Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #117: (1/1/98)

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Jorgre walks down the hall of the Sime Center.

Jorgre brings the rest of the morning reports back to the lobby for filing.

Briel: Shen!

Briel: Having my back rubbed...of all things..when the crazy Gen ESCAPED.

Briel comes storming down the hall.

Briel: Terminta?

Briel slows to a stop.

Terminta walks down the hall, her arms filled with papers.

Terminta looks up at Briel.

Briel: Any sign...any idea where that Gen might have gone?

Terminta: Yes, Hajene?

Jorgre sets mode: +o Terminta

Terminta is a short Gen with dark hair, pale skin and green eyes.

Terminta: Um... which Gen is that? [helpfully]

Jorgre gives the paperwork to the Clerk.

Terminta: I've been in the back records all morning.

Briel: Shen...shen..shen...

Briel: That crazy woman that attacked Jirelle and Lanyi last night.

Terminta makes an "eeck" expression.

Terminta: Oh.

Briel: Locked her up. We found the Gen who went to check on her clubbed and locked up this morning.

Briel: No sign of her.

Briel: Of course if the tecton had been here when they said they were going to be here..we would have known exactly WHEN she escaped.

Briel rubs at her neck with a tentacle.

Terminta: Geez... that's... well of course.

Terminta is trying to seem sympathetic while wondering what a 3rd like herself did to deserve receiving all Briel's dirty laundry.

Terminta smiles ~~hope it gets better~~

Briel shakes her head.

Terminta: Anything I can do?

Briel: Go on. I'm keeping you from work.

Terminta looks at the pile of papers.

Briel: If you happen to hear anything say anything unusual...

Terminta: Oh.. these? I was just moving them to back storage...

Briel: Like perhaps, a shadow, odd sound, anything zlinned unusual, please let someone know.

Terminta: It's that time of year, you know.

Briel: Oh.

Briel: Yes, it is.

Briel grimaces.

Terminta: But.. if I see anything unusual I'll let you know. ~~promises~~

Briel: Good. Thank you.

Briel moves off down the hall.

Jorgre takes the box of files and heads toward file storage.

Terminta turns back down the hall... as soon as Briel is out of sight, scurries the rest of the way to the basement and the back files.

Jorgre: Ah, the new year...

Terminta: Whew! Talk about close.

Jorgre heads down to the basement.

Terminta feels she almost got roped into helping Briel look for a crazy woman.. not a pleasant thought.

Jorgre: Talk about work. Why the higher ups couldn't have waited to move everything until AFTER the first of the year then we wouldn't have had to tote these twice.

Jorgre hurries down the stairs, zlinning his way.

Jorgre goes to the storage and smiles.

Jorgre: Good morning Terminta.

Jorgre: What's up?

Jorgre zlins Terminta.

Terminta: Hi..

Terminta: I just saw Briel.

Jorgre nods.

Jorgre: Ah, I see.

Terminta: ~~eeeck~~

Jorgre chuckles.

Jorgre: She's not that bad.

Terminta: She looked stressed.

Terminta: Have you seen her today?

Terminta: She looked like she was ready to start ripping hair out... her own or someone else's if necessary.

Jorgre: Yeah. That psyche patient escaping has her worried.

Jorgre: And the Controller got back yesterday too.

Terminta: Yeah. I guess so... [hasn't seen Veraik, only heard rumors]

Jorgre: He might be stressing her out.

Jorgre: You know, all the updates and things that go on.

Jorgre: And an escape on top of that.

Jorgre shakes his head.

Jorgre slips the boxes up onto the shelf where they go.

Jorgre: Want me to take those for you Terminta?

Jorgre motions at the papers in her arms.

Terminta: Sure.. thanks.

Terminta gives half the papers to Jorgre.

Jorgre takes them and slips them into the slots where they go.

Terminta: I think they're all "E's"

Jorgre: Yeah.

Terminta starts filing.

Jorgre: Getting everything cleared out for the new year.

Terminta: Hey, look at this one... "Ernie Envelope" What kind of a name is that??

Terminta: Heh heh heh... he's a GN-3... figures.

Jorgre: One that probably turns a girl off.

Jorgre: I can see it now, Elma Envelope.

Terminta: Maybe he's good at hugs.... "Earnest enveloped her in .." uh...

Jorgre turns, zlinning Terminta.

Jorgre: Yes?

Terminta: His earnest embrace... heh heh heh.

Jorgre grinning.

Terminta files Ernie's papers and keeps going.

Briel strides down the hall, grabbing people she passes, sending them on errands to question others.

Jorgre finishes filing the papers.

Jorgre: Did you know we have some other prisoners too?

Terminta: Oh really?

Jorgre nods.

Terminta: [funny voice] Give up your selyn or we vill not let you go!!

Jorgre moves over to straighten some boxes.

Jorgre: Yeah, well, they're 'distect'

Jorgre: No laughing matter that.

Terminta keeps filing, thinking she was dumb to give Jorgre the easy ones.

Terminta: Oh... yeah, whatever. [doesn't believe in the Distect]

Jorgre: The same one who escaped a couple of months ago.

Jorgre zlins Terminta.

Jorgre: You don't believe me?

Zarabeth enters the Sime center, looking around. ~~young, nervous, high field Gen~

Briel zlins the Gen and halts her progression through the Center.

Briel turns.

Briel: Hello.

Briel: Maybe I help you?

Zarabeth: Um, maybe. Yes. I guess. I'm here to make a donation.

Terminta: Nope... Distect is for kids.

Briel zlins the Gen.

Briel takes a chart and motions for the young Gen to sit down.

Jorgre realizes she really doesn't believe in the distect.

Zarabeth sits promptly.

Jorgre: You know, Terminta, if you had seen some of what I have, you would have no doubt about the distect.

Briel: Your name?

Briel: By, the way, I'm Briel ambrov R'lea. I'm temporary Controller here.

Terminta: Oh really? like what?

Briel thinks controller only because Veraik doesn't want to resume his duties yet.

Zarabeth: Zarabeth Webster.

Jorgre: Like the young woman up there. Her "Gen" was killed so she attacked Jon Drake.

Zarabeth: Controller? So you're in charge here?

Jorgre: She sneers at the thought of channel transfer.

Briel writes down Zarabeth's name.

Briel: Oh, well, yes. For a short time.

Briel smiles, distracted over the loss of the crazy Gen.

Briel: So, have you donated before Zarabeth?

Terminta: Oh well, I can believe there are some crazies who BELIEVE they are part of the Distect... that's different.

Jorgre shakes his head.

Zarabeth: Uh, no.

Briel checks a box, having already ascertained that through zlinning but trying to put Zarabeth at ease.

Briel: So, why do you come to donate?

Briel smiles again.

Jorgre: There are all kinds of things, the propaganda the distect puts out, but I suppose, if you don't want to see that side of the problem, then I have no right to force you too.

Terminta: Propaganda? Like what?

Jorgre: Surely you've seen it.

Jorgre: Flyers occasionally bashing the Tecton and demanding rights for Gens.

Jorgre: For direct Gen transfer. Of course, since they're underground, you rarely meet them.

Jorgre: Just the trouble they cause.

Terminta: Well, I've seen a pamphlet or two.. if you look at them closely you realize they were put together at minimal cost by one or two individuals.. hardly the voice of an organized opposition movement.

Zarabeth: Well, I sort of drew the pro-Donation side in my debate class, and I figured I couldn't debate in favor of something I hadn't done.

Briel looks suitably impressed.

Zarabeth: I really need to pass the class ~~sheepish~~

Briel: In most cases I'd argue. However, in this case, I think you are very wise to come and donate.

Briel chuckles.

Briel: I've had a few of those type of classes.

Briel: Well you uh, wait here just a moment?

Jorgre: Just steer clear of that stuff and you should be okay.

Zarabeth: Sure.

Terminta wonders what Jorgre is talking about.

Briel gets up and hurries down the hall to the infirmary and signals at Frutata's door.

Terminta: I never had anything to do with it.

Jorgre: Good. Good.

Jorgre finishes moving the boxes around to make more space and turns to smile at Terminta.

Terminta: A bunch of dumbasses who think they can stir up trouble by printing fake pamphlets... boring.

Terminta files her last paper.

Jorgre sighs.

Jorgre: Well, if you'll excuse me...

Jorgre: I have got to get back upstairs.

Terminta shrugs.

Jorgre leaves the room thinking Terminta is very naive in her beliefs.

Briel: Frutata?

Frutata wakes from a light doze.

Frutata clears his throat.

Frutata: Come in?

Briel zlins Frutata as she enters.

Frutata: Hello, Briel.

Frutata: I trust you are doing well?

Briel: Good morning. You're looking better. How would you like to do a bit of work with me this morning?

Briel: Just ... uh....

Briel flushes.

Briel: Fine.

Jorgre goes back upstairs and sees a young Gen sitting there.

Jorgre walks over.

Jorgre: Good morning. Someone helping you?

Jorgre: [to Zarabeth]

Zarabeth: Yes. Briel... something or other.

Jorgre: Ah.

Jorgre looks surprised.

Frutata: I would enjoy that greatly.

Jorgre: The Controller.

Zarabeth: Thank you, though [smiles]

Briel: Great.

Zarabeth: Yes. That's what she said.

Briel: I thought perhaps, since the girl is a bit jumpy, and you should start getting around more, you might like to sit in on her donation.

Frutata reaches for some clothes on a chair nearby.

Jorgre: Well actually Veraik ambrov Liorie is our Controller and he got back last night.

Jorgre smiles smiling engagingly.

Frutata changes into something more suitable for work.

Jorgre: I don't follow the firsts and everything. I'm only a second.

Jorgre stretches out his tentacles, smiling.

Zarabeth: Second what?

Jorgre: Second Order Channel.

Zarabeth looks warily at tentacles.

Jorgre zlins her nervousness and sheathes his tentacles.

Zarabeth: Oh.

Frutata joins Briel when he is ready.

Jorgre: Briel is a first order channel. She's a um, more powerful channel.

Zarabeth looks embarrassed to be caught staring.

Briel: Great. Okay, let's go.

Briel turns and starts down the hall.

Jorgre: I'm just a second. And then there are thirds.

Jorgre: You zlin nervously. Don't get around Simes much?

Frutata follows Briel, engaging her field to provide basic reassuring presence.

Zarabeth: No, not much at all. Well, never, actually.

Briel comes into the lobby.

Jorgre: Ah, well....oh, well, here's Briel. Excuse me. Nice talking to you.

Jorgre nods and heads off.

Zarabeth: Bye. [waves]

Briel: Zarabeth, this is Frutata, a new person here to us.

Briel motions to Frutata.

Frutata smiles at Zarabeth.

Zarabeth smiles back.

Frutata is a tall, dark-skinned Donor with a kind smile.

Frutata's nageric attention is upon Briel.

Briel snatches up the chart.

