Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #107: (12/22/97)
Alea comes trotting down the stairs, grabbing her cloak near the door.
Alea slips out the door on her way to check on B'cal.
Alea heads down the street a tote bag over her arm.
Alea stops in a building and slips inside but is back out in minutes, grinning from ear to ear.
Alea hurries up to Snake's door with her supplies, glad to see smoke in the chimney.
Alea signals.
Wise Snake gets up and starts to answer the door, zlins it's Alea and looks around for a place to hide.
Alea gets cold and shoves at the door.
Alea: Hurry up, Snake...I'm cold.
Nick sees that Snake isn't going to answer the door and does so himself.
Alea decides snake must be in there since only a crazy person would go out in this.
Alea decides well......
Alea: Snake?!
Nick: Hel - oh. [recognizes the Donor who slammed Snake into pounded weasel pate]
Alea: B'cal?!
Alea jumps back slipping on the ice.
Nick: Can I help you?
Alea: Uh oh...aah...
Alea reaches out and grabs Nick.
Nick jumps forward to try to catch Alea before she falls.
Alea smiles, trying to steady herself.
Alea looks into Nick's eyes.
Alea: You know, Briel was right..boy, do you have sexy eyes.
Nick: Can I help y.. .uh... [wonders why Alea is staring at him]
Nick is beginning to get a bit worried now.
Alea: Uh..yeah.
Alea doesn't let go of him though.
Alea: I was looking for Snake.....and B'cal.
Nick notes that Alea is clinging with more than necessary thoroughness.
Nick: Is your nager going to behave itself this time?
Alea lifts an eyebrow thinking Yeah, Briel certainly was right about other things as well.
Alea: What?
Alea: Oh.
Alea looks offended.
Alea: I'm a Farris. Had I known a Farris was around...then, well...you can believe I never would have done what I did.
B'cal: Someone closed the shendoni door before you freeze her laterals off.
B'cal comes walking slowly into the room searching for and locating Snake.
B'cal: What are you doing? Trying to hide or something?
Wise Snake: Er... actually, yes.
Wise Snake circles around so both B'cal and Nick are between her and Alea, trying to be casual about it.
Wise Snake: Umm Alea.. so nice to see you...
Alea: Hi snake!
Alea finally releases Nick, a small smile playing about her lips as she does.
Nick closes the door.
B'cal scowls and goes to the couch.
Alea: I came to check on B'cal actually.
Alea: When do you think she'll be ready to leave?
Wise Snake starts to zlin B'cal to see how she's doing, then stops herself just in time.
Alea avoids looking at B'cal, instead concentrating on Snake.
B'cal: I was ready two days ago.
B'cal mutters.
Wise Snake is unnerved by Alea's concentration on her.
Wise Snake: Well, uh, B'cal, if you hate it here so much, by all means go.
B'cal: I didn't want to leave you with him until I knew for certain if he could handle you.
B'cal crosses her arms and glares at Nick.
Alea moves closer to Snake, putting her bodily between her and B'cal so she doesn't have to see her.
B'cal: I'm still not sure.
B'cal ~~weak and probably fall flat on her face if she tried to get back tot he Center yet~~
Nick, who has become accustomed to B'cal's random barbs, ignores the insult and goes over to stand by Snake, staring blandly into space.
Alea sees Nick and is impressed.
Alea thinks one more impressive thing there, then grins before turning back to Snake.
Wise Snake notices B'cal is too weak to go home, but also realizes if she makes B'cal go home, Alea will have to leave also.
Wise Snake enjoys a brief fantasy, then sighs and faces the truth.
Wise Snake: I'm sorry, Alea, she won't be ready for at least another couple of days.
Wise Snake: Physically, I mean.
B'cal glares but nods.
Alea: Oh.
Nick notices Alea's appreciation and wonders if he should be afraid.
Alea frowns.
Alea then smiles and shrugs, thinking she is relieved she doesn't have to ride back with B'cal.
Alea remembers how very vocal and determined Briel was with her talk about changes, just before SHE made ALEA come get B'cal.
Wise Snake: Would you, uh, would you like some tea, or anything?
Alea: Why, yes, thank you.
Alea smiles again.
Alea: Actually, I wanted to talk to you too.
Wise Snake trying to be polite like Linn taught her, even though she doesn't want to, which is when Linn says it's most important.
Wise Snake: .... oh/
Wise Snake: .
Wise Snake turns and hurries into the kitchen like a fox bolting into its hole.
Alea glances at B'cal then nods toward the kitchen hopefully.
Alea sighs and follows.
Alea goes into the kitchen and looks around.
Nick intercepts Alea.
Alea looks surprised by Nick's actions.
Alea: Well...
Alea looks Nick up and down.
Alea: Is there something you wanted?
Nick: I just wanted to offer you a seat.
Nick grins, offers Alea a seat in the living room.
Alea: Actually..
Nick thinks Snake wouldn't have run into the kitchen like that unless she wanted to escape.
Alea: Well, if you'd rather sit and keep me company....
B'cal disgusted, gets up and heads back to the bathroom for more fosebine.
Nick leads Alea back to the living room and sits down in another chair.
Alea: I brought a gift for Snake.
Wise Snake: [various sounds of tea tray making]
Alea: I didn't want B'cal here though, when I gave it to her.
Nick: Oh?
Nick: [puzzled]
Alea looks down the hall
Alea: Yes.
