not just intensity. The behavior is different too.
Wise Snake looks like she's looking forward to it.
Linn: There was one philosopher who said that you could determine the intelligence of a crowd by taking the average intelligence of its members and dividing by the number of people.
Wise Snake considers this... looks faintly puzzled.
Linn: That leaves a group of twenty about as smart as an earthworm.
Wise Snake laughs.
Wise Snake: Well if that holds true for the border fair, we should have a record turnout for the toboggan races this year. accidents, Gens who don't want to wait in line at the
Tecton tent to donate, semi-junct Simes wanting a better transfer than the Tecton will offer...
Linn: I used to go sledding when I was a child. There was a pretty good hill in the park near my home.
Nick starts scanning the surrounding people as they enter the outskirts of the fair crowd.
Wise Snake: When I was a kid a bunch of us used to make our own toboggans and fly downhill on the streets towards the bay, on the blizzard mornings when it was too early for the fallen snow to be messed up yet.
Wise Snake: We used to have contests to see how close to the water we could get, without cheating.
Nick: Cheating?
Wise Snake: Well it was cheating to push with your feet.
Wise Snake: I was never that great at it because I was too chicken to really let go and make it go as fast as it could.
Nick: We used to have contests to see how many of us could fit on one sled. I was a big kid, so I always ended up on the bottom of the pile.
Nick: It made it kind of hard to breathe, but at least I usually wasn't scattered along the route like the lightweights.
Wise Snake: I was a runt even as a kid. They always made me sit in the front where everybody else would fall all over me when it crashed.
Wise Snake: Then I got wise and started designing the sleds instead of riding on them...
Wise Snake: Sure.
Nick has already settled into his working mode, his attention firmly fixed on Snake, even when he's looking elsewhere.
Linn walks on Snake's other side.
Wise Snake: The main difference between in and out-territory crowds, in a Gen high area such as this, is that the out- territory people are for the most part not well educated about how to act around Simes.
Nick nods, listening attentively.
Nick remembers the first week or two that Linn lived with them, and recalls that she'd been donating for two months, and visited Bender Cove several times, before then.
Linn breathes the crisp, fresh air and decides that she hasn't been spending enough time outside lately. She resolves to remedy this lack.
Wise Snake: When people are in a crowd, they feel a lot safer expressing their emotions openly... so you'll get the jab of hatred or intense curiosity... coming out of the blue when the person is unmasked for an instant by the rest of the crowd.
Wise Snake: Another problem that seems contradictory at first, is that the crowd as a whole may have an emotion...if they are all feeling the same thing, the ambient can knock a
Sime flat.
Nick: I see.
Wise Snake: You must be constantly aware of the people around you, both as individuals and as a mob. Of course I will give you advance warnings when I zlin trouble coming, but I won't always be in a position to do that.
Wise Snake: What I suspect will happen is after the first few minutes it will be difficult to watch so many people at once... that's why I want you to get practice at it.
Nick: So it's pretty much the same drill, just more intense, because the crowd won't be doing their part to make the ambient livable?
Wise Snake: Right... you'll probably get tired much more quickly, since it won't be instinctive for you yet. You'll spend a lot of energy trying to see everything at once.
Wise Snake: I think there is something about the ambient of a heavy crowd that is entirely unlike the ambient of a few people... and it's not just intensity. The behavior is different too. wisesnake looks like she's looking forward to it
Linn: There was one philosopher who said that you could determine the intelligence of a crowd by taking the average intelligence of its members and dividing by the number of people. wisesnake considers this... looks faintly puzzled
Linn: That leaves a group of twenty about as smart as an earthworm.
Wise Snake laughs
Nally giggles, pressing closer to Lowren's side as they weave through the crowd.
Lowren aims the air rifle at the row of wooden ducks.
Nally watches the wods fly as he hits one.
Nally claps her hands in excitement.
Nally: You won!
Lowren works the lever to pump it up again.
Nally watches his prowess with admiration.
Lowren smiles as he sights on the spinner.
Lowren misses the spinner.
Jon Drake is working the Tecton tent.
Nally tsks sympathetically.
Lowren: That's my last pellet. What have I won?