Briel: Okay, dear, why don't you come right this way.

Zarabeth: All right.

Briel takes Zarabeth to Donation Room 2

Zarabeth follows Briel, trying to hide nerves.

Frutata follows.

Briel: So, Zarabeth, this report you are doing...oh, please, don't hide your nervousness. I can zlin it.

Briel: It's perfectly acceptable to be nervous your first time.

Frutata supports Briel.

Zarabeth: Well. All right. As long as it's normal. Nervousness, I mean.

Frutata doesn't come on too strongly, however; just being-there, being calm.

Briel chuckles thinking nervousness isn't near as bad as what she's been through in the last twenty-four hours.

Briel: So, tell me, what is the report about you are doing? Do you have any questions?

Briel motions Zarabeth to sit down on the transfer lounge.

Zarabeth sits.

Zarabeth: It's for debate class. You know, one of those pro/con things. I've been researching all the things that selyn is used for. Things we wouldn't have if someone didn't donate. That's a pretty good reason to me.

Briel pulls out the chart and makes some more notations.

Briel: You're so right.

Zarabeth: Er, I mean, besides the fact that Simes Need it, too. Of course.

Briel: I imagine you see the selyn power we use to light this place.

Briel: And of course, to run our machines.

Briel: Most people are still using wood burning stoves, not efficient at all.

Briel transfers the pen and chart to tentacles as she lays it aside.

Briel zlinning for Zarabeth's reaction.

Zarabeth is thinking about her report, forgetting to be nervous.

Briel smiles, satisfied.

Briel: Now, then, let me tell you what we do.

Briel: I'll have to hold your hands

Briel: And I'll wrap my tentacles around your arms.

Briel: Let me show you.

Zarabeth: Okay...

Briel holds out her hands for Zarabeth.

Zarabeth holds out hands in return.

Briel takes Zarabeth's hands and wraps her tentacles around her arms.

Briel: Just like this.

Briel: Frutata, can you tell me a bit about your home?

Briel hopes his soothing soft voice with his odd accent will keep Zarabeth distracted.

Zarabeth gulps, then gets a better handle on reaction.

Briel: See, that doesn't hurt a bit.

Briel allows her laterals to slip out and lay in place.

Frutata: Of course. [quietly]

Frutata: Where I come from it is very beautiful.

Zarabeth: No. It doesn't. ~~Becoming more curious than nervous~~

Briel waits, allowing Zarabeth to adjust.

Frutata watches Briel and Zarabeth, attention mostly on Briel.

Briel: Green? Flowers?[to Frutata]

Frutata: No.. the opposite. Dry desert and plains...

Briel: The only other thing is to touch our lips together and then you silently count to [zlins Zarabeth]twenty-five and then I'll be done. You won't feel a thing.

Frutata: In the winter, when the rains come, then it is green.

Briel: Rain..in the winter..how novel. Instead of two feet of snow like we currently have.

Zarabeth: ~~steeling herself~~ Allright. Whenever you're ready.

Frutata smiles

Zarabeth closes eyes tight and waits.

Frutata: When the rains come, all the grasses grow quickly, you can almost watch them grow.

Briel chuckles.

Frutata: The thunder dances and the sky lights up with the swords of heaven...

Briel: Zarabeth, lean forward and push your lips against mine.

Briel: Sounds, beautiful, Frutata.

Briel thinks the voice could soothe a junct from his need for selyn

Zarabeth does so, and counts to twenty-five.

Frutata supports Briel.

Briel begins to draw slowly so Zarabeth won't feel any movement.

Frutata waits; when he sees Briel is going to go slow, he continues speaking.

Frutata: When the rains come, all the rivers fill with the rush of life.

Zarabeth: ~~calm, distracted by the Gen's unusual accent~~

Briel continues to draw, taking the lowest level before moving to the secondary level.

Frutata: All of the animals cavort and leap as if in harmony with the thunder... they are released from the bondage of thirst.

Frutata: And the people feel joy, knowing that the land is being replenished.

Briel finishes up the level and moves on up one more level...

Briel finishes the level and leans back.

Zarabeth opens her eyes.

Zarabeth: That's all?

Briel releases Zarabeth's arms.

Briel: That's it.

Briel smiles.

Zarabeth: ~~surprised~~

Briel: You have great potential there.

Zarabeth: I didn't feel a thing.

Zarabeth: Really? ~~pleased~~

Briel: You won't. I only took selyn from what's called your GN levels.

Frutata clouds his nager, so as to not affect Briel with his loss.

Frutata: ~~support~~

Briel fills out a voucher and hands it to Zarabeth.

Briel: I have never, in all the time working at the Center found a Donor who could donate three levels on her first time like you did.

Zarabeth: That's a good thing?

Briel: I'd say you are one of those naturals that comes along once in a Sime's life.

Briel: Very good.

Briel chuckles.

Zarabeth: ~~stunned~~

Briel: Just look at the voucher I gave you. That's pay for the selyn you donated.

Briel: Quite a bit too.

Zarabeth: Wow! All this for twenty-five seconds of sitting there?

Frutata smiles

Briel: You can come back in a month too, and do this again, and make even more if that field of yours does what I think it's going to do.

Zarabeth: What's that? I mean, what is it going to do?

Briel: Your selyn production is going to increase. Actually, you will probably have the chance to one day be a Donor like Frutata is here, helping channels instead of just donating.

Briel: As a matter of fact, I have several pamphlets that discuss the very thing. Would you like some copies, and maybe some informational pamphlets for your report too.

Zarabeth: Sure... I was going to ask for literature. This is... Wow. I always thought that Donors had to come from Sime Territory.

Briel: Well, I hate to tell you this, but when you crossed the bridge between Eastcove, the Gen town, And came into Bender Cove, you did end up in Sime Territory.

Frutata frowns slightly not following the conversation well at all.

Zarabeth: Well, I meant that I am from Out-territory... Well, I guess I'm learning all kinds of things today.

Briel: Oh.

Briel nods.

Briel: I apologize for misunderstanding. Looks like I'm still not quite as focused as I should be.

Briel: As, so you are from Eastcove then?

Zarabeth: Yes. Born and raised there.

Frutata moves forward slightly, offering as firm of support as he can without interfering with Briel's concentration.

Frutata thinks the channel requires a rest and maybe he will ask her about it afterward.

Briel: Well, I'll let you in on a secret. I am from out-Territory originally. And Jon Drake, a Donor here, is also from out-Territory too.

Briel: He's a really really good Donor.

Briel: So, looks like Donors come from out-Territory too.

Briel: Well, then..

Briel stands and goes over to a cabinet and pulls out several pamphlets and brings them back to Zarabeth.

Briel: Here you go. These should get you on your way to what you might want to know.

Briel: And the cashier is just to your right as you go back down the hall.

Briel: It's almost in the lobby.

Briel smiles at Zarabeth.

Frutata moves up to maintain support of Briel.

Briel stands.

Briel: Cashier down the hall and to the right.

Briel: You shouldn't have any trouble finding it.

Zarabeth stands as well.

Briel: I hope that literature helps you out.

Briel motions to all the pamphlets she handed Zarabeth.

Zarabeth: Thank you. I'm sure it will.

Briel: Be sure to come back next month. Bye.

Zarabeth juggles handfuls of pamphlets. Smiles.

Zarabeth: I will.

Frutata smiles at Zarabeth.

Briel: Good.

Briel smiles.

Zarabeth: {to Frutata} Thank you, too. Your homeland sounds very... different. And very far away.

Frutata: It is [confesses]

Zarabeth: Well, I hope you enjoy your... visit?

Frutata: Thank you. [smiles kindly]

Zarabeth heads toward the door.

You are now known as Cashier.

Zarabeth: Thanks again.

Briel: Anytime, Zarabeth.

Frutata turns to Briel when Zarabeth has left the room.

Briel: And if you have questions or just want to talk, please feel free to come by sooner.

Briel reluctantly turns to Frutata.

Frutata: I am sorry, I was not doing enough earlier.

Briel: Yes?

Briel: Oh dear..uh, it wasn't your fault.

Frutata: I should not have allowed..

Briel: It's just been a shuven messed up day.

Briel rubs at her neck, sighing.

Zarabeth stops at Cashier on the way out.

Cashier takes the receipt.

Briel: Remember the lunatic that tried to murder us yesterday.

Frutata: Is it possible that... given the unusual events of the past day....

Frutata: Do you require any extra rest?

Cashier: Well dearier..quite a bit here.

Cashier begins counting out the money.

Briel: She escaped and we've been trying to find out anything we can..how she did it...

Briel: Exactly.

Briel laughs.

Briel: Do I?...uh, Well...

Zarabeth's eye widen.

Frutata: ~~concerned support; caring~~

Cashier hands the money to Zarabeth.

Zarabeth: Well, this will definitely convince me to come back next month.

Cashier: There you go.

Cashier: Now don't go spending that all in one spot.

Briel: It would be nice. I've been burning the candle at both ends.

Zarabeth: Thank you. I won't. [grins]

Briel: However, it looks like I'm going to be spending more time, working. I don't' see any rest in the foreseeable future.

Briel sets mode: +o Mostan

Cashier watches her leave.

Frutata: You would be able to perform more efficiently with more rest [respectfully]

Thug detaches himself from the shadows and moves up to walk alongside Zarabeth.

You are now known as Alea.

Briel: I suppose I would.

Briel sighs.

Briel: I will schedule time in, though Simes don't require as much rest like a Gen.

Briel smiles at Frutata.

Zarabeth walks faster.

Frutata wonders why Briel thinks he doesn't know this.

Frutata nods.

Dotti walking down the street toward the Sime Center.

Thug is a big ugly male Gen with scarred hands and snaggly teeth.

Thug increases his pace to tail Zarabeth, looking for a likely alley to drag her into.

Briel: How are you feeling Frutata.

Briel: I mean, I did drag you out of the infirmary to work with me.

Briel ~~guilt~~

Frutata: Why, I am feeling much better, thank you.

Frutata: It is no problem. I have missed working with a channel.

Briel: I'm glad to know that.

Frutata: ~~ hides sadness ~~

Dotti sees the young girl almost running and zlins.

Thug rubs his hands together, then reaches out to grab, lurching forward....

Briel: We can certainly use your help around here.

Zarabeth has one eye on ugly thug and one on any likely help

Dotti: Hey you!

Dotti augments forward toward the thug and the girl.

Dotti: What do you think you're doing!

Thug jumps Zarabeth, snatches her purse, and runs madly.

Zarabeth freezes.

Thug dodges between other people and runs into a dark alley.

Dotti augments after the thug, grabbing the purse.

Dotti ~~anger~~

Thug: Hey!

Zarabeth: Hey! That's my...

Thug: That's mine, you vulture! Give it back!

Dotti: Snatching purses from young girls!

Dotti: I'll give you back what you deserve if you don't get out of here.