Alea: B'cal is not a connoisseur of the finer things of life.
Alea: She doesn't appreciate things like Snake does.
Alea: You know, I think, had Snake stayed t Zeor, she would be some great artist now.
Alea: She has that "feeling" about her.
Alea: All the great artists I knew ran around only half there--I wonder if this might really be Snake's problem.
Alea realizes she said that out loud and smiles apologetically.
Alea: Most artists are very intelligent, just have their minds on other things, you understand.
Nick is becoming curious despite himself.
Alea: Actually, I brought this just for her.
Alea opens her bag and begins digging through it.
Nick looks on.
Alea: I wanted some way to express my regret for the unfortunate incident the other day.
Nick glances back over his shoulder, noticing that the tea preparation is taking an awfully long time.
Alea: I never slam except in dire situations...and well...I felt that was a dire situation.
Alea: Of course.
Alea glances up at Nick.
Nick: [turns back to Alea]
Alea: Had I known the help was outside the door, then it wouldn't have been dire.
Alea shrugs.
Alea: But at the time it was very dire.
Alea looks back down, digging some more.
Alea: AH!
Nick: Apparently Garon sent for Snake after the first time you stunned Libby.
Alea: Well, I do remember trying to run from Libby..then thinking I had to help her.
Alea: However, I didn't' know she would recover so quickly and decide to take up where she left off--WITH help.
Alea: When I ran off I did suggest I go get help.
Alea pulls out a large rolled canvas.
Alea: I thought and thought and thought...how can I show Snake my deep regret for what happened.
Alea: And then it came to me.
Nick thinks there still isn't any excuse for slamming people, but keeps this to himself, not wanting to rile up Alea.
Alea unrolls the picture and holds it out for Nick.
Alea: Snake absolutely loves my art.
Nick: Oh? [looks at what Alea has]
Alea: Oh, now she acted like she didn't.
Alea: But then I remembered how she got back a special piece for me and how much attention she always paid to my art.
Alea: See, this is a picture of...
Alea points.
Alea: A soothing nager just before transfer.
Alea: And this black area..well, that's the channel.
Alea: Notice the contrast between the black to gray to golden...
Nick sees a jaggedly mass of red and white jiggly lines.
Nick sees a black lumpy area, and the intersection between the two is indeed sort of... grayish ochre.
Alea: The other swirling colors around it are what it feels like, not just looks like.
Nick admits privately that the swirling colors makes him feel a bit... queasy.
Alea: Anyway.
Alea: I thought by showing the true Donor/Channel relationship Snake would realize my heart was in it.
Alea: Not the slam of course, but in protecting her.
Alea: So, you see, this is, in a way, my promise of protection to her whenever she is around.
Alea: You know, I've been doing a lot of reading...
Nick turns his eyes away from the canvas to pay attention to Alea, then remembers the stare she gave him earlier.
Alea: Do you know, it's amazing to find out so much about the Farris system and slamming...A Tigue, for instance can stand up much easier under that than a Farris.
Nick: You've been reading about slamming people?
Alea: Farrises are delicate, having to be treated with soft gloves.
Alea: Well...just reading through the history books and medical books on it.
Nick: Oh.
Alea: It never hurts to compare your experiences with what has happened to other people.
Alea: You know, though..I did find a fiction book in T...uh..someones room and was reading it.
Alea: You should have seen all the slamming going on.
Alea shakes her head in disgust.
Nick: Oh really? Uh...maybe you shouldn't read that stuff.
Alea: It's liable to give people ideas.
Alea: Oh, well, I'm not worried about ME reading it..but then, of course, there are those that might take it to heart and slam willy nilly whoever attacked them.
Nick winces.
Alea: I mean, I've had to do that a couple of times in my life...the other day being one of them..but it's not something to do regularly.
Alea smiles sweetly at Nick.
Nick winces again, then tries to smile desperately.
B'cal comes out of the bathroom and into the living room...scowls..and takes her seat.
Nick: I should go check on B'cal. Would you excuse me for a moment? [jumps up in a hurry and runs to bathroom]
B'cal: Uh nick!
Nick passes B'cal in hallway and for some reason doesn't stop or anything.
B'cal shrugs.
Alea seeing her chance, and not wanting to be with B'cal..jumps up with tote bag and canvas and hurries to the kitchen.
Wise Snake jumps and whirls around.
Alea: Snake!
Alea smiles.
Wise Snake clutches the tea tray to her chest defensively.
Wise Snake: Alea...?
Wise Snake wonders where the shen Nick and B'cal are.
Alea: I wanted to give you this...I told Nick the entire story..he can tell you.
Alea holds out the canvas.
Alea: I remembered how much you use to enjoy my art at the Center.
Wise Snake's eyes freeze on the canvas.
Wise Snake gulps.
Alea: Let me say it's a convenant between you and me that I'll protect you, no matter what from now on...
Wise Snake: I - I- ah.
Alea: A promise that if you are around I'll do my dead level best to see no harm come to you--ever.
Alea serious, somber.
Wise Snake thinks this will last about as long as Alea remembers it... maybe a day and a half.
Alea glances down at the tea tray.
Wise Snake: Well... uh, Alea... I appreciate the sentiment, and I can see that you really believe it in your heart right at this moment.
Alea: Oh!
Alea: Guess what else?
Alea: You'll be so proud of me.
Wise Snake clutches the tea tray tighter and smiles weakly.
Alea grins.