Lowren: Which did you want Nal? [ points to the 2nd shelf of stuffed animals, embroidered pillows and knickknacks.
Nally points.
Nally: That pretty pillow, with the joined hearts on it.
Briel and Jorgre are both in the tent working too
Jon Drake adjusts the signs advertising first aid (and makes sure there are plenty of innocuous donor pamphlets).
Lowren asks the carny for the pillow and presents it to
Nally.
Nally smiles as she accepts the prize, and traces the joined hearts with one finger.
Nally: You know, Lowren, I've been thinking.
Lowren: About what?
Nally: Well, if you're really going to be working for
Parnul, you're going to be spending a lot of time on this side of the border.
Briel takes a donation of the latest vict..er..donor
Nally: I'd like to visit you sometimes--that is, if you want.
Lowren: Yeah, at first. He says I need to learn both sides of the business.
Lowren breaks into a silly smile. "Yes. I'd like that
.... a lot."
Nally slips her hand into Lowren's, imagining how much more progress she'll be able to make with him, in the absence of her parents and the other gossips.
Briel glances over at Jon
Lowren: Let's walk.
Briel: I don't suppose you want to scare up some business
Jon Drake: You want I should break a few legs, boss?
Lowren wonders if this really means that Nally likes him.
They always fought so much when they were kids...
Briel forces a smile
Jon Drake smiles.
Nally strolls at Lowren's side.
Briel: I don't think so, Jon
Nally: Well, if I'm going to be coming here, I'd want to stay more than the four days the Tecton allows without one of those residence permits.
Briel: Just stand out there looking...
Briel shrugs
Briel: Inviting
Lowren: I'm glad I haven't lost my eye. You really don't see any rifles over here.
Jon Drake: Ok... I'll do my best.
Nally: In fact, I'll have to go home tonight, if I don't get one.
Briel: Not too inviting though
Lowren: Only four days?
Lowren looks crestfallen.
Jon Drake stands out front...
Nally: Yes, unless I can get the permit.
Lowren: Can I see your visa?
Nally: You're supposed to be able to get it pretty easily, from any Sime Center or Tecton traveling unit.
Jorgre finishes up the work he is doing and goes to straightening the shelves
Jon Drake lets his field "relax" a bit.
Nally shows it to him.
Briel walks to the front of the tent where Jon is standing
Nally: It's just the temporary one. See? Four days, ending tonight at eight.
Lowren reads the English and then puzzles at the Simelan.
Briel: How's Kaymeil working out? She been running you in the morning?
Briel zlins the crowd, gauging fields
Lowren notices that the English over-simplifies the nager and field related terms. He reflects that that may be unavoidable.
Jon Drake: Well, she said we were starting slow, but I hesitate to think what it will be like.
Nally spots a booth with a familiar logo up ahead.
Briel nods
Jon Drake: She wasn't too happy when Veraik reminded her that I was already committed here.
Nally: Isn't that the Tecton seal on that flag?
Lowren: It mentions an automatic extension can be granted by any Tecton Channel...
Briel: I imagine not
Nally: An extension?
Briel: But it's only for a few hours
Briel: She'll be fine
Lowren looks up at the green pennant with the symbol on it.
" Yeah, I think so."
Lowren can't quite make out what all those qualifiers mean.
Something about not being disruptive with your nager...
Lowren: Yeah. If the channel doesn't think you will make trouble....
Jon Drake: I guess so. She doesn't seem stressed by her post turnover period.
Nally is a bit indignant.
Briel: Good
Nally: I'm not in the habit of starting riots in the streets, you know.
Jon Drake: To tell the truth, it leaves me a little perplexed.
Briel: What's that?
Lowren pats her shoulder "I know that Nal, but not everyone is as nice as you are.
Briel glances over at Jon Drake, finally paying attention
Lowren: Let's see if I know anyone at the tent... Maybe they can help.
Jon Drake: This morning, it was hard to get a handle on our interaction. It's like I wasn't even needed.
Briel: Oh, she requires your presence..she wouldn't have been so upset about you coming here otherwise. Just give her time, Jon.
Jon Drake shrugs
Jon Drake: I guess we'll fall into sync as time goes on.