Thug: Like you're any better, stealing from Gens!

Dotti: I'll do more than steal a purse from you if you don't' get out of here.

Dotti flicks her tentacles at him.

Thug shakes his fist at Dotti, but isn't about to attack her.

Thug: Why, I oughtta...

Zarabeth recovers from shock and follows the person shaped blur into alley.

Dotti zlins the Gen coming and moves to the girl, handing her back her purse.

Dotti: Better hold onto that tighter, honey. Some butt ugly thug might try to rob you otherwise.

Zarabeth: Thank you. One already did.

Dotti chuckles.

Thug decides to leave before they memorize his face and bring it to Tormer.

Thug is now known as gone.

Dotti: You be careful now, you hear.

Dotti turns and heads off back toward the Center.

Zarabeth: I'll try. ~~sheepish~~

Briel: Well Frutata, I suppose I should get back to work. Would you like to go with me, or go rest some more?

Frutata notices Briel has entirely ignored his advice regarding her rest, and instead assumes he is the one who requires some.

Frutata: I would enjoy working more, although of course I will defer to your preference.

Briel: Ah, what a good Donor you must have been.

Briel smiles.

Drooly bounces down the street looking comically in both directions.

You are now known as Alea.

Drooly stops right in front of Zarabeth in order to look completely over his shoulder behind him.

Drooly sees his own tail and runs after it.

Frutata smiles back.

Drooly keeps running and running, in very small circles.

Briel: I suppose we can work then. Just until you get tired though.

Frutata: Just so.

Drooly recovers, staggering sideways, then begins bouncing down the road again, leaving Zarabeth behind.

Wise Snake is a nervous wreck.

B'cal: Will you stop that.

B'cal: Do you realize, they're going to think I can't handle a Farris.

B'cal crawls down off the cart and looks at Snake.

Wise Snake frets and looks at the walls of the Householding.

Wise Snake fidgets nervously.

Wise Snake jumps at B'cal's words.

B'cal: You're field could be flat and that face of yours would give you away.

B'cal sneers

B'cal: Of course, Farrises are so jumpy anyone no one would probably know the difference.

Wise Snake's field flattens automatically; face looks worried and now sort of insulted and put-upon.

Wise Snake: [mostly worried]

Fraeyan comes striding out of the house.

Wise Snake jumps and whirls to face the channel who just emerged.

Wise Snake reverts to a skulking posture out of years of habit.

Wise Snake edges over to B'cal.

Pasmol hurries after Fraeyan.

Fraeyan is around twenty years past changeover, peppered hair.

B'cal: Ah, Fareyan.

Wise Snake is a short, harassed looking channel with a weaselly face, crazy black hair and a very worried expression.

B'cal: Sectuib, Pasmol, may I present Wisensanke Farris and, Muffin.

B'cal glances down at Muffin and smiles.

Muffin V La steps up to B'cal.

Fraeyan zlins the Farris channel.

Muffin V La:'s other side importantly.

Pasmol maybe ten years after establishment, a Companion.

Wise Snake: ~~ field perfectly controlled ~~

Fraeyan: The Farris that Tramila drafted you for.

Wise Snake: ~~ physically kind of eternally screwed up ~~

Pasmol has pale eyes, brown hair that could do with a combing, and a vague stare and nager.

Fraeyan: Why did she come with you?

Fraeyan: From what I understand from the Controller there, your job was over.

Wise Snake zlins the two, nervously.

B'cal sneers.

Wise Snake's pale eyes study them.

Noone'` is now known as Fraeyan.

B'cal: That was the temporary controller who doesn't appreciate the fine arts of V'lars work.

Pasmol moves up behind Fraeyan.

B'cal: I assure you, Snake came with me so that we could continue our work.

Wise Snake: ~~nager hints at wariness~~

B'cal: She had no idea what Briel ambrov R'lea was doing.

Wise Snake fidgets.

Fraeyan: ~~ carefully held showfield ~~~

B'cal looks to Snake.

Wise Snake is feeling extremely paranoid and only restrains herself from zlinning past Fraeyan's showfield with a supreme effort.

B'cal: I assured her since she came with me, despite being a Farris, she would be accepted.

Fraeyan: And what was our esteemed channel in R'lea doing?

Wise Snake frets at not having any idea what's going to happen.

B'cal: Causing problems. As she always does.

B'cal peels Muffin away from her leg.

Wise Snake meet's B'cal's eyes momentarily and then looks quickly away.

B'cal ~~soothing firm support~~

B'cal: We would like to continue our work here for the next week while we work out the misunderstanding about my recall.

Fraeyan: If you have said so, then V'lar will honor you commitment, of course.

Muffin V La realizes B'cal wants him to look brave, and stands up tall trying to look important.

Fraeyan notices Muffin.

B'cal places a hand on Muffin's shoulder.

B'cal: Stand up proud, Muffin. This is the Sectuib in V'lar.

B'cal: [whispers low]

Wise Snake calms a little bit... crowds against B'cal, can't help but still be nervous.

Fraeyan restrains a satisfied smile at what Bcal is already accomplishing with this child.

Muffin V La looks up at B'cal.

Muffin V La: I wanna be a Donor!

Muffin V La: [proudly]

Muffin V La: Just like B'cal.

Fraeyan zlins Muffin.

B'cal flushes and looks discomfited at Fraeyan.

Muffin V La is a child, skin and bones, weak with bad nutrition.. very recently scrubbed.

B'cal: You'll be the best Donor or Channel of V'lar one day.

Fraeyan: To be a Donor is a great responsibility. *Why* do you want to be a Donor?

B'cal wishes he hadn't asked that, and thinks this kid is probably going to get her into trouble now.

Muffin V La: I want to protect people and make them feel safe.

Muffin V La looks up at B'cal to make sure he answered right.

B'cal nods at Muffin.

Fraeyan nods. then you already Know the First Lesson. Good.

Pasmol covers a smile.

Muffin V La grins wide.

Muffin V La: I already know lots of things. Look...

B'cal: Do you already have a reassignment for me...

Muffin V La walks over to B'cal and stands next to her in a Donor's position.

B'cal looks down at Muffin.

Fraeyan looks back at Bcal. "Certainly, your friends may stay here."

Muffin V La: See? ~~projects irritated attempt at calming with his child's nager~~

Fraeyan: [ to Wisesnake and Muffin ] "Welcome to Householding V'lar."

B'cal looks at Snake in a "See, I told you so," look.

Wise Snake thinks the worst is yet to come.

B'cal: Very good Kid.

Wise Snake presses against B'cal's side.

B'cal glares at Snake.

B'cal: Allowing that Farris nervousness to show?

Wise Snake ducks her gaze and attempts to control her nervousness, with little results.

Wise Snake: I can't help it! [whispers]

B'cal: I didn't introduce you to Nick.

Fraeyan reflects that these people certainly will benefit from work to develop the potential they all clearly have.

B'cal: He's Donor in training of Snake's.

B'cal: [softly] You'd better help it!

Nickr is busy retrieving some important items from their luggage atop the cart.

Wise Snake looks like she's about to go to pieces.

B'cal looks impatiently at the Sectuib then turns to snake.

Wise Snake backs off from B'cal and tries to stand still.

B'cal takes Snakes arms.

B'cal: Look at me.

Fraeyan: I shouldn't keep you out her in the cold. Come inside, please.

B'cal projects her nager wisesnake looks up at B'cal.

Fraeyan half-turns towards the main building.

B'cal: Relax, Snake.

B'cal: I'll stand here all day if it takes it. But you have got to calm down.

B'cal: There is nothing to worry about.

B'cal ~~confidence/reassurance~~

Fraeyan: No, Bcal, I don't have another assignment for you yet.

B'cal nods but doesn't take her gaze from Snake.

B'cal: Come on, Snake.

Wise Snake responds to B'cal's field, gradually.

Fraeyan goes on in, pretending not to notice they aren't following to give them a graceful moment alone.

B'cal ~~relax~~

Wise Snake's arms grow less tense and she stops moving around in place.

Pasmol: What do you really think of them Hajene?

Pasmol: [to fraeyan]

Wise Snake is still nervous, though.

B'cal: Take a deep breath.

Pasmol: The channel looked like she was about to splinter any minute.

Wise Snake lowers her head and takes a deep breath, as instructed.

Pasmol keeps pace with Fraeyan.

Wise Snake tries to relax.

Fraeyan: She's clearly a Farris, but seems to have mislaid the traditional arrogance at least momentarily.

Pasmol: That certainly is true.

Fraeyan: Nick is a promising young Donor.

B'cal: The worst is over. You met the Sectuib. Now, let's go in.

Fraeyan: The child clearly requires a home, and has possibilities.

B'cal looks over Snake's shoulder and sneers at Nick.

Wise Snake: Will it be an insult to you if Nick is with me too? [hoping not; wanting them both]

Pasmol: Did you notice B'cal said "Snake's Donor-in-Training," Not the Tecton.

Pasmol: Really?

Pasmol nods, interested.

B'cal: Think you can do it, wonder Gen?

B'cal: Or you gonna go running outta here with your tail between your legs?

Nickr finishes rescuing the rest of their supplies and jumps down off the cart with the pack on his back.

Nickr look.

Nickr: I'll be fine. Although I hope you'll let me know if I am doing anything to offend your Householding.

Fraeyan: No. I hadn't. Do you think it is significant?

Nickr: [politely; hoping B'cal will take the hint and be polite also]

Pasmol: I just wondered. You know how the -tecton- is about owning everything.

Nickr joins Snake and B'cal, offering a calming nager.

B'cal sneers at Nick again.

B'cal: Don't even try it. You won't get in my good graces until I'm certain you can serve snake.

B'cal turns and starts toward the house.

Fraeyan: Yes. Chaining everything down lest something run away.

Fraeyan: Giving no trust and inspiring none.

Pasmol: Exactly.

Nickr falls in beside Snake and offers her ~~ soothing; reassurance ~~

Pasmol thinks but the channel didn't look like she was ready to be training a Donor.

B'cal allows it, deciding anything to help calm snake down.

B'cal goes inside the House.

Wise Snake allows Nick to nudge her into following B'cal, thinking going in there is against every instinct in her.

Fraeyan: You think Nick may be more a Companion in training than a Donor?

Nickr and Snake enter after B'cal.

Pasmol smiles, slowly.

Pasmol: He might just be.

Fraeyan: Yes, wisesnake does seem to be a bit young to be training, rather than being trained.

Fraeyan: There's more here than meets the lateral.

Pasmol: You know the Farrises. As soon as they changeover, they think they're ready to rule the world.

Wise Snake looks all around, paranoid, sticking close to Nick.

Nickr catches up to B'cal and follows her.

B'cal: I lived my life at this house. It's good to be home.

B'cal looks around.

B'cal notices that Muffin has already detached himself and taken off with a group of kids.