Wise Snake: Er... what?
Alea digs some more in her bag.
Alea: I just got this today.
Alea: You see, there is the building..well, actually, just a few blocks from here...
Alea: I've been sneaking over there on a regular basis.
Alea pulls out a square certificate.
Alea holds it out so snake can see.
Alea: I've been taking cooking lessons and graduated today.
Wise Snake blanches.
Wise Snake: That's great, Alea.
Alea: Yes, I've learned to cook one hundred and fifty different recipes.
Alea: For Simes and Gens.
Alea: I told the person I cooked for both and he was a great help.
Wise Snake tries to envision Alea cooking 150 times, and handling both Sime and Gen ingredients.. it just blows the mind.
Alea: Maybe I'll fix dinner for you sometime.
Alea nods determinedly.
Wise Snake: I can't ask you to do that.
Alea: Yeah, when I end up having to protect you or something..that'd work out perfect.
Alea: Oh, it's no problem.
Wise Snake: No no, you're very busy. I couldn't possibly.
Alea steps back so Snake can pass.
Alea: Well, part of my job now is to make sure you're safe. Have you been eating properly?
Wise Snake flees the kitchen, with the tray.
Alea studies snake small frame as she flees.
Wise Snake enters the living room and sets the tea service on the table.
B'cal: The little lovebird driving you crazy?
Wise Snake darts a narrow gaze at B'cal... the look says "how did you let that woman get me alone??"
B'cal glares to where Alea is coming in the room.
B'cal grins at Snake her look saying "You can't handle her?"
Wise Snake pours tea for B'cal and Alea.
Alea blanches a bit at B'cal's look then focuses back on Snake.
Wise Snake glares at B'cal, the look saying "hell no!"
Wise Snake's eyes dart back to Alea and she smiles a charming, if a bit sickly, smile.
B'cal grins satisfied before getting up and moving next to Alea.
Alea: I suppose I could get a frame and frame this for you.
Wise Snake massages her chest wondering why she has a pain developing there and in her head.
Wise Snake: Sure... sure, Alea.
B'cal ~~projecting soothing peaceful thoughts~~
Wise Snake wonders if she could arrange to figure out where the frame shop is and have the picture stolen and burned before she ever gets a chance to see it.
Alea: Do you have any nails and maybe a hammer, or should I bring that back with me?
Wise Snake: Certainly not!
Alea: Ah..okay..I'll bring those with me as well.
Wise Snake: No, you will do no hammering in my house. I'm sorry.
Alea: I got really good at framing pictures when I was hanging art at the....
B'cal looks up, glaring.
B'cal: Art?
Alea winces.
B'cal looks at Snake.
Wise Snake looks pointedly at the still-rolled-up canvas in Alea's hand.
B'cal: Is that the same shendoni terrifying art that used to hang in the Center?
B'cal stands and goes over and grabs at the canvas.
Wise Snake hasn't seen the art yet, but can only assume.
Alea holds onto it for a brief struggle before releasing it.
B'cal whips it open facing Snake with it, looking down.
B'cal: Sehnoni...[softly as she studies it]
Wise Snake's curiosity gets the better of her.
Wise Snake walks around B'cal to see what it is.
B'cal: I've seen all kind of art...but this.....
B'cal swallows.
Wise Snake zlins B'cal.
B'cal ~~utter shock~~
B'cal: Is an abomination to all artists everywhere!
Wise Snake: Uh...
Wise Snake takes the art from B'cal.
B'cal looks up, glaring at Alea.
Wise Snake: Let me see.
Wise Snake studies the picture.
B'cal: You want to KILL a Channel.
B'cal: All it would take is having to stare at that for any length of time.
Wise Snake: ~~surprise~~
Wise Snake holds the picture at various angles.
B'cal: I guarantee you, if it didn't do it immediately, it would during the next transfer!
Wise Snake: It's a picture of you slamming me!
Alea stiffens her back then sits stiffer at Snake's words.
Wise Snake: Or... somebody slamming somebody...
Wise Snake: Look, here's a Sime in attrition. [points at black spot]
Alea: No, it's a picture of a Donor offering herself in transfer to a Channel who is in hard need.
Alea: Well, yes..you got that right.
Alea smiles.
B'cal groans.
Wise Snake: I don't know... I don't really get "offering"... I get "terrifying".
Alea frowns.
B'cal nods satisfied.
Alea: NO, no..not at all, Snake.
Wise Snake thinks Alea's art has always terrified her, but this is the first time the emotion ever matched the subject matter so well.
Wise Snake: Actually I think I could sell this.
Alea: Look...the person is dying--she is terrified of dying..and here is the bright golden Farris Selyn field offering her transfer.
Alea grins.
Wise Snake: There are people who get into this sort of thing, you know.
B'cal frowns thinking she had intended to toss it out in the snow where NO ONE would see it.
Alea: Oh, well...
Wise Snake rolls the picture back up and walks over to stash it in the back of a closet.
Alea: If that's what you really want to do.
Alea shrugs, just a little hurt.
Alea: I suppose you don't want the other picture either then.
Wise Snake looks at Alea oddly.
Alea reaches in her bag and pulls out a square piece of paper with a sketch on it.
Alea reluctantly hands the paper to Snake.
Wise Snake takes it by the corner.
Alea [on it is a picture of Snake and Alea, in transfer position in the back of a bar, wet--and totally naked]
Alea: It's of the day you saved my life.