Briel pats his arm sympathetically
Nally: What a good idea, Lowren.
Briel zlins a familiar nager
Nally: You're so clever.
Jon Drake: Maybe I shouldn't have come here after all...
Lowren: Let's go then.
Briel: Well, well, well, Jon.....look who's here
Jon Drake: Hmm?
Briel glances up at Jon, alarmed
Lowren walks towards the tent, holding hands with Nally.
Briel: Not come? You, uh, aren't leaving, are you?
Jon Drake comes back into the here and now...
Jon Drake: No, no... wisesnake, Nick and Linn watch in disbelief as the sled careens out of sight down the hill, backwards.
Joei: WWWOOOEEEEEYYYYY!!!!
Kamikazee: Aiiiiii iiiii ii ii i i iiiii hee hee heeheheheeeeeeEEEEeeEEeeeeee.....
Linn: Look, there's a whole row of craft booths! wisesnake smiles at Linn's enthusiasm
Linn: They might even have a nice cape, Snake.
Wise Snake: True... wisesnake thinks it is unlikely that anyone will become sickened or injured at a craft booth, although people fighting for the best buys might make for an interesting ambient management lesson for Nick
Pickpocket tugs Lowren's wallet out of his back pocket and goes dodging off through the crowd
Lowren is focused on Nally's hand and does not notice.
Jon Drake watched those kids going down the hill.
Jon Drake: You know, we used to have a Winter Festival at
Farfall every year.
Briel: Really?
Nally inspects the tent carefully as they approach, looking for signs of vermin.
Briel wonders why Gens would want to go out in the snow and get cold...she sees no sense in it
Pickpocket is now known as ragamuffin ragamuffin scampers across Nally and Lowren's path
Jon Drake: They were very much like this. Without the
Tecton booth, of course!
Lowren comes in the entrance with Nally and looks around
Linn: You really ought to check the booths, Snake. They have some very good deals.
Lowren pulls up short to avoid a collision.
Jon Drake points to the daredevils.
Jon Drake: I think I took a few foolish risks too.
Wise Snake: Sure. Nick?
Linn smiles as Nick nods in agreement. wisesnake follows Linn toward the booths, zlinning the crowd
Briel: I imagine you did
Jon Drake: I remember there was one time I almost broke my neck. In fact, if it hadn't been for Kane...
Ragamuffin: Spare change? Spare change? [to Lowren and
Nally]
Jon Drake stops
Nick tries to observe each person within range of Snake, while keeping his attention firmly on her. wisesnake smiles to herself at Nick's earnest efforts
Nally clasps her hands as she looks at ragamuffin. wisesnake thinks between that and the entran out functions lessons there ought to be less complaints from Nick about not being pushed fast enough.
Nally: Oh, the poor child.
Briel: Hello Lowren
Briel looks at Nally ragamuffin smiles heartbreakingly
Briel nods ragamuffin holds out his dirty hands in pleading
Lowren reconsiders Parnul's comments about street trash and reaches into his hip pocket for coins.
Jon Drake: Lowren?
Lowren glances. "Hello Briel, Jon."
Lowren drops a half-handful of coins into ragamuffin's hand.
Nick decides to take full advantage of Snake's current leniency to make her teach him more, faster.
Jon Drake: How are you doing today?
Ragamuffin: Thank you... thank you!!!
Lowren smiles like he is besotted. "Everything is wonderful today."
Ragamuffin rushes off ragamuffin is now known as nobody
Nick is quite willing to bow to Linn's superior consumer skills, as she expertly sizes up the booths.
Briel nods patiently seeing the besotted look on Lowren's face
Nally: Until eight o'clock tonight, that is. wisesnake zlins the crowd
Briel tips her head curiously
Briel: Oh?
Lowren's file disappears. "Yeah. I wanted to ask you about that, Briel. Can you extend Nally's visa?"
Briel frowns
Briel: What do you mean?
Briel zlins Nally holding her hand out for the visa.
Briel: Let me see....
Lowren: I think it said any channel could do it...
Nick sees Linn dive into a particularly thick knot and emerge with a cape.
Nally hands Briel the visa.