B'cal: How about Tea, snake?

Fraeyan: [ renSimes and Gens are repairing the roof of the walkway between the infirmary and the Gen residence wing ]

Fraeyan nods to them as they come up to the main doors.

Nickr looks up at the workers while taking care not to let his attention to Snake lapse.

B'cal: What happened to the roof?

B'cal goes into the large foyer area.

Nickr hadn't realized that "House" referred to an actual house, not just an organization.

Fraeyan: Bcal, do you think the Zillian suite would be suitable for your party?

B'cal nods.

Wise Snake stays close at Nick's side, zlinning the workers and the surroundings anxiously.

B'cal: That'd be perfect, Hajene.

Wise Snake zlins Fraeyan again, compulsively.

Fraeyan: We had an ice storm a week ago. Some of the posts couldn't take the weight.

B'cal looks at the work boards then over to some of the people milling around talking.

Fraeyan: This was the first warmer spell to fix it.

B'cal: That's too bad.

B'cal slips her cloak off and moves on into the room.

Fraeyan: ~~ relaxed showfield reveals a QN-1 a week past transfer, with a rather full secondary system. ~~

Nickr puts his hand on Snake's arm, finding it difficult to walk with her plastered against him.

Nickr: There, there, now [murmured; projecting soothing; unable to avoid feeling a tiny bit of exasperation]

Nickr studies the building they are now inside.

B'cal: Will you be able to add Snake and I into the roster for work, while we're here that is?

Fraeyan: Our weatherwatchers think this thaw will last another week at least. The Tecton weather service concurs.

B'cal: I hope to leave in two days, maybe three.

Fraeyan: Certainly. Your help with be most welcome.

Pasmol turns to Snake.

Pasmol: Would you like to go upstairs now, then and rest. Perhaps you can start work in the morning.

Pasmol thinks he would like to watch this young Farris channel work, to see if she is different from the other arrogant ones who have been through her from time to time.

Fraeyan lifts his eyebrows. "so soon?"

B'cal looks to Snake, sees she is still intimidated and sneers.

B'cal: This Channel isn't tecton. She lives out on her own and has built up a clientele.

B'cal: If she stays gone to long, she loses those people.

B'cal: As a Farris, that could be fatal.

Wise Snake stiffens at the sneer and looks a little more alert to what they are talking about.

Fraeyan: Ah.

B'cal: Therefore, I agreed to let her come with me since she feels she requires a Donor with her twenty-four hours a day.

B'cal: But we have to get her back.

B'cal glares at Snake.

B'cal: Did I leave anything out?

Fraeyan: Like the famous Gulf channels?

Nickr: ~~~supportive of Snake; especially now that attention is on her~~~

Wise Snake frowns slightly.

B'cal: Except that this one is still having the problem with her addition to pain from her screwed up first transfer.

Wise Snake is not sure whether B'cal is picking on her in order to keep her job, or just on general principal.

B'cal: And that she burned me because her speed has leaped so phenomenally since I last served her.

Wise Snake rubs her chest over the vriamic node.

B'cal: I don't think all of that was included in my report.

Fraeyan: A Flawed first? How unfortunate for you, child.

B'cal: But you should know that Fraeyn.

B'cal: But not uncommon in Bender Cove. They're all flawed. Every last one of them. No wonder they think of that as the end of the earth.

Fraeyan looks sharply at 'burned me'.

Fraeyan: ~~ protective ~~

Fraeyan zlins Bcal.

Wise Snake looks to Fraeyan ~~no trace of remorse~~

B'cal: Was down for two weeks.

Fraeyan: I've don't think I've ever been there.

B'cal: You don't want to. Disjunct Channels, Channels who can't keep their zipper zipped for five minutes, renSimes fixating on Gens, lovebird Donors. It's a mad house!

Fraeyan waves to a passing Gen and speaks to him in some language other than Simelan, English, or Spanish.

B'cal: Out of all the hellholes that Tramila ambrov Zeor could send me, she certainly picked a good one.

Wise Snake looks at Nick.

Nickr shrugs.

Wise Snake: How did I get talked into this?

Fraeyan raises his eyebrows again. "In the Tecton?"

Nickr: I don't know.. I wasn't there.

Nickr points out.

B'cal sneers.

B'cal: Everyone one of them represent the Tecton, as far as I'm concerned.

Wise Snake sees the attention is off her and wanders over to look at the schedule boards.

Nickr follows attentively.

B'cal rubs at her face thinking that if Snake got any quieter, they'd have to bury her.

Pasmol grins thinking it sounds like an interesting time B'cal has had.

Wise Snake: Egads, it all in some foreign tongue.

Nickr: Five or six of them, from the looks of things [observes]

Fraeyan zlins that snake has moved away slightly and lowers his voice. "Bcal, I'm glad you are back after your earlier ordeal. We were very concerned about you, but honor forbade dealing with those people..."

B'cal: Of course, Fraeyan.

B'cal: There was no other choice. To give in to them would taint all we stand for.

Wise Snake: Do you suppose they score "honor points" off each other by one-upping each other on how obscure a language they can post relevant public information in?

Nickr: It sounds like we'll have an opportunity to find out.

Fraeyan: I took advantage of the opportunity to recall you because I wanted to see your condition myself, and give you a chance to rest if you require it.

B'cal: I would like you to have a chance to work with her.

B'cal: She's a typical arrogant Farris, though she's hiding it right now.

B'cal: As a matter of fact, I've never seen her so quiet.

B'cal: I'm afraid we might not get her straightened out in time. She's almost out of first year.

Wise Snake: Look at this... here's a 1st... nobody else's schedule would be this full. [pointing with a tentacle]

B'cal shakes her head.

B'cal: And I don't like losing.

B'cal: It'll look bad on the house.

Fraeyan: I'd wondered about that...

Nickr: Unless that squiggly hieroglyphic with the bucket in it means "rest" instead of "collectorium".

Fraeyan: No, you never have...

Wise Snake: Look at this one. [points to one that looks like a snake]

B'cal: It's good to be back, Hajene.

B'cal: I...hope after we talk, that you will take into consideration my request to return to Bender Cove.

B'cal ~~disgust at the thought of returning~~

Fraeyan: If your sure you're up to it.

B'cal stares at Snake.

Wise Snake feels B'cal's disgust and turns, catches B'cal staring at her.

B'cal nods.

Fraeyan: Upholding the house's Honor is all well and good, but the House must Honor its members also.

Wise Snake shivers and turns away.

B'cal: I understand.

Wise Snake: Shen, I hate this place already.

Wise Snake: Come on.

B'cal: Snake, are you ready to go upstairs?

Wise Snake turns and goes back to where they are.

Nickr follows Snake closely.

Pasmol moves up to Fraeyan as Snake approaches.

Fraeyan: Hajene Snake, we keep our schedule in other languages as an exercise. I'll remember to put your assignments in Simelan, never fear.

Wise Snake: Thank you. ~~nager controlled ~~

Wise Snake: If it would be possible to work tonight...?

B'cal wonders where Snake gets the energy.

B'cal thinks shendoni Farrises.

Fraeyan considers cautioning snake that they aren't set up with Farris rated products, but fears that might put her off.

Pasmol looks to Fraeyan in surprise.

Fraeyan: Certainly. Before or after dinner?

Fraeyan: By the way, the refractory is over in the white roofed building at the rear of the courtyard.

Wise Snake says "before" at the same time Nick says "After"

Fraeyan: I have a case I might like your help with.

Wise Snake and Nick look at each other.

B'cal sighs.

Nickr's stomach growls convincingly.

B'cal: I can work with you before and Nick after if you want, if the Sectuib permits.

Fraeyan gestures agreement.

Wise Snake grows alarmed at the thought of leaving Nick out of her sight in this place... they might snatch him.. brainwash him..

Nickr: Sounds good to me.

B'cal: Perfect.

B'cal: You can go eat and then have someone show you up to the Zillian suite to rest.

Wise Snake fidgets.

B'cal: I'll take Snake with me now.

Wise Snake considers saying something to stop Nick, but manages to fight down the impulse against her better judgment.

Wise Snake nods to Nick to go ahead.

Pasmol is amused that a Donor thinks they're going to take a channel anywhere. He wonders when B'cal came so bossy with channels.

Nickr: Where did you say it was? Out here again, and look for a white roof?

Fraeyan: Yes. Down along the path here, then jog left around the grain silo and look for the white roof.

Nickr: Ah. Thank you.

Nickr touches Snake's wrist and sends ~~it'll be just fine~~ at her.

Nickr: I'll see you a little bit later, okay?

Nickr leaves.

Wise Snake looks like she's about to call out after Nick, but doesn't.

Wise Snake turns slowly back to them, chewing her lip.

Fraeyan: If you'll come this way, Hajene...

Fraeyan: Feteran, an older Gen has been having chest pains at night, but it doesn't seem to be any of the usual heart or lung ailments.

Fraeyan: I'd like to have your opinion.

Pasmol falls into step with Fraeyan.

Wise Snake glances briefly to B'cal and then follows, trying to put Nick out of her mind for now.

B'cal slips a hand to snakes back encouraging her along.

Wise Snake jumps at B'cal's touch, then tries to relax.

Fraeyan cocks his head at Pasmol, reflecting that his snap judgment of nick is bulwarked by Snake's reaction.

Pasmol nods.

Pasmol follows Fraeyan into the infirmary.

Wise Snake sweating.

Wise Snake eyes and zlins the strange new surroundings.

Wise Snake tells herself this isn't any stranger than... another place she was a stranger at once.

B'cal looks around the familiar surroundings.

Wise Snake tries to lean on B'cal's nager.

Wise Snake crowds her.

B'cal: Have we had more sickness than usual with the increased cold weather?

B'cal sighs and finally slips her arm around snake, pulling her close.

Wise Snake: ~relief~

B'cal thought it would be Muffin who she had to coddle, NOT Snake.

Wise Snake uses B'cal's nager to shield her.

B'cal thinks she is going to have plenty of ammunition later though, against snake after this.

Wise Snake doesn't care what she zlins of B'cal's emotions, not right now.

B'cal goes into the infirmary with Snake in tow.

Fraeyan: Some, yes. I was considering moving the early need renSimes into alternate rooms with the Gens to enhance housewide immune responses...

B'cal: Good idea.

B'cal: Where is the patient?

Pasmol is now known as Feteran.

Wise Snake studies the infirmary from the protection of B'cal's nager and physical presence.

Fraeyan: I had some impertinent letter from some tecton busybody upbraiding us for not separating the larities enough.

Fraeyan: ~~ mild indignation ~~

B'cal: Typical.

Fraeyan: Rather misses the _point_ of Housholdings, nes pa?

Wise Snake looks at Fraeyan.

B'cal: Oui. Sa fait pas rien.

B'cal: We'll do as we want.