Wise Snake goggles at the sketch.
Wise Snake: I -
Alea shrugs.
Alea: It's rather plain.
Wise Snake: This is obscene.
Alea blinks.
Alea: Obscene?
Alea: But, it..it's what happened!
Wise Snake: Well, it is, but I can't hang this anywhere where anybody would be able to see it.
B'cal's face turns purple.
Alea: Oh.
Wise Snake carefully hides the picture so B'cal can't see it.
Alea: Whatever.
Wise Snake: But it's very nice.
Wise Snake puts the picture away.
B'cal: Please tell me..>S-snake...that I didn't see....
B'cal shakes her head.
B'cal: Never mind.
Wise Snake: You saw nothing.
B'cal nods and sits down.
Alea: Well, you did save my life...I thought, showing it in detail, would remind you of how much I owe you.
Wise Snake: But it is true that after pulling Alea out of the frozen lake after her sledding accident, I did give her transfer while buck naked and dripping wet on a by-the-hour bed in the back of a sleazy bar.
B'cal gasps, grabbing at her chest.
Wise Snake: That was before you came back.
Alea hurries over to B'cal.
B'cal: Don't get near me~!
B'cal glares at Snake.
Wise Snake wonders why everybody gets so hung up on the details, and generally fails to note that Snake could have died jumping into the water after her.. sighs.
B'cal: By the hour? How in shenned did you end up in ... no, never mind..just tell me...no..don't do that...
B'cal: Just tell me it won't happen again..no you can't promise that.
B'cal glares at Alea.
Alea shrugs and blinks at Snake.
Wise Snake goes and places a hand on B'cal's shoulder.
B'cal: Don't go anywhere without Nick or I with you.
B'cal: Promise me.
Wise Snake: B'cal. It happened over a month ago. And Nick was there.
B'cal forces herself under control, not wanting to hurt Snake with her reaction.
Alea frowns.
Wise Snake: Well, he was there until we were nearly run over by Alea moving at over 50 kph downhill on a sled.
Alea: Now, Snake..Nick wasn't there ... he was with you part of the time..
Alea nods, satisfied.
Wise Snake: I had to augment to chase her, of course. Nick was left behind.
Wise Snake: It was on the streets... those icy cobblestones are murder on Gens trying to run.
B'cal breathing increases as she imagines a Donor with a field like that out of control.
B'cal nods feeling her face flush.
Alea reaches out and takes Snake's elbow to protect her.
Wise Snake: After she broke through the ice and I dragged her out, we were both dangerously chilled and the bar was the nearest public building.
Wise Snake: After we were warm enough to be safe, I was in need and she was high field...
B'cal shakes her head in disbelief.
B'cal: Disaster waiting to happen.
Wise Snake: I didn't burn HER.
Alea moves closer to Snake trying to increase her support.
Alea: I'm a Farris, Snake. Of course you wouldn't burn me.
B'cal: Shenned Farrises[muttered]
Wise Snake: Uh, Alea, back off. You're not assigned to me this month.
Alea sighs and backs off a bit.
Alea: No, Tramila and I are assigned.
Nick wipes off his mouth and returns reluctantly to the living room, still rather ill-at-ease over all the talk of slamming.
Wise Snake's lips twitch with some indefinable emotion at the thought of Alea and Tramila together.
Alea: Tramila has been rather protective of me this month.
Alea sighs.
Alea: Personally, I like your touch, Snake.
Alea: You're never pushy...just take when it's time.
Alea nods.
Alea: And you aren't clingy..but accept my support.
Nick bristles.
Alea smiles.
Alea: You are actually a great partner for the most part.
Wise Snake seems to recall Alea drove her absolutely insane when they were assigned.
Alea: The speed and amount of selyn you need...
Wise Snake: You give good transfers, [snake allows]
Alea is thinking a Farris is a Farris no matter how the transfers go.
Wise Snake thinks, except no pain... no pain.
B'cal doesn't believe this.
Wise Snake: However, I think I am a bit more dependent on my Donors than you realize.
B'cal wonders if there is something about Alea she doesn't know...like illegal tecton transfers.
Alea shrugs.
Alea: Well, living outside the Center you would have to be.
Alea: Constant adversity right at your door.
Alea shudders moving closer to Snake.
Nick interposes himself somewhat between them.
Wise Snake draws closer to B'cal.
Alea notes Nick's actions and smiles again before moving.
Alea: There we are.
Alea: Nick is back just for you.
Nick suspects Alea is trying to mess with his head.
Alea: Nick..ask to see that other picture...Though snake says it's obscene and I think it's rather plain..it echoes my canvas.
Alea: Very very plainly, though.
Alea: I just never could quite catch the art of sketching.
B'cal rubs at her head and stands, heading back to the bedroom.
Nick glances at Snake.
Wise Snake shakes her head fractionally.
B'cal: I'll be in the back.....reading, Snake since I am used to nights.
Nick doesn't ask.
Alea studies Nick again.
Alea: You know, Nick, I might like to sketch you sometime.
Wise Snake: ~~shock~~
Alea: As a preliminary for a greater work, you understand.
Alea glances curiously at Snake.
Nick moves to support Snake, ignoring Alea's words.
Alea: We can discuss this later, of course.
Wise Snake gives Alea a warning look.
Alea: I really should get back to the Center.
Alea ~~confusion~~
Wise Snake tries to soften her look.