Lowren: == file -> smile ==
Nick is now known as Linn
Briel takes the paper and reads it, then passes it to Jon
Linn: Here. Try this on, Snake. wisesnake becomes distracted by the nager of a street corner preacher raving away to an audience of three or four
Wise Snake: ....what?
Briel: Well, Lowren, I might be able to help but....
Wise Snake: Oh.
Briel looks at Nally
Jon Drake takes the paper. wisesnake looks at the cape
Briel: It would take a bit of courage from you.
Lowren: Is there a problem? Nally doesn't make trouble, she's a nice person.
Nally looks at Briel beseechingly.
Lowren looks confused.
Briel: She is a very nice person
Briel [glad they can't zlin]
Linn: It's a bit long, but capes are easy enough to shorten, if it fits in the shoulders.
Jon Drake wonders what Briel is up to...
Briel: The problem is with what she carries inside her...the'selyn'
Lowren: ~~ worried at Nally leaving ~~
Briel: You see, stubbing a toe, even getting angry or depressed would bother the Simes around her...and that's why this is a limited Visa.
Briel: However, if she were to donate...she could stay longer
Lowren eyes widen "you don't mean.... Is that what { Simelan word ] means?"
Nally: ~~alarm~~
Lowren puts his arm around Nally protectively.
Briel nods
Briel: It's quite simple. You would only have to sit still for a short time
Wise Snake: It's black. [voice strange]
Linn drapes the cloak across Snake's shoulders.
Lowren: I'm sorry Nal, I'm not that good at reading all the
... nager-related terms in Simelan.
Lowren: I didn't realize that it was saying you had to...
Linn: Well, as long as you don't adopt a light-haired cat to shed on it, that won't be a problem. wisesnake laughs a little wisesnake reaches for the corners and fastens the cape on
Wise Snake: Well it's warm, anyway.
Linn tugs it at one corner, checking the fit.
Linn: It looks very stylish on you.
Wise Snake: It makes me look like a shenned Farris is what it does. I hate black. wisesnake sounds rather pleased by the compliment however
Briel: You remember what Lowren did yesterday? It would be the same thing
Nally wrings her hands, trying to decide which is the worst of two evils.
Briel shrugs, looking up at JD for inspiration
Nally: Only that? Nothing more?
Briel: That's all
Briel: You just sit there, let me basically hold your hands and then we touch lips...sit there for a moment and then it's over
Jon Drake: Do you need me to attend, Briel?
Nally: Just one moment?
Briel: Why don't you come on in and sit down and we'll talk
Briel: Yes, just a moment...like I did with
Lowren...remember?
Briel nods to Jon
Jon Drake moves closer.
Wise Snake: Oh, all right.
Nally follows Briel and Jon into the tent, checking the corners for exotic livestock.
Briel sits down
Briel: Right here
Briel pats the transfer lounge and looks expectantly at
Nally
Linn waves the cape booth's proprietor over.
Nally scans the upholstery for spiders, then sits as directed, adjusting the ends of her heavy wool coat over her wool skirt.
Lowren stays next to Nally.
Lowren: ~~worried and guilty ~~
Wise Snake feels conspicuous in the black cape, for some reason
Briel motions to Jon to move closer
Briel holds her arms out, tentacles extended but not reaching for Nally
Linn: [to the booth owner] She's decided to take it.
Briel: It's really very simple
Lowren is surprised that Nally is doing this.
Nally looks at the tentacles, bites her lower lip, and glances up at Lowren for reassurance.
Lowren puts his hand on her shoulder. "It will be all right."
Lowren: ~~ isn't so sure of that... ~~
Nally nods sharply and looks back at Briel.
Jon Drake makes sure his field is very strong to avoid any unexpected spikes. wisesnake fidgets and zlins the crowd
Briel: Do you have any ....
Briel decides it'd be better just to do it
Linn grins as the booth's owner bargains with Snake, getting less of a profit than he had originally anticipated.
Briel: Why don't you hand me your arms
Briel: I'll tell you, Lowren was right when he said it would be okay
Briel: He's done this several times
Briel: Just slip off that coat and roll up those sleeves....
Nally lets Lowren help her take her coat off. wisesnake finds herself the new owner of a snappy looking black cape
Linn is now known as NickR
Lowren takes the coat and folds it over one arm.