Fraeyan: [ infirmary is in an old style. With heavy curtained alcove rather than individual rooms.

Fraeyan: We always have.

B'cal chuckles.

B'cal: Oh, it's good to be home.

B'cal: SO where is old Feteran?

Fraeyan: [ walls are wood and seats padded, instead of everything being tile and easily sanitized ]

Fraeyan: Just along here...

B'cal looks to Snake.

B'cal: Well?

Fraeyan leads to a alcove midway along .

B'cal: Tell me, have you worked in an older place like this before?

Wise Snake looks at B'cal, meeting her eyes only momentarily before looking away.

Wise Snake: N...no. Not exactly.

Fraeyan: "Feteran? [ unknown language ]

B'cal: I suppose they'll have to update it one way.

Wise Snake zlins the patient, laterals licking out.

Feteran replies pointing at his chest.

Wise Snake watches Feteran intensely, eyes pale.

B'cal drops back into working mode focusing all of her attention tightly on Snake.

Wise Snake rests firmly on B'cal's support.

Feteran looks at Snake.

Wise Snake moves forward slightly to Feteran's side.

Wise Snake looks down at him.

Fraeyan: [ speaks language, including 'Hajene Snake' ]

Feteran ~~wheezing~~

Wise Snake: I don't speak your tongue.

Fraeyan restricts his showfield.

Feteran: [Simelan]So, you outsider think you can figure out what's the matter with me?

Wise Snake slides into healing mode and zlins Feteran again.

Wise Snake: Perhaps.

Fraeyan hides a smile.

Feteran: We'll see.

Wise Snake sits at the edge of Feteran's bed and reaches for his arms, cautiously.

Feteran: We got some of the best here...don't know as I'd be trusting someone so easily if Sectuib here hadn't assured me you'd be okay.

Wise Snake: He doesn't know me. [smiles glacially]

Feteran: Well, come'on gal. What'cha afarid of.

Feteran thrusts his arms out.

Feteran: Get on with it.

Wise Snake avoids the arms' sudden thrust.

B'cal nudges at Snake with her nager.

Fraeyan: Now Feteran, if Bcal vouches for her, you know better than to argue.. ~ amused ~~

Wise Snake, angered by their pushing her, takes Feteran's arms.

Wise Snake: ~~controlled nager~~

Wise Snake deep zlins Feteran.

Feteran grumbles.

Feteran: If you say so, Hajene.

Wise Snake stays in that position for some time, then sinks down to take a 5th contact, without coming duoconscious between.

Wise Snake's field alters subtly as she works to affect Feteran's system on a level that is difficult to zlin.

Wise Snake withdraws, after some time, and releases the man.

Feteran looks up at the young channel, then Fraeyan.

Wise Snake stands.

Fraeyan notices that wisesanke nerves went away when she started working and decides that Bcal was right.

Fraeyan: What's your diagnosis, Hajene?

B'cal move back keeping her attention Snake.

Wise Snake looks at Feteran, then meets Fraeyan's eyes.

Wise Snake: It wasn't the heart at all... it was the instructions from the brain. [utter lack of knowledge of technical words to describe what she had done]

Feteran waits.

Feteran wonders what she means.

Wise Snake: There was... interference.. the messages were not correct, or not correctly formed...

Wise Snake becomes acutely aware that she is not telling them what they want to hear and is embarrassed.

Wise Snake: ~~strictly controlled nager~~

Fraeyan: ~~ intrigued ~~

Wise Snake: Well, it's fixed anyway.

Feteran: You fixed it?

Fraeyan: "A conflict between hormonal and neural signals?"

Feteran stares at her.

Fraeyan: ~~ alert ~~ "You what?"

Wise Snake: I think a... conflict between three or four neural signals.

Wise Snake looks down at Feteran.

Wise Snake: I fixed it.

Wise Snake does not see anything wrong with this.

Feteran looks at Fraeyan.

Feteran: She says she fixed it.

Feteran points a thumb at Snake.

Feteran: Can I go now?

Fraeyan: Let me take a look, Fet.

Fraeyan goes over to feteran.

Wise Snake backs away from the bed, backing against B'cal.

Feteran thrusts his arms out to the Sectuib.

B'cal increases her support, placing a hand on Snake's shoulder.

Wise Snake wonders what point there is in checking over HER work, since she never screws up.

Wise Snake rests on B'cal's support, glad for it.

Wise Snake thinks maybe because she is a stranger here and they don't know her.

Wise Snake shivers at the idea of being completely unknown.

Fraeyan takes 5 point contact and zlins carefully.

Fraeyan breaks contact.

Fraeyan: "I zlin what she meant, and I think she's right. Go one back. But call me immediately if there is an recurrence of symptoms."

Fraeyan: == one -> on ==

Feteran: Sure. sure.

Wise Snake thinks there will not be any, but knows better than to say so.

Wise Snake uses B'cal's support and waits.

Feteran gets up and leaves.

Feteran: Be seeing you.

Fraeyan: Ok, Fet.

Wise Snake notes there is no "thank you" from Feteran and thinks, so much for honor.

Fraeyan turns to wisesnake. "I see you are indeed worthy of the Farris reputation, Hajene."

Wise Snake's eyes narrow but she nods.

Fraeyan: ~~ mixture of gratitude, indignation, and admiration ~~

Fraeyan: I've got some donations and transfers coming up. Which would you prefer to take on?

Wise Snake considers.

Wise Snake: Both?

Wise Snake: I am used to a mixture.

Fraeyan: Very well. Keep track of the net selyn change, so we can keep you balanced.

Feteran is now known as Pasmol.

Wise Snake nods.

Wise Snake: I will.

Wise Snake shifts uneasily, waiting for one of them to take the lead.

Wise Snake considers starting off to explore the place without permission, but doesn't believe this would go over well.

Wise Snake begins to chafe and fret again as the wait grows longer and longer.

Fraeyan leads the way down the hall, coming to a split in the hall. "Collectorium is down that way. Why don't you start there and we'll switch off in 20 minutes."

Wise Snake: Thank you.

Wise Snake looks to B'cal.

Pasmol follows.

B'cal nods.

Fraeyan goes off down the other hall.

Wise Snake takes the lead cautiously, looking for the Collectorium.

Wise Snake is feeling a bit skittish approaching yet another set of strange surroundings... where none of the Gens will have any idea who she is.

B'cal: Right in here.

B'cal points.

Fraeyan: [ Hall opens out into a lounge like area where Gens are playing cards and reading ]

Fraeyan: [ A open door seems to be a donation room ]

Wise Snake enters the open area.

Wise Snake stops, waiting for B'cal to show her where to go.

B'cal looks at the board.

B'cal: Room four is available.

Wise Snake fidgets, trying not to look at the weird symbols and funny writing.

Wise Snake stares at the donors waiting.

Pasmol is now known as Gone.

Wise Snake wonders if her appearance scares them.

Fraeyan is now known as transfer.

Wise Snake: Does it have good insulation?

B'cal: Of course.

B'cal: We have firsts here too.

Wise Snake feels fortunate that she is experienced with both extremes... having worked in the Center where Veraik's insulation fetish had been at work, and also out on the.

Wise Snake follows B'cal to Room 4

Wise Snake nervously examines the room's furniture and supplies under B'cal's eye.

Spelot is finish a hand. Losing.

Wise Snake: Well, the insulation isn't the best, but it beats doing it on the floor of a fish-gutting plant.

Spelot sighs and tosses in the cards.

Wise Snake: [to B'cal] how do I know which Donor is next?

Spelot gets up and comes over to the door.

Wise Snake looks up at Spelot.

Wise Snake: Hello. Are you here to donate?

Wise Snake looks to see if Spelot has any forms.

Wise Snake looks in a few drawers to see if there are any forms in the donation room.

Spelot is a middle-aged male Gen looking rather irritated at the moment.

Wise Snake thinks this is ridiculous... she has no idea what the routine is here.

Spelot: ~~ irritation directed backwards at game. ~~

Wise Snake looks up again, more carefully, as she registers the irritation; relieved when she realizes it's not directed at her.

Wise Snake repeats, "Are you here to donate? I can help you, if so."

Spelot: Ani Achad.

Wise Snake: I... do you speak Simelan?

Spelot: Ah. Yes. I do.

Spelot looks at wisesnake's hands for a ring.

Wise Snake is not wearing one.

Spelot: Oh, I'm sorry. Spelot ambrov V'lar.

Spelot: I'm next on the schedule for donation.

Wise Snake nods.

Wise Snake: Please, have a seat.

Wise Snake finds what she hopes is the right form and copies what she hopes is his name onto it.

Spelot sits down on the couch.

Spelot: Welcome to V'lar, Hajene ....

Wise Snake abandons the form after failing to decipher the various languages the line-labels are written in.

Wise Snake sits on the other side of the transfer bench.

Wise Snake: How have you been doing, Spelot. Any problems or questions?

Spelot: I've had a touch of the cold that's going around, but it's not bad. I'm fine.

Wise Snake: Great. Are you an experienced donor?

Spelot: ~~ nervous at this strange houseless channel ~~

Spelot: Oh yes. Been donating for years.

Wise Snake: There's no need to be nervous. I have never hurt a donor who didn't specifically request it.

Spelot: Never looked into Companioning, though. Too caught up in study.

Wise Snake: Oh? What do you study?

Wise Snake reaches for the form and notes "GN-2" in the margin.

Spelot: [ thinks: *requested* it ] ~~ nerves do not calm down... ~~

Spelot: Ancient Languages. Religious ones.

Wise Snake: Oh, I see. [gets form and shows it to Spelot] Could you tell me what these lines are? [pencil ready to jot down translations underneath]

Spelot: It's fascinating, really. did you Know that they had languages only spoken in church by priests?

Spelot: Sure.

Spelot points "Channel. date, Channel rating, Donor Rating, max previous speed tolerated, "

Wise Snake writes down the translations, then gets a new form.

Wise Snake: Thanks. That helps a lot.

Wise Snake pauses.

Wise Snake: Did the congregation understand them?

Transfer: "sensation if any, any detected health indications ...'

Transfer goes through a list of usual information.

Transfer: == Spelot ==

Spelot: We're not sure. There are tremendous arguments here about it.

Wise Snake smiles.

Wise Snake: There probably were back then, too.

Spelot: "I think they didn't. The priests kept the content of the service secret."

Wise Snake: Okay, let's get some of this information, then. Is there a folder or something with your records in it?

Wise Snake: Do you suppose the congregation made up their own meanings, or simply pretended they understood to save face among their peers?

Spelot: Oh, I'm sorry!

Spelot gets up and rushes out.

Spelot comes back in with a bulging folio.

Spelot unties it and starts digging through it.

Wise Snake fills in her own rating and other information on the form.

Spelot comes up with a file sleeve and hold it out.

Wise Snake: Ah. thank you.

Spelot: "Forget my own nager if is wasn't attached..."