Alea glances at Nick then Snake.
Alea: Is there something you might like to ... ah... discuss before I leave?
Nick looks at Snake, his attention wholly focused on her.
Alea is concerned Snake might not want to say something in front of Nick.
Wise Snake's eyes narrow.
Wise Snake: Yes?
Wise Snake: What is it.
Alea: Well, I'm not sure..I was hoping you could tell me.
Wise Snake: ~~impatience~~
Alea: I mean, you're the one who looked...desirous of discussion...and the look, well, I was worried you might have something you wanted to discuss, in private.
Alea's eyes widen.
Alea: Oh my goodness.
Alea rubs her forehead.
Alea: I..of course!
Alea looks at Nick.
Wise Snake's look of impatience begins to become a little alarmed.
Alea: Are you sure you want him in the room too?
Alea nods at Nick.
Wise Snake darts a glance at Nick, then back at Alea.
Wise Snake: For what?
Alea: Our discussion.
Wise Snake: He's my Donor, he's always in the room.
Alea smiles patiently.
Alea: Of course he is. And he's a Donor, so I suppose he'll have to get used to all kinds of talks.
Alea nods.
Wise Snake thinks, except when he abandons me to be trapped in the kitchen by madwomen with itchy slam-nagers.
Wise Snake wonders where this conversation is trying to go.
Alea: Well then.
Wise Snake: All... WHAT... kind of talks?
Alea: You know...
Alea curious.
Alea: Huh?
Alea: Oh...well, I heard that you burned B'cal.
Alea: I mean, Briel informed me.
Alea: And well, I'm sure you're not post yet...but, I understand, with you so young and not having post, that you just might need to know about...well...
Alea smiles at Nick and then turns back to Snake.
Alea: You require an older woman with more experience to talk to you about reproduction and the joys of post, perhaps?
Wise Snake's eyes widen.
Alea: I mean, it's only normal, since you did miss most of your first year.
Alea: And you haven't had post yet.
Wise Snake incredulous.
Alea: I imagine, the transfer with B'cal must have been pretty good if you require this talk.
Alea: Okay.
Nick is amused but tries to hide it.
Alea sighs.
Alea: Well, then...
Alea: It goes this way.
Wise Snake is actually struck speechless.
Alea: Of course, I can only tell you from a Donor's point of view about post.
Alea: Except from what I've experienced from my own post partners who happened to be Sime.
Alea: But it's really great leaving you floating.
Alea nods.
Alea: Have you gotten that far yet...no, I suppose you haven't.
Alea: You will, though.
Alea: As far as sex goes, though.
Alea: Well...
Alea smiles at Nick.
Alea: I'm sure a man of his experience will be more than happy to guide you.
Wise Snake flabbergasted.
Alea: Unless, of course, you feel more comfortable discussing this with me.
Nick winces.
Alea blinks at Snake, waiting.
Wise Snake's mouth falls open.
Alea: It's normal to be a bit shy at first.
Alea: That's fine.
Wise Snake: Uh..
Alea: But, this is a professional talk.
Alea: I'll be glad to answer any questions you have.
Alea: Well?
Alea thinks she had thought snake would at least understand the WORD.
Alea frowns.
Wise Snake: I know about the birds and the bees, Alea. You don't grow up on the streets without learning it all very young. But thank you for your concern.
Alea sighs, relieved.
Alea: I'm glad.
Alea: I was really worried for you.
Alea: Well then, if you didn't want to ask me about great posts, then what was it you wanted?
Wise Snake looks mystified.
You are now known as Alea.
Wise Snake: I didn't think I... wanted... anything?
Alea: Ah..okay..well, if you remember, feel free to call on me at the Center.
B'cal is now known as Briel.
Wise Snake: Sure.. [still mystified]
Nick steps forward.
Nick: I'll show you out. [relieved]
Alea smiles sweetly at Nick.
Alea: See what I mean, Snake. Such a man of the world.
Alea: So polite.
Alea goes to the door and grabs up her cloak.
Nick opens the door for Alea, then closes it firmly behind her.
Jon Drake heads out to the front from his office.
Briel comes sailing down the hall, ignoring the scowls of the people she has given out new schedules.
Briel: JD!
Briel: Hi.
Briel continues on, slipping an arm through his and dragging him with her.
Jon Drake: Brie!
Jon Drake lets his field extend in warm greeting.
Jon Drake: How have you been?
Alea hurries home.
Briel gives JD a sly sexual look.
Briel: Very well.
Briel: I had transfer with a Donor--Nick as a matter of fact.
Jon Drake: Wonderful!
Jon Drake: Really?
Jon Drake is slightly surprised.
Jon Drake: How was it?
Briel: And I've been working on next months schedule.
Jon Drake: And?
Briel grins, running her tongue across her lower lip before answering.
Briel: Delicious.
Jon Drake wonders if since it has been two months, if maybe...
Alea hurries up the center's stairs.
Briel: Well, you are scheduled with me next month, again.
Briel: Kaymeil will be moving on to her next assignment.
Briel: So that should even us out.
Briel: I never realized just what Veraik went through, assigning Donors.
Jon Drake: Really? I'd like that.
Jon Drake is sincere.
Alea slips off her cloak and goes over to the desk to check the schedule.
Jon Drake: Anything I could do to help.
Briel frowns temporarily.
Wise Snake is now known as Yesus.