Nick stays close to Snake, proud to be Escorting a
Farris channel, just as he'd daydreamed years before.
Briel: Okay now, just hold out your arms... wisesnake is amused despite herself
Nally pushes up the sleeves of her turtleneck and tentatively extends her hands towards Briel, stopping just before they touch.
Wise Snake: All right, all right. Let's leave Linn to her shopping and get some serious work done.
Wise Snake: Linn, do you have enough money?
Briel smiles patiently
Briel: That's right
Briel takes her hands and slips the tentacles around her arms
Nick is now known as LinnH
Lowren watches Briel intently, just in case.
Linn: If I can't get what I want with what I've got with me, I haven't bargained hard enough.
Nally gasps at the tentacles' strength and heat.
Briel glances quickly up at Lowren and smiles as best she can to reassure him
Briel looks back at Nally
Briel: Warmer than you, isn't it.
Linn waves farewell, and plunges into the crowd.
Lowren: S'KAy, Nal. be fine.
Linn is now known as NickR
Briel: Now, Nally, what I want you to do is lean forward and touch my lips. You'll have to sit real still, okay?
Nally: And strong.
Briel glances sideways at Lowren
Briel: Well yes, but you can ask Lowren...he's never been hurt.
Nally twitches her hands, noting that her arms don't move at all.
Lowren: ~~ relaxed a bit ~~
Briel: I would hurt myself before I ever hurt a Gen...
Lowren: No, it never hurt.
Nick grins at Snake.
Briel: Gens are too special...we take an oath against hurting them
Briel is glad they can't zlin her
Nick: Well, now that you won't scare the customers away, can you zlin any?
Wise Snake: Not yet. Let's keep walking.
Briel: Just think how wonderful it will be to share something else in common with Lowren
Briel says it low, to Nally
Nally decides that Briel has a point.
Nally: You're right. I'm being silly. wisesnake unfastens the old ratty cape, slides it out from under the new one, and gives it to a beggar
Briel: I won't rush you. I'll sit right here...when you're ready, you lean forward...then you wait and I'll release you when it's over
Briel: Just like you witnessed with Lowren....
Nick strolls by Snake's side, trying to keep up his steady support, scan the crowd for potential trouble, and look debonair at the same time.
Nally swallows nervously, then leans forward. wisesnake, unconsciously affected by the new cape, walks boldly instead of slinking
Briel waits until she and Nally make lip contact zlinning
Nally's reaction
Briel begins to draw
Jon Drake holds steady.
Nally tenses, waiting for something to happen.
Briel is very careful, making sure not to frighten her...until she is done. Then she sits back
Briel loosens her tentacles
Briel: All done
Lowren: ~~ relief ~~
Briel reaches for a chart and quickly fills it out, handing
Nally a voucher
Briel: You did wonderful!
Nally sags back on the lounge with relief.
Jon Drake smiles
Lowren hands Nally a handkerchief
Nally takes the voucher and her eyes widen at the sum. She smiles at Lowren, feeling a bit better about this donation thing, even if her arms _are_ still tingling from the tentacle grease.
Nally takes the handkerchief and scrubs the aforementioned tentacle grease off of her arms.
Jon Drake: And after you get used to donating, that sum will only get bigger.
Briel sits back and sighs
Lowren: It doesn't seem like they really did anything, does it?
Jorgre finishes some more packets of freebies with information in them as well and sets them by the door
Jon Drake: You have to donate to the deeper levels for most people to feel anything. At that point, though, it's wonderful.
Nally privately thinks that it felt like a great deal more than she really wanted to feel, but decides not to waste the opportunity.
Briel thinks about transfer and inwardly shudders, wondering if Veraik has found her anyone yet or if she's going to have to talk to him about taking transfer elsewhere
Nally bats her eyes at Lowren.
Nally: You were right, Lowren. It wasn't so bad.
Lowren leans over to give Nally a hug. "That was very brave of you, Nalleen."
Jon Drake: Lowren, before you go, can I talk with you a while?
Lowren: Hmm? Oh sure Jon.
Nick spots a familiar face ducking out of the Tecton tent as he and Snake pass by it.