Wise Snake studies Spelot's records, and copies information into the appropriate blanks.

Wise Snake chuckles at spelot's joke.

Wise Snake thinks she is going to freak out.

Wise Snake: All right. Do you have any questions for me before we start?

Spelot: No, I don't think so.

Spelot holds out his arms.

Wise Snake puts the papers aside and takes Spelot's arms.

Wise Snake makes the 5th contact point and draws selyn.

Spelot: ~~ relaxes a bit when this stranger channel feels the same as V'lar ones. That is, no sensation. ~~

Wise Snake draws to the point where the previous channel had stopped, then experimentally takes a little more.

Spelot doesn't seem to notice.

Wise Snake keeps coaxing selyn out, zlinning carefully for signs of adverse reaction.

Spelot: ~~ 43 % into the GN-1 barrier starts to notice some odd sensation ~~

Wise Snake ends it gently.

Wise Snake releases Spelot.

Wise Snake: How are you... okay? [kindly]

Spelot sits back. "I ... never mind"

Spelot: Yeah, I'm fine\

Wise Snake: Did you feel a little something toward the end there?

Spelot: To answer the other question: I think the idea was to let the believers find their own spiritual truths within themselves, myself.

Wise Snake: Indeed, the noblest form of religion.

Wise Snake carefully fills in the rest of the form, noting that Spelot felt some sensation, etc.

Spelot: I've never quite understood it myself... but the Ancients were *different*.

Wise Snake hopes the V'lar people don't mistake her lousy writing for some new language.

Wise Snake: Have any idea what I'm supposed to do with this? [holds up finished form]

Spelot: Give it to me, and I'll drop it back at the file room. We like to spare the channels the admin hassle as much as possible.

Wise Snake: Great. wisesnake gives Spelot back his file, and the new form.

Wise Snake belatedly hopes there isn't any trouble about the amount of selyn drawn.

Spelot puts the form back. and stuffs the sleeve into the folio.

Wise Snake: Thank you for donating. And, um, do you happen to know who the next person in line is?

Spelot: Well very nice meeting you Hajene.

Wise Snake feels ridiculous getting all her job information from the people supposed to be donating, and is glad she's not at a Center doing this.

Spelot: I think its Tevan. But he was winning when I left...

Wise Snake's eyebrows raise, as she remembers Febus and hopes they're not gambling for donation time slots.

Wise Snake: Should I just go out and ask who wants to be next?

Wise Snake: Hmmm... okay. Thanks.

Wise Snake leaves the Donations room and goes across to the Transfers area, looking for someone she recognizes.

Tavos grinning at the cards in his hand lays them out for all to see.

Wise Snake starts poking her head in various open rooms and finally zlins Pamlos.

Wise Snake approaches Pamlos with some trepidation.

Pamlos turns.

Pamlos: Hajene wisesnake?

Pamlos: How may I help you.

Wise Snake: Ah... Yes.

Wise Snake looks and zlins to make sure nobody else can her.

Pamlos sounds like what are you doing here instead of taking donations.

Wise Snake: === here ===

Wise Snake: === HEAR ====

Wise Snake: Look I... have to ask you something.

Wise Snake keeps her voice down.

Pamlos nods, turns, speaks to the other person low, then turns back.

Pamlos: Yes?

Wise Snake: About B'cal...

Pamlos smiles.

Pamlos: What about her?

Wise Snake: She took a serious burn a little over a week ago and she still tires easily.

Pamlos serious.

Wise Snake: She's doing the best she can but... I... I really thing she should go to bed.

Wise Snake: We had a long trip to get here.

Pamlos: Yes, Fraeyan mentioned that to me, that she didn't zlin very good.

Wise Snake: She doesn't want to let me down... and she doesn't listen to me until she's literally exhausted. Is there any way you could...?

Pamlos: You'd like someone else to work with?

Pamlos: For awhile at least?

Pamlos curious to work with her despite her being a Farris.

Wise Snake: Well... yes, and, if you could get someone else to talk to her, tell her to sleep... maybe she'd listen to one of her own.

Pamlos turns, looks until he finds who he is looking for and signals.

Wise Snake is very reluctant to work with a strange Donor but since finding out Nick crashed too, she doesn't really have much of a choice.

Pamlos: When the young renSime walks over he smiles.

Pamlos: Please tell B'cal that Sectuib requires her to rest the rest of the day and night and that she will report to him in the morning before starting work.

Pamlos turns back to Snake.

Pamlos: All done.

Wise Snake: Ah. Thank you. She won't... be dishonored or anything by this, will she?

Pamlos: I was just finishing Snake.

Wise Snake: ~~Pamlos chuckles.

Pamlos: For resting? hardly.

Wise Snake: Or for the fact that I had to ask for it?

Pamlos: For failing to complete her mission to the best of her ability, yes.

Pamlos: No.

Pamlos grins.

Wise Snake: For failing to...?

Pamlos: To complete her mission to the best of her ability.

Pamlos nods.

Wise Snake: What mission is that?

Wise Snake: ~confused~

Pamlos: Her mission was to go to Bender Cove and help you through first year.

Wise Snake: She can't help she was recalled before she was finished.

Pamlos: She has done that, though, knowing B'cal, anything short of perfection is failure in her eyes.

Pamlos frowns.

Pamlos: We're looking into that.

Wise Snake: So has she been dishonored or not?

Pamlos: B'cal was worried about us losing funding. Farrises tend to blackmail for what they want..huh...OH...no.

Pamlos: Not at all.

Wise Snake thinks V'lar makes no sense to her at all so far.

Wise Snake's eyes widen at the mention of Farrises.

Pamlos: She carried out her duty, above and beyond the call I'd say. Of course, I'm not Sectuib.

Pamlos has the grace to Flush.

Wise Snake finds this all very un reassuring, hopes B'cal doesn't hate her next time they meet.

Wise Snake: Uh.. well.. I have donors waiting.

Pamlos: I, um, shouldn't have said that. But we do have tendencies to have arguments with Zeor.

Wise Snake flustered.

Pamlos motions.

Pamlos: Let's go.

Wise Snake: You're..?

Pamlos: Yes?

Pamlos: Pamlos ambrov V'lar.

Wise Snake: Fraeyen doesn't require you?

Wise Snake memorizes the name.

Pamlos: No, he's in his office...I had the afternoon and evening free, though I rarely take it.

Wise Snake: I see.

Wise Snake turns back in the direction of the collectorium.

Wise Snake zlins Pamlos trying not to be too open about it.

Wise Snake: Have you... er... worked with a Farris before?

Pamlos: B'cal was especially worried because Zeor threatened to withhold future funding for our research if we didn't assist them with you.

Pamlos studies snake.

Wise Snake frowns.

Pamlos: Not a Farris, no.

Wise Snake thinks.. oh no.

Wise Snake breaks out in a sweat.

Wise Snake tries to keep her mind on his words.

Wise Snake: Oh.. uh... really... she mentioned something about that.

Pamlos: She was more than furious when she left here.

Wise Snake starts to mention that B'cal made her displeasure VERY well known in Bender Cove, but decides that would not be constructive.

Pamlos: I do have a question, if you don't mind.

Wise Snake tries not to look too worried.

Wise Snake: Y.. er, yes?

Pamlos: Just why...how...I have noticed.

Pamlos glances around as they approach the area.

Pamlos: Why in the world was B'cal ...

Wise Snake looks at Pamlos curiously.

Pamlos: I almost felt I was watching a role reversal.

Pamlos chuckles.

Wise Snake: Why in the world was she what?

Pamlos: What did B'cal do that you let her run roughshod over you?

Wise Snake mystified.

Wise Snake: B'cal has always done that.

Pamlos: But how?

Pamlos: You're the channel.

Wise Snake: You should have seen when she first arrived... she held me prisoner with her nager while she threw my possessions out the window and burned my clothes.

Pamlos mouth drops open in shock.

Wise Snake: Then she gave me a poisonous medicine that made me sick for days... and yelled at me.

Pamlos: She...WHAT!

Wise Snake: She's really mellowed out quite a bit actually. I'm pleased.

Pamlos: I...I....

Pamlos shaking his head in disbelief.

Pamlos: OH! I see.

Pamlos starts laughing.

Pamlos: A Farris with a sense of humor. What a novel change.

Wise Snake smiles a little confused.

Wise Snake: Well you do really have to keep a sense of humor about these things I suppose...

Pamlos ~~approval~~

Pamlos: How right you are.

Pamlos: I sense you're not a regular Farris either. I see now why B'cal brought you here when she knows how we feel about Zeor.

Pamlos: Ah, Tavos! Have you donated yet?

Wise Snake: If she tried it again now, though, she wouldn't be able to overpower me nagerically. [adds]

Wise Snake is relieved by that thought.

Pamlos starts laughing again, shaking his head.

Tavos jumps, looking around, looks at his cards, at Pamlos, then sighs.

Tavos: Right now, Natezhr.

Tavos looks at the funny looking channel with the weird eyes that is rumored to be a Farris.

Wise Snake: You know, I am not actually affiliated with Zeor.

Tavos: Uh...yes..right now.

Pamlos: I noticed that.

Pamlos looks down at her hand.

Pamlos: The Sectuib said you zlinned Farris but not Zeor too.

Wise Snake: I was only at Zeor for 26 months before they threw me out.

Pamlos: I see. Not up to the standard?

Pamlos: Although I'm surprised they let any Farris go.

Pamlos: Of course, even though they let you go, they were certainly interested in seeing you trained if they stole B'cal from us to go help you.

Pamlos: Hajene Wise, this is Tavos, your next Donor.

Wise Snake: No... they... it's a long story but essentially they were not really throwing me out. They were trying to protect me from an assassin.

Tavos ~~wary~~

Tavos: Hello, Hajene.

Tavos eyes widen.

Wise Snake: The difficult really throwing me out. They were trying to protect me from an assassin.

Wise Snakeall.

Tavos thinks now there is a story. Assassins. Sounds like some of his favorite action adventures he reads.

Pamlos frowns.

Wise Snake: By the time they bothered to tell me what was going on... some two or three months later.. the damage had already been done.

Wise Snake's eyes glint, hard.

Pamlos: Sounds like crossed wires. In a house like that, the size it is, things often fail.

Pamlos ~~reaches out with nager, carefully, gently, offering support~~

Wise Snake surprised.

Wise Snake hesitates, then accepts support.

Wise Snake looks at the donor.

Wise Snake: [tavos]

Pamlos smiles with pleasure.

Tavos: Hello.

Wise Snake: Hello. Are you ready to donate?

Tavos: Yes..yes I am.

Wise Snake gestures towards room #4

Wise Snake: Please.. after you.

Tavos nods again thinking he is ready to get this over with and get back to winning some more money.

Tavos hurries toward room 4

Wise Snake enters the transfer room, and closes the door behind herself and Pamlos.