Briel: Yes, there is. I have several folders that have got to be seen to...paperwork like you wouldn't believe as I change the organization of the Center.
Briel: I want everything in order when Veraik returns.
Briel: I want this place running smoothly.
Yesus can't believe he is walking up the front steps of a Sime Center.
Jon Drake: I understand. How long until he does return?
Briel: And most especially, I want it done as soon as possible.
Alea sighs as she realizes she is back under the mini-dictator again and thinks about the pile of work Briel has given her.
Yesus looks at the door, takes a deep breath, then sighs and pushes it open.
Yesus enters the lobby.
Yesus is a renSime.
Alea turns smiling.
Alea: May I help you?
Yesus: Yes. I would like to report a killing.
Briel: In other words, I need you not only to be there with me during all of my work, but to help with the paperwork too.
Briel: Feel up to it?
Alea: Uh..A uh...Killing?
Alea goggles wondering why it is always Her in the lobby.
Yesus: Yes.
Alea: Uh...well..uh...
Alea shrugs.
Alea: Did you go to the police?
Yesus's nerve is beginning to wear through a little.
Yesus: Well.. no..
Alea: Uh, do you have a body then?
Yesus stares at Alea.
Yesus looks down at himself.
Alea is praying he has a body...that it has already happened and isn't about to happen.
Yesus: [twice]
Yesus looks back up at Alea.
Jon Drake: Shall we retire to your office?
Yesus: Yes... doesn't everybody?
Alea follows his stare studying him.
Alea: NO, no..I mean, the dead body.
Yesus is a brand new renSime.
Yesus: Oh!
Yesus: No.
Briel: I really should do donations right now.
Jon Drake winks "Unless of course, you want to go for a quick run?"
Alea swallows.
Briel studies Jon.
Briel: You are looking more trim.
Briel smiles.
Nick is now known as Goldy.
Briel: She ran you hard, didn't she?
Jon Drake smiles.
Alea: I see.
Yesus: But I'm pretty sure she was dead.
Alea nods, not understanding at all.
Alea: Pretty Sure...oh shen....
Alea: Hold on.
Jon Drake: I guess a bit of Kaymeil rubbed off on me, eh?
Alea: Can you guide me back to this body?
Goldy mounts the front steps.
Briel grins wickedly.
Briel: According to which part.
Yesus: Yes.
Yesus: If it's still there.
Alea: Let me get help....
Jon Drake raises an eyebrow...
Goldy broaches the lobby.
Alea: Don't go anywhere...
Alea pauses in mid-flight.
Alea: Yes?
Alea to Goldy.
Goldy is a magnificent female Gen with a lush mane of golden hair, and a figure that is all curves.
Jon Drake hears Alea's slightly frantic tone and turns toward the lobby.
Briel forces the smile from her face, glancing toward the lobby.
Briel: Come on...
Alea looks at the woman and sighs thinking she's seen her before somewhere.
Jon Drake accompanies her.
Jon Drake resumes his familiar place, much more confident than two months ago.
Goldy pauses picturesquely in the doorway, then steps curvaceously the rest of the way into the lobby, smiling at Alea.
Briel hurries into the lobby.
Briel zlins the newcomers in concern determined not to allow anything to go wrong while she's in charge.
Jon Drake looks to see what he can do to help.
Alea: We have a possible burn victim .. this man just came to report it.
Alea motions to Yesus.
Briel zlins Yesus closely.
Yesus is a new renSime, who is currently projecting a peculiar blend of distress and lust.
Yesus is in the process of wringing his hands, and also ogling at Goldy.
Briel notes his post condition
Briel: Show us where the body is.
Briel: Alea, you stay here and handle....her...
Briel motions toward the bimbo.
Alea: Uh, sure.
Goldy perks up at the mention of "handling"
Briel: Come on Yesus, show us where the body is.
Yesus: [distracted - rips his eyes from Goldy]
Yesus: Of course... this way.
Yesus turns to leave the Sime Center.
Briel grabs her cloak, nods to JD to get his and grabs the medical kit.
Yesus hurries down the street, filled with both relief and dread.
Alea approaches the lush Gen.
Jon Drake responds and rushes to keep up.
Alea: How may I help you?
Alea moves forward smiling, thinking she's STILL stuck in the lobby.
Briel follows Yesus.
Goldy's eyes slide over Alea's figure.
Goldy smiles gorgeously.
Briel: So tell me what Kaymeil taught you about burns, JD.
Alea smiles weakly remembering Libby.
Alea grabs a chart behind her off the desk.
Alea: You're here to donate?
Alea smiles encouragingly
Goldy: Yes [gushes]
Goldy: But I was wondering... can I ask for a... certain man?
Alea sighs relieved.
Alea poises the pen over the clipboard.
Alea: Who would that be?
Alea politely.
Goldy: Fise?
Alea drops the pen and grabs at it, dropping the clipboard in the process.
Alea: Uh.
Alea blushes.
Yesus leads them toward the red light distract.
Yesus: Ict.
Alea: He is no longer here.
Briel: Well, JD?
Briel: Burns..how do you treat them?
Alea: Have you actually had him before?
Alea winces at how that sounds.
Jon Drake searches his memory.
Alea: I mean, has he ever taken your donation?
Jon Drake thinks about the contents of the medical kit and details the use of the burn meds.
Briel: Good.
Briel nods.
Briel: And then, of course, need will also stimulate the production of selyn.