Jon Drake walks with Lowren and Nally on their way out of the tent.
Briel pulls up short
Briel: Nick, Snake
Wise Snake: Hello, Briel... Jon.
Jon Drake: I've been thinking a bit lately.
Jon Drake: Hi, Snake...
Semla: [ to Nally ] Hello, I'm Semla ambrov Taglar. May I see your voucher?
Briel: That's okay, Jon...go on back in
Nally shows Semla the voucher.
Jon Drake nods.
Briel looks back at Snake and Nick
Briel: I'm surprised to see you out here today
Briel zlins Nick
Nick keeps supporting Snake and scanning the crowd, his nager unresponsive to Briel but not to Snake.
Jon Drake is standing beside Lowren.
Nick meets Briel’s eyes, however, just to remind her of what she can have.
Semla: Let me thank you for donating today. Did you want that as in or out-territory currency?
Nick: Hello, Briel.
Wise Snake: Oh?
Jon Drake: I've been think a lot lately, Lowren.
Lowren: Really/ About what Jon?
Jon Drake: This winter festival has only brought it out more.
Briel: Hello Nick wisesnake promises herself sincerely that she will not permit herself to allow Nick to give her a heart attack the way he is zlinning
Jon Drake: Memories of my childhood.
Nally: Can you make it half and half? That way I can buy in all the booths.
Briel: Training him to work the fields?
Wise Snake: Yes... I brought Nick here to give him some experience around mixed territory crowds.
Briel: Good idea
Nally: And I have to get an extension for my visitor's visa.
Briel: How's it going
Semla: Certainly. Just a moment...
Wise Snake: And of course just in case there were any injuries in the toboggan events.
Semla counts out money into two piles. "Could you sign here, please?"
Nally signs as requested.
Lowren: Yeah. Things are different here.
Briel: Were there any injuries?
Briel: They certainly weren't brought to our tent if there were.
Semla: An extension? Can I see your visa?
Jon Drake: I've been out on my own for a couple years now. wisesnake tries to insinuate her field between the two without appearing overtly jealous
Lowren: Here in-t? I though you had only just started as a
Donor.
Briel forces her gaze to Snake's
Wise Snake: Not yet, but there always are. You can't have a toboggan race without severe injuries... it's traditional.
Nally hands Semla the visa.
Jon Drake: I ran away when they murdered my half brother
Kane. I was just thinking of him today.
Semla studies the visa.
Briel: I've never seen a toboggan race. I have no idea why people would enjoy something like that
Jon Drake: I also began thinking of my younger brothers and sisters. What's going to happen to them?
Nick grins.
Briel: But, if you are training Nick and there are injuries there, it's probably the best place for you
Nick: That's because you've never done it.
Wise Snake: The speed... the thrill of competition...
Lowren looks sad. "I'm sorry. I know how it is to lose a brother."
Briel glances back at Nick, forcing a smile
Briel: Really?
Wise Snake: Not to mention the broken fingers, concussions and dislocated shoulders.
Briel: Uh huh...just as I thought
Lowren: And, I just heard ... bad news ... from home.
Wise Snake: Missing teeth... cut cheeks... the occasional total body paralysis
Briel shakes her head
Briel: And you both have done this?
Jon Drake: What I'm trying to ask you, since you'll be moving on both sides of the border..is could you find a way to check on the kids with Mo--still with my parents?
Briel looking from Nick to Snake
Nick: It's part of a healthy childhood.
Semla makes some notations on the visa and scribbles indecipherably on the signature line.
Briel: I'm perfectly healthy. It sounds like those who do it, aren't though
Wise Snake: As a child I was sometimes talked into sliding downhill on the city streets on wood and cardboard "sleds" we made ourselves... I'm afraid it wasn't really the same thing at all.
Briel: Sounds safer
Wise Snake: The toboggan is a machine designed to fall as quickly as possible without the interference of the surface it's on... wisesnake laughs
Nick: It feels like flying.
Lowren: Certainly Jon. Anything to help. Could you write don the names and addresses?
Briel trying to picture this
Briel grew up where it was warmer
Jon Drake: Sure thing.
Semla hands it back to Nally.