Pamlos goes to a grouping of files on top of a filing cabinet and digs out one labeled Tavos.

Pamlos slip in with Snake.

Pamlos hands Snake the file.

Wise Snake sees where the filing cabinet is and is relieved to have found out where the files come from.

Tavos: Yeah, I wondered with Marindi down with the flu who would be doing the donations today.

Tavos: I just figured Sectuib would.

Wise Snake gets out a form.

Pamlos: Well, norown with the flu who would be doing the donations today.

Wised.

Wise Snake takes the file and copies information onto the form... has the different spaces memorized now, though she still can't read the foreign writing.

Tavos studies the odd looking channel and decides she's like one of those hero's in the action adventure who ends up saving the Gen's from the junct crime bosses and shakes his head.

Tavos: Not at all.

Tavos remembers the words of assassins and grins.

Pamlos carefully adjusts his position keeping the strictest attention on the Farris channel, unwavering wisesnake puts down the paper and pencil and invites Tavos to have a seat on the transfer lounge.

Tavos eagerly obeys.

Pamlos amused.

Wise Snake: Now, Tavos... how have you been this month? Any problems or questions?

Pamlos: I see you have found a way around our system.

Pamlos: We use other languages to keep our mind sharp.

Wise Snake looks up innocently.

Wise Snake: B'cal was not able to.. provide me with much information so I had to... improvise.

Pamlos: Not all of us have time to study like we should and we should all be ready to help when archived information is required.

Pamlos: Of course.

Pamlos frowns remembering b'cals condition.

Wise Snake turns back to tavos.

Pamlos ~~support~~

Wise Snake: No questions or problems? ~zlins Tavos~

Tavos: No ma'am. I've been donating here five years now.

Wise Snake: And you've been feeling fine for the last month?

Tavos: Well now, most of the time. You know, though, I did hear something outside the other night that had me worried. Thought someone might be breaking in...

Wise Snake: Here? [surprised]

Tavos: Uh huh. I sure did. Thought they might be going to...to...

Tavos tries to think of what they wanted and shrugs.

Tavos: But I bet you know all abou that.

Tavos: Other than that, I'm fine.

Pamlos: Reading more action/adventure Tavos?[mildly]

Tavos puffs up.

Tavos: One has othing to do with the other.

Wise Snake, who never reads fiction, looks on in lack of comprehension.

Tavos ~~defensiver~~

Wise Snake gets Tavos' sheet and double checks the amount and speed of previous donation.

Wise Snake: Well, shall we begin?

Tavos: I'll tell you true, one of these days I'm gonna be right. Just because the raiders ended up being a blown over trash...

Tavos: Oh..sure.

Tavos holds out his arms and leans forward, wanting to make a good impression on Snake.

Pamlos sighs.

Wise Snake takes Tavros' arms.

Tavos grins.

Wise Snake makes a 5th contact and draws selyn.

Tavos thinks how good it is to donate to THIS channel..and that if he ever requires someone to believe him and solve the mysteries he knows who to go to. She'll remember his eagerness.

Wise Snake goes as far as the last channel went, then experimentally goes a little farther.

Tavos gives freely.

Wise Snake coaxes out more selyn, on guard for any problems.

Wise Snake is impressed by the donor's obvious enthusasm for the work.

Wise Snake keeps going unless she zlins any change.

Pamlos leans forward thinking of the romance in how he--er, the character==had to give near all of his selyn so they could sneak across a border unseen.

Tavos would willingly give to this victor of the oppressed.

Pamlos growing concerned wisesnake wonders at the guy's obvious interest in going "all the way"

Wise Snake shrugs and goes "all the way" [gently]

Wise Snake thinks it's a pleasure to bring a willing donor to full use.

Pamlos has worked for years and knows they normally take this long with Tavos..he is usually in too much of a hurry.

Wise Snake notices there have been a lot of donors who she's gone a lot further with than V'Lar channels usually do.. for the first time it occurs to her to wonder if there is any reason.

Wise Snake finishes up and releases Tavos.

Tavos: Boy...that was something else.

Wise Snake: Did you feel anything toward the end there?

Tavos: I bet I'm so low even the sectuib couldn't zlin me.

Tavos: Not a thing...well..maybe just a little pleasure.

Tavos grinning.

Wise Snake picks up the forms and starts filling out the rest of the blanks (cryptic Simelan)

Wise Snake: Great.

Pamlos relieved, keeping his attention carefully on the Farris channel so as not to jar her.

Wise Snake looks up at Tavos again. "Thank you for donating."

Tavos: Thank you.

Tavos: ANd you know...

Tavos pauses by the door.

Wise Snake looks curious.

Wise Snake: Yes?

Tavos: Uh, maybe sometime I could come tell you about hte goings ons around here.

Tavos: Just between you and me. YOu know?

Pamlos ~~oh boy~~

Wise Snake smiles.

Wise Snake: Sure, Tavos. No problem.

Tavos: Well sure fire!

Tavos goes to the door and pulls it open, grinning like an idiot.

Wise Snake thinks between all of the donors she's seen today, she could spend a year visiting.

Wise Snake shakes her head and bends to finish filling out the form.

Wise Snake: Enthusiastic guy. Unusual.

Wise Snake: Practically shoved the selyn in.

Pamlos: That is odd.

Pamlos: He is susually in a hurry to get back to reading his books.

Wise Snake finishes filling out the form.

Wise Snake slips the form into the donor's folder.

Wise Snake: By the way, you'd doing fine on support. I admit I was a little worried, but so far no problem. Thank you.

Wise Snake stands up with the folder.

Pamlos: I have worked with many different channels over the years. I am glad to know my field doesn't offend you.

Wise Snake: Where do I put this now?

Pamlos holds out his hand.

Pamlos: All of the donations completed go in an out box.

Wise Snake hands it over to Pamlos.

Pamlos goes to the door and out, slipping it into a large file holder on the desk in the lobby.

Wise Snake follows Pamlos.

Pamlos: Right here.

Wise Snake looks around to zlin if anybody obviously wants to be next.

Wise Snake looks at the file folder.

Wise Snake: I see... thank you.

Trelina: Is it my turn yet?

Wise Snake looks at Trelina again...

Wise Snake: I don't see why not?... [looks to Pamlos]

Trelina a short round Gn looking a bit harried around the edges, three kids hanging on her skirt and one in her arms.

Wise Snake hopes all those kids aren't going to be coming in with her.

Pamlos: Of course, Treli, come on in.

Wise Snake looks for a folder with the name "Treli" on it...

Wise Snake hesitates between two abelled "Trelina" and "Trellopa"

Trelina walks toward the door, kids in tow.

Trelina: Now now, Joni..stop pulling sisy's hair.

Wise Snake guesses the Trelina one, figuring the House can straighten it out later if wrong.

Trelina: No, no...mustn't bite babies toes either.

Wise Snake follows Trelina into the donation room.

Pamlos lifts the youngest one higher to get the little one to stop biting the toes of the baby.

Wise Snake glances at Pamlos a little worriedly, hoping the kids won't distract him at a crucial moment.

Treli: Oh oh...bitty didn't mena it.

Pamlos scoops up one of the children, then focuses sharper on Snake.

Pamlos: After you, Hajene Wise.

Wise Snake sits down in her place and opens the folder, studying the contents.

Pamlos pulls up a chair next to Wisesnake and focuses careful concentration on Snake, ignoring how bitty gnaws on his shoulder.

Wise Snake can't understand a word of it of course.

Trelina: Oh, oh...Natezhr, I'm so sorry..I...

Wise Snake shakes her head and begins copying.

Pamlos shakes his head.

Wise Snake thinks she will at least know the symbols for "GN-3" and the varoius channel's names by the tims copying.

Wise Snake thinks she will at least know the symbols for "GN-3" and the varoius channel's namee she came.

Pamlos counts four kids.

Trelina: Why, yes, Yes I was.

Trelina: How nice of you to rmember Natezhr.

Wise Snake: Bloody shen [mutters inaudibly]

Trelina: He says everytime I come in to donate, I'm pregnant again.

Trelina trills with laughter.

Wise Snake zlins Trelina.

Wise Snake: Yes, I see.

Pamlos: She's, as you can zlin, A GN1, though she could go higher...

Trelina: If I wasn't pregnant all the time he says!

Wise Snake is disappointed that this sort of thing happens in an honor based householding too, not just on the streets.

Trelina: Oh no no..Joni! Don't play with the ladies pants leg.

Wise Snake: Well.

Wise Snake: Do you have any questions before we begin?

Pamlos reaches down and scoops up the child that is just reaching for Snake.

Trelina: No, not at all.

Trelina: "Uh..well.." Treli looks at the baby in her arms.

Pamlos: Sorry..can't help you with that one.

Pamlos looks apologetcially to Snake.

Trelina: Oh well, here you go.

Trelina thrusts the baby at Snake.

Wise Snake takes the baby gingerly.

Trelina: Just sit here there on the floor where she won't get stepped on.

Trelina: She'll be okay for a minute.

Wise Snake thinks Egads, what next!

Trelina: Oh! oh no!!!

Trelina watches the water running down the baby's leg onto the channel.

Trelina: Oh you naughty little baby, I just changed you!

Trelina giggles again.

Trelina: I'm so sorry.

Wise Snake becomes even less enamored of the situation than before.

Pamlos concentrates fully on snake.

Pamlos ~~calm soothing comfort--commsimeration~~

Wise Snake sourly places the baby on the floor, then goes to the sink and washes carefully making sure none stays on her arms.

Wise Snake returns to the transfer lounge.

Wise Snake attempts to smile at the donor.

Trelina beams, distractedly.

Trelina: Well, then I'm ready.

Trelina offers her arms.

Wise Snake takes Trelina's arms and makes a 5th contact.

Trelina wonders if she should have handed someone so young her baby.

Trelina thinks, oh well, babies are indestructible little creatures so she will be okay.

Wise Snake draws selyn.

Pamlos ignored the baby that is now chewing on his ear.

Pamlos ignores the one who has his foot in his groin trying to climb up to his other ear.

Pamlos does his best to stay completely focused on Snake.

Wise Snake draws selyn, trying not to be influenced by the nager of her Donor who seems to have gone haywire.

Pamlos ~~day in the park~~

Pamlos ~~support~~

Wise Snake draws selyn to where the last channel had drawn til, then ends it.

Pamlos slides the one kid down to his knee to avoid the groin kick wisesnake falters as she feels another fluctuation.

Pamlos slips the other one up over his shoulder holding it upside down over his back.

Wise Snake finishes and lets the donor go.

Pamlos smiles in relief ~~support at last~~

Wise Snake looks stressed out.

Trelina: Oh my, that was fast. Thank you.

Wise Snake: Uh.. no problem.

Pamlos hands the upside down kid to his mother and sets the other one down, ignoring the "again, again" from the one he held by the ankle.