Goldy: Gone already? [frowns prettily]
Goldy: The good ones never last, do they.
Goldy: I almost did, but then we got interrupted.
Goldy: It was in this very lobby that it happened.
Alea almost groans.
Alea thinks "Good?"
Alea: Well, I'm sorry, he's not here.
Jon Drake: Of course, that's a given. :-)
Alea: For all I know, he's taking transfers out on the street.
Jon Drake: Do we know if the victim is Sime or Gen?
Briel: RenSime attacking..has to be Gen most probably.
Briel looks to Yesus.
Briel: Can you tell me more Yesus.
Briel: What happened?
Briel: Who did you attack?
Yesus: Well [hesitates]
Briel: It will help us treat them if you give us as many details as possible.
Yesus: Ok.. well the lady is my parent's landlady.
Briel: Gen?
Yesus: Of course!
Briel shrugs thinking there are weird people in the world.
Yesus: And she sort of...um.. barged in the middle.
Briel: Why did you attack her?
Briel's eyes narrow.
Yesus: Well I couldn't help it! I was in need and all of a sudden there she was.
Yesus: I didn't even realize it was her until afterward.
Briel: Of course you didn't.
Briel: That's how need is sometimes.
Briel thinks she would know JD's nager anywhere though.
Goldy: Out on the street?
Alea sighs, realizing she shouldn't have said that.
Alea: I have no idea.
Alea: He left here months ago.
Goldy looks comically alarmed as she imagined what street he'd have to be working on to sell the services she was looking for.
Alea: He may not even be in the area.
Goldy: Imagined == imagines.
Alea pats Goldy's hand.
Alea: Don't worry, we have many other good Channel's here.
Alea: Why don't you just fill this out and I'll go find one.
Alea only wants to get out of there.
Briel holds onto Jon.
Briel: Be careful for the icy patches.
Jon Drake looks ahead, wondering how much longer...
Briel: Wouldn't want you hurt.
Briel: Are you a regular at the Center, Yesus?
Goldy considers.
Goldy: Okay.
Alea nods and goes to find another channel.
You are now known as Jorgre.
Jon Drake smiles at her concern.
Goldy starts filling out the form in big, bubble-letters with donut, heart, and smiley shaped dots over the I.
Goldy:'s.
Yesus hesitates.
Yesus: Yes.
Yesus: ~~lie~~
Briel: Or perhaps Snake has been helping you.
Jorgre comes briskly into the lobby looking around for the Gen Alea told him was waiting.
Yesus: Snake? No... I don't know her.
Jorgre is a second order Channel.
Yesus: ~~truth~~
Briel wonders if he is into the same stuff Tarsh was and shudders.
Briel: Okay.
Briel: Just show me the body.
Yesus: ~~slightly uneasy at the mention of the name too~~
Yesus leads them past the porno district into a crummy residential neighborhood uphill of the warehouses.
Yesus leads them up some stairs to a narrow brownstone, unlocks the door.
Jorgre sees the woman and smiles, going forward.
Goldy looks at Jorgre and is not impressed by what she sees.
Jorgre: Hello, I hear you're here for a donation.
Goldy: I... guess so.
Jorgre zlins her, surprised.
Jorgre wonders if Alea told him wrong.
Yesus: Hello? Is anybody home? [silence answers]
Yesus: I guess nobody is back yet.
Briel zlins, sighing.
Briel: The body is in there?
Yesus leads them up the stairs inside.
Yesus: Yes... I'll show you.
Briel follows
Jorgre: You are here to donate, correct?
Jorgre goes over to look at the chart.
Yesus leads them to an apartment above, with a Gen woman's body lying on the couch.
Goldy: Well... yes.
Briel zlins as she moves forward.
Jorgre stares at the chart, stupidly, unable to believe what he sees.
Yesus follows nervously, staying out of Briel's way.
Briel glances at JonDrake and shakes her head slightly.
Yesus: That's Yucchie Charmshnoggle, she's the landlady.
Briel goes ahead and takes the woman in transfer grip zlinning closely.
Jorgre: Why don't you come with me, then.
Jorgre motions down the hall toward the donation rooms.
Goldy gets up -- a flowing, leonine movement.
Goldy stalks after Jorgre.
Jorgre blinks slightly, interest rising.
Jorgre forces himself to concentrate on finding donation room 4
Jorgre: Right in here um...Goldy.
Briel: I'm sorry, Yesus, but...your landlady is dead.
Briel sighs.
Goldy undulates into the donation room, giving Jorgre a slow wink as she passes [close] by.
Jorgre swallows, thinking lethal body, no brains.
Yesus looks depressed.
Yesus: That's what I thought.
Yesus: I killed her.
Briel nods to Jon, pale.
Briel: Yes, you did.
Briel remembers her two kills.
Jon Drake extends support to Briel...
Jorgre moves over to the transfer couch and sits down, motioning to the Gen goddess.
Yesus sits down in an adjacent chair and puts his head in his hands.
Briel leans back into Jon's support.
Goldy moves (!) to the transfer couch and sinks down upon it with a sigh of anticipation.
Jon Drake thinks that this is all such a waste.
Briel: These things can sometimes happen. That's why we like to have you come in early for transfer--not when you get this close.
Yesus: My mom said she wouldn't listen to reason... wouldn't leave.
Briel: I'm so sorry, Yesus.
Yesus: I've heard them argue, you know... she really was like that. Just would stand there in the doorway screaming about this or that.