Wise Snake: I say, the people who want to do it, should.
There is enough hard luck in this world without also avoiding the things one can get joy out of.
Nally: Thank you.
Jon Drake writes the information on the back of a flyer.
Briel shrugs
Briel: Maybe I'll come watch it sometime.
Semla: [ It is extended fro two weeks by mrph neph, QN-2 ]
Nally is happy that she will be able to work on Lowren for a bit longer. wisesnake thinks, that is not to say that _I_ would do such a thing
Jon Drake: I really appreciate this, Lowren.
Lowren: [ reaches for wallet ] "Here I'll give you my -*"
Briel: Have either of you ever participated in the races?
Semla: Thank you again Miz.
Wise Snake: Me? I'll freely admit my cowardice in the area of sledding. I was just telling them earlier that I only did it under duress as a child.
Lowren looks alarmed and grabs at all his pockets.
Briel gets a knowing look
Lowren: ~~ surprise and anger ~~ "My Wallet! It's gone!"
Wise Snake: It was infinitely preferable to design the sleds and let other people dash their brains out in them.
Nally: What? Oh, Lowren!
Briel: I see
Nally wrings her hands.
Jon Drake: Oh, no!
Jon Drake automatically looks around.
Jon Drake: No telling in a place like this...
Wise Snake: I'm afraid I failed as a designer as well, although I was fairly good at talking people into trying them out... everybody has their strengths I suppose.
Briel: I suppose wisesnake grins
Lowren looks around suspiciously.
Jon Drake: I'm really sorry this happened, Lowren.
Briel admires the black cape, in sudden surprise
Lowren: Mus o' been a sneak thief. bloody city folk.
Briel glances back up at Snake
Jon Drake: On one hand, though--you left your voucher behind yesterday. It's still safe at the Center.
Briel: It looks good on you, Snake wisesnake looks slightly embarrassed, then somewhat defiant
Briel zlins something other than meaning the look of her wearing a cape
Wise Snake: Linn picked it. [defensively]
Wise Snake: I don't think she knew what it meant.
Briel smiles
Briel doesn't comment
Briel looks to Nick
Briel: Make sure she keeps that, and wears it everywhere
Nick shrugs innocently. wisesnake is unaware that when she looks defiant she looks even more Farris
Lowren: Yeah. Well that's good. I'll have something anyway. But Parnul's gonna kill me."
Jon Drake: I should be heading back to the Center soon anyway. Would you like to go with me? Otherwise, you can drop by anytime.
Nally reflects that this is an unfortunate turn of phrase, he couldn't mean it--could he?
Jon Drake: I'm sure Parnul will understand.
Lowren looks really steamed at being robbed -- Robbed! And in front of Nally!
Jon Drake: [jokingly] Hey, if anything, you can see if you can qualify for another level next month!
Lowren looks at Nally. Did you want to go get my voucher?
I can't pay for dinner otherwise.
Lowren: Yeah I hope so. But ooohh that burns me!
Nally is reluctant to waste time trudging all the way to the
Sime Center when there is so much to see and do at the fair. wisesnake zlins the interaction between Briel and Nick, and frowns thoughtfully
Nally: I've got enough for dinner. I think.
Nally holds out the wad of cash.
Nally: Do you think so?
Briel against look back at Snake
Nally: We can get your voucher tomorrow.
Lowren remembers. "Oh. well if it's OK. I can pay you back tomorrow..."
Briel: It looks good, Snake. wisesnake smiles slowly
Wise Snake: It does look good, doesn't it? [not referring to the cape]
Nally nods happily, willing to salve Lowren's pride if it means they can start shopping now.
Lowren covers Nally's hands. Don't wave that around! No telling who is looking!
Briel nods curtly
Nally: I'll put it where it's safe.
Wise Snake: So I was wondering.. have you thought about my... suggestion?
Lowren: Ok.
Briel: Have you thought about mine?
Nally tucks the cash neatly into the inside pocket of her wool coat, puts the coat on, and buttons it securely. wisesnake laughs
Briel: Let me bring Veraik. That's all I ask
Nally: There. No pickpocket could get that without undressing me.
Wise Snake: I have Rafe for another month. I can wait.
Lowren blushes beet red at the thought.
Jon Drake: Well, you two enjoy the rest of the festival.
Jon Drake: We'll see you tomorrow, Lowren.
Lowren: Ok Jon. I'll remember to check for you. [ gestures with flyer ]
Wise Snake: But you seem... [glances at Nick]
Briel glances back at Nick again, thinking how much she would like to qualify him wisesnake smiles
Wise Snake: Well, let me know if you change your mind. I'm sure Nick would be more than willing.
Jon Drake: Thank you, Lowren!
Briel: Snake...If you allow Veraik by my side, we can have transfer somewhere else....
Briel is beginning to worry her Donor isn't going to materialize wisesnake considers
Lowren: Where do you want to go next?
Briel: I am trying to help us both out.
Nally: Oh, the craft booths, please!
Nally: They have such pretty things.
Lowren: Sure. let's go.
Wise Snake: Well. As I say, I have Rafe, and Nick of course can wait.
Wise Snake: Perhaps next month we can speak again.
Briel frowns
Briel: Fine
Nick would much rather not wait.
Briel turns toward the tent
Briel: If you'll excuse me. Have a nice time at the races... wisesnake nudges Nick to bring his attention back to herself
Briel slips in the tent
Jon Drake returns to the tent to get some things done before he has to return back to the center.
Jon Drake: Oh, Brie!
Briel: I'm off duty, Jon. Come on
Jon Drake: I'm glad you came back when you did. What?
Briel grabs his arm and strides toward the exit
Briel: Come on, let's go
Jon Drake: Ok...
Wise Snake: There's no sense in rushing into this, Nick. I know you are in a hurry, but if your first time is handled badly, it affects the rest of your career. Trust me, I know.
Jon Drake hurries to make sure his feet keep up with his arm.
Nick: I know. It's just that...I can't help wanting.
Wise Snake: If she gets desperate enough, she will come around to our way of seeing it. If she does not, then we find an alternative or wait another month.
Wise Snake: If we let our immediate emotions take control, we lose the advantages we planned carefully to acquire. wisesnake sounds like she is telling herself this as much as
Nick
Nick: It's worth just about everything to me...except being forced back into the Tecton.
Nick places a reassuring hand on Snake's arm. wisesnake flinches, then calms under the influence of Nick's nager
Nick: Don't worry, Snake. I want to Qualify so bad it hurts, but Briel could never steal me away from you, not even by doing that.
Wise Snake: If your statistics made it into the Tecton's turning wheel, she could indeed. Indirectly.
Nick: Oh?
Nick is uneasy at the idea that his youthful indiscretion could catch up to him at this late date.
Wise Snake: If they know a Donor of your potential is available they will seize you one way or another.
Wise Snake: Haven't you heard of the severe Donor shortages?
Why do you think Briel has gone this late still not knowing whose hers will be for this month?
Nick: I'm sure they'd try to convince me to join them again. However, the Tecton can't use an unwilling Donor.
Nick: That gives me an advantage you don't enjoy in dealing with them.
Wise Snake: They might offer you personal training... a
Householding might offer to take you in... any number of things could happen if you became known.
Wise Snake: It wouldn't necessarily be the Donor camp you experienced before.
Nick: The one thing they'd never offer me is the freedom to live without their rules. Without that, the rest means nothing.
Wise Snake: Once you have tasted transfer, you might not care about the rules anymore. wisesnake glum
Wise Snake: I don't really want anybody else to qualify you,
Nick.
Wise Snake: I think about it, I talk about it, I ask people about it... but I don't want it.
Wise Snake: I'll find a way to do it myself. Maybe not this month, maybe not next month, but soon.
Nick: I'd rather Qualify with you, Snake.
Nick is torn, though, with the frustration of an indefinite wait.
Wise Snake: Nick, I told you it would be three months at an absolute minimum... you were told this up front.
Nick: I know.
Nick: I didn't think the waiting would be this bad.
Wise Snake: And if you ever... ever think of sneaking away while I am gone and going to Briel, stop and ask yourself what that would do to me and my faith in you. All right?
Wise Snake: I can't lock you up, and I can't be with you all the time. I have to trust you to trust in me to make the right decisions.