Yesus looks at the body and thinks she will never say anything again.
Briel nods, going over and sitting down next o Yesus.
Yesus starts weeping.
Briel slips an arm around him, sighing, feeling empathy with him.
Goldy offers...herself.
Jorgre drops the chart and takes Goldy's proffered arms.
Goldy: ~~~I am goddess... I require service~~~~~
Jon Drake: Yesus? Where's your mother?
Goldy blinks a slow, slow, blink and smiles.
Jorgre: Now, [swallows] what you do is we make contact point and then I will draw selyn from you.
Jorgre: You have to stay still...it'll only take a moment, then we'll be done.
Goldy leans forward and kisses Jorgre full on the lips.
Jorgre gasps.
Goldy really knows what she's doing.
Jorgre: Mnot mexacmtlymmrmh...
Jorgre leans back pulling reluctantly away from the arousing kiss.
Goldy's eyes open again, darkly dilated.
Briel: Yesus, we have some places that can help with this.
Goldy: Why did you stop?
Briel: You see, I..have been where you have been too.
Goldy smiles.
Jorgre: We just touch lips, Goldy.
Yesus looks up at Briel.
Jorgre: And sit still.
Goldy: We sure did. [looking forward to more]
Jorgre: Not kissing.
Goldy: .... oh.
Jorgre sighs.
Jorgre: Okay, let's do this again.
Jorgre: Touch lips and I'll draw.
Jorgre thinks and heaven help him.
Goldy leans forward and places a very light, very very delicate, kiss on Jorgre's lips.
Jorgre leans into her lips to keep contact.
Yesus: I'll go wherever you want. I knew what would happen when I turned myself in.
Briel: The Tecton can help you.
Yesus hangs his head.
Yesus: I deserve whatever happens.
Briel: You're still young enough to disjunct like me.
Jon Drake: Yesus? You said your mother was here?
Briel: Come back to the Center, rest, and we'll get this all straightened out, okay?
Jorgre begins to draw.
Jon Drake nods and drops the question for now.
Goldy remains poised, waiting for something wonderful to happen.
Yesus: She's...
Yesus: Afterward, we had a fight.
Jorgre continues to draw until Goldy is very low field.
Jorgre finally sits back, and smiles.
Jorgre: There you go.
Yesus: She said we should run for the border, and hide there. My father thought we should lay low here in town. I wanted to turn ourselves in.
Yesus: I thought I had convinced them I was right, but...
Yesus looks down.
Briel: You did the right thing, Yesus.
Briel: Don't worry about your parents.
Briel motions toward the door.
Briel: I'll make sure things are taken care of here.
Briel: Jon, would you escort Yesus back?
Briel: I'll be right with you.
Yesus gets up glumly and follows Jon Drake.
Jon Drake: Yes.
Jorgre releases Goldy's arms and reaches for the chart.
Goldy's eyes flutter open.
Goldy ~~perplexed~~
Jorgre quickly fills out a voucher
Goldy: That was it?
Jorgre: You did wonderful.
Jon Drake adjusts his field to minimize the depression enough to make it back to the Center.
Jorgre: Yes, you didn't feel a thing, did you?
Goldy: No! I sure didn't.
Goldy: ~~disgruntled~~
Briel covers the body, makes a quick call and then follows.
Jorgre smiles.
Jorgre: You're not suppose to feel anything, except maybe relief when it's over.
Goldy: I don't think... relief... is exactly it.
Jorgre: You did quite well..perhaps, in time, you could qualify as a Donor for a third.
Jorgre: Ah.
Jorgre nods and hands her the voucher.
Jorgre: Well then, how does this look..does that excite you just a bit.
Goldy takes the voucher, reads it, and is amazed by the amount.
Jorgre thinks that is pretty good pay for these that come in.
Goldy: Oh!
Jorgre smiles relieved, glad he hasn't run a donor off.
Briel walks back silently with them to the Center.
Goldy vows not to spend it all in one place, like the other times.
Jorgre: Go down the hall to the right and you'll find the cashier.
Goldy: Thank you.
Goldy goes to the bursar's office.
Jorgre: Thank you.
Jorgre: See you next month.
Jon Drake: Yesus, don't dwell on this.
Briel goes up the Center's stairs.
Goldy sees all the cash, immediately forgets her vow, and rushes from the Sime Center, nearly bowling Briel over.
Briel moves closer to Yesus at goldy's actions.
Jon Drake is waiting in Briel's office.
Briel thinks he will probably dwell on it the rest of his life but doesn't say so.
Briel escorts Yesus to the conference room.
Yesus follows sadly.
Briel: I have a couple of calls to make and then I'll be back, okay?
Briel tenderly, caring.
Yesus: Okay.
Yesus sits down.
Jon Drake keeps Yesus company...
Yesus can't help but notice JonDrake has an incredible nager... had never really zlinned a Donor before.
Briel leaves and goes to make the calls..taking a short time out to shudder at the remembered horrors and feeling for what the man is about to go through.
Briel returns, with the med box and a cup of trin for Yesus.
Yesus: Thank you.
Briel seats herself on the other side of Yesus.
Briel: I made the calls, Yesus, now, all we do, is wait.
Yesus: I can't believe it happened.
Yesus: It was just so... so sudden and it was already over before I even...
Briel nods.
Briel shudders.
Briel: Yeah.
Yesus looks down and doesn't speak again.