Wise Snake retrieves the baby from the floor and hands it to its mother.

Trelina laughs.

Trelina: You are so good with these children. I just don't understand why you aren't married with a family.

Trelina: Thank you again, Hajene.

Wise Snake nods at Trelina.

Pamlos steps out of the way as Trelina leaves.

Wise Snake grits her teeth then does her duty by washing her hands once again.

Wise Snake: Ucch.

Pamlos: I apologize for that, Hajene Wise.

Pamlos: That is one of our more, distracting cases.

Wise Snake does NOT look forward to doing a lot of work at that Gen hospital where they insist upon washing hands between each patient.

Wise Snake: Well... no harm done I guess.

Wise Snake thinks except to her pride and her nerves.

Pamlos: It gets harder each year. I keep h Well... no harm done I guess.

Pamlos: It gets harder each yea.

Pamlos refocuses all of his attention on wisesnake offering the gentle careful support once again.

Wise Snake: I see that a lot on the streets. I am surprised to see it here.

Wise Snake sighs with relief.

Pamlos: She's from town.

Pamlos: Her husband is a no-account.

Wise Snake: I see.

Pamlos: She donates, and we provide food for her.

Pamlos: On the months when she can't donate because of her pregnancy we come up with other duties for her to do, easy ones, to provide food for the kids.

Wise Snake goes and finishes filling out the paperwork on Trelina.

Wise Snake: Well, I can't imagine her health will hold out much longer at that rate.

Wise Snake: What is this symbol that looks like a Snake? [points to it]

Pamlos: That means the level healing.

Wise Snake: Level healing? [curious]

Pamlos: Yes, according to how it's used in a sentence it can mean the patient is "healing" or "healed" or "has healed"

Wise Snake: Oh.

Wise Snake finishes up.

Wise Snake slips the new form into the folder and stands.

Pamlos stands also.

Pamlos: She was the last one for your shift.

Wise Snake: Already?

Wise Snake disappointed.

Pamlos surprised.

Pamlos: Well, yes. You should have some rest now.

Pamlos moves behind snake and rubs her shoulders, trying to see if she accepts it or not.

Wise Snake jumps about a foot.

Pamlos: Can I get you some trin or would you like to perhaps go sit in the..

Pamlos: Oh..I .. I apologize, Hajene.

Wise Snake allows it after the first jump.

Wise Snake: No.. I'm... tense.

Wise Snake: Tea would be nice.

Pamlos again begins to gently work the tense muscles loose.

Wise Snake thinks that feels really good.

Pamlos: In the inside garden? It is quite nice and peaceful.

Pamlos: Very well insulated too.

Wise Snake: It is?

Pamlos nods.

Wise Snake thinks that sounds good after all those kids.

Wise Snake: Okay.

Pamlos: Right this way.

Wise Snake follow Pamlos closely.

Pamlos moves off, heading down the hall toward the back of the House.

Pamlos pauses to grab two cups of tea from a tea dispense and hand one to snake.

Wise Snake: Thank you.

Wise Snake sips cautiously.

Pamlos goes to the garden and pushes open the door.

Wise Snake follows.

Pamlos [all different fragrances of flora and fauna]

Pamlos: It's a tad warm...

Wise Snake looks around.

Pamlos: But that's how we keep everything growing.

Pamlos frowns.

Wise Snake looks to Pamlos.

Pamlos: Do you have any allergies to things out here?

Pamlos motions to one of the lounges and tables.

Wise Snake looks at the lounges and tables.

Wise Snake: None of those things.

Pamlos chuckles.

Pamlos: You sure you're a Farris?

Pamlos chuckles again.

Pamlos moves over to sit down.

Wise Snake sits near Pamlos.

Pamlos: Never knew one to have such humor.

Wise Snake leans on Pamlos' support.

Wise Snake: Neither have I.

Pamlos turns and begins to gently knead Wisensnake's shoulders again.

Wise Snake: Ahh.. thank you.

Pamlos: It feels like that last case really tied you up in knots.

Pamlos: I apologize again, for my...lapse.

Wise Snake wonders why nobody ever does this for her at home.. thinks about making some changes to some people's job descriptions.

Pamlos: So, Hajene Wise, please, tell me more about what you do back in Bender Cove.

Wise Snake: Ah.

Wise Snake: Well...

Pamlos: B'cal's reports have been detailed and yet, not.

Pamlos: We have been wondering what she was leaving out.

Wise Snake: What did she say? [curious]

Pamlos: That you were making moderate progress, had decided to work outside the rules of the Tecton, and used other drugs to assist in the pain of entran that.

Pamlos: She also mentioned that you were a pushover, adopting every little puppy or lost person that came your way.

Wise Snake chuckles weakly.

Pamlos: She even mentioned that you had a Simephobe mother figure living with you who had not only helped you, but had actually started learning to live again without her fear.

Pamlos: She mentioned your entran had improved.

Wise Snake: It is true.. there is a teacher who lives with me. She has come quite a way on her Simephobia.

Pamlos finally sits back so Wisesnake can lean back and rest.

Wise Snake leans back and closes her eyes.

Pamlos ~~rest~~

Wise Snake: Well, in answer to your question,

Pamlos sits back and sips his tea.

Pamlos: Yes, it's what she didn't tell us that interests me.

Wise Snake: My practice is extremely varied. Because of the difficulty with entran I have a hard time turning down work no matter what the description... and must spend a certain percentage of my time drumming up more.

Pamlos: She is afraid a Farris isn't going to make it out on the streets.

Wise Snake: A certain amount of .. inventiveness is required.

Wise Snake: It is risky. [admits]

Wise Snake: I'm not planning any more than five or ten years ahead.

Pamlos studies Snake.

Pamlos: Do any of us plan more than a year or two ahead...let alone five?

Wise Snake: Hmm...

Pamlos leans his head back and sighs, looking at the profusion orange and white flowers growing.

Wise Snake: A good deal of my time is spent working on my network...feeding it, supporting it.

Wise Snake: I was born and grew in Bender Cove, and knew many people there before becoming adult. I have spent the time since building upon that foundation.

Pamlos: It would have to be. As a matter of fact, that's what B'cal was so up in arms about with the Sectuib earlier. Said you had to get back as soon as possible for that network.

Pamlos: I see.

Wise Snake: I believe that it is the channel's responsibility to care for, and to some extent lead, those underneath them. I have gone to great lengths to ensure protection under the law, and financial security for my.... people.

Pamlos sits his tea aside and leans back in his chair, his legs casually extended slightly before him, hands crossed over abdomen.

Pamlos: A channel's job is oftentimes very ... stressful.

Pamlos: It takes a lot of time and man-hours to make sure everything is seen to.

Pamlos sets mode: +o wisesnake

Wise Snake: On the days I can walk down the street and everybody I pass knows me and knows they can count on me, that's when I know I am on the right path.

Pamlos nods.

Wise Snake considers her next words, realizing Pamlos is looking for something a little more... detailed.

Wise Snake: But it is hard.

Pamlos: Yes.

Wise Snake: ANd I cannot be choosy about the work I do or the things I have to do to stay alive or make progress in my greater goals.

Pamlos: B'cal mentioned you had to work in ... different areas.

Pamlos looks at Snake.

Wise Snake: Bender Cove has a distinct underclass that is not served by the Tecton. Those are the people I seek out.

Pamlos: Can I tell you, to me, it doesn't matter where you worked. I am just curious as to how you've done it.

Wise Snake is lying still, with her eyes closed.

Wise Snake: How I've done it?

Pamlos: Yeah.

Pamlos: Day in, day out.

Pamlos: You're a Farris. B'cal is going crazy trying to help you. At least that's what I am getting from her letters. She says you work around the clock just to get enough work.

Wise Snake rolls over and looks at Pamlos.

Wise Snake: I do.

Wise Snake: I have two Donors. B'cal and Nick. They alternate shifts.

Wise Snake: I have hundreds of clients.

Pamlos: Pushing yourself like that will slowly eat away at your sanity.

Pamlos: Is there no way to get those clients to set up schedules?

Wise Snake laughs bitterly.

Pamlos moves over and sits down on the edge of the lounger rubbing at her shoulders again.

Pamlos: Forget I asked if it bothers you.

Wise Snake: We're talking about pimps and vandals and pickpockets and poverty stricken single mothers whose boyfriends beat them.

Wise Snake shakes her head.

Wise Snake: There is no schedule.

Pamlos: No, I can see how there wouldn't be with those.

Wise Snake: There is only life, and people struggling to get by in it, and everybody fighting for a little piece of what they need.

Pamlos ~~steady, sure~~

Wise Snake: ANd for me it's the work. Most of them don't even understand that I am gaining anything by it.

Pamlos ~~understanding~~

Wise Snake turns face down to make her back and shoulders more accessible.

Pamlos: Even here we see people like that, who have no idea that if we didn't get the work our channels would be in big trouble with entran.

Wise Snake: But understand... it's better than it was before... when I tried to fit into the Tecton's mold. I always felt so.. so small there, so insignificant.

Wise Snake: ANd helpless.

Pamlos: The tecton has some advantages, but making a Donor or Channel feel accepted isn't one of them.

Pamlos: Their feelings are strictly for the donor or the renSime.

Pamlos: To protect them.

Pamlos removes his hands and sits back.

Wise Snake rolls over reluctantly.

Pamlos studies the odd little channel in front of him.

Wise Snake looks at Pamlos.

Wise Snake: B'cal doesn't understand everything I do.

Wise Snake: I think she may have.. left things out... because she was ashamed of them.

Pamlos: She may understand more than you realize.

Pamlos [mysterious smile]

Pamlos: She has her own way of convincing channels to do what they should.

Wise Snake lets her head fall back and massages her forehead.

Wise Snake: Tell me about it.

Pamlos: I've watched her work before. It's always different, with each Channel.

Pamlos: I find her fascinating, actually.

Wise Snake looks at Pamlos incredulously.

Wise Snake: Does she know this?

Pamlos: She almost drove one crazy with kindness, until he agreed to do what she wanted.

Pamlos: Know what?

Wise Snake thinks B'cal would smack him one and tell him to go do something productive.

Wise Snake: That you find her fascinating.

Wise Snake: Are we talking about the same B'cal? Kindness?

Pamlos: Oh. Well, I do tease her all the time about it.

Pamlos: She just laughs me off and promises retribution if I don't leave her alone.

Pamlos: Well yes.

Wise Snake: ~~honest bewilderment~~

Pamlos: That's why I was so curious about how she worked with you.

Wise Snake: I wasn't even aware she was CAPABLE of kindness until only recently.

Pamlos: One she flat refused to work with until it bothered his ego so much that he was demanding it.

Pamlos chuckles.

Pamlos: It couldn't have been that bad.

Wise Snake: It was bad.

Pamlos: What did she do, come in as the bad cop, trying to drive you crazy until you gave in?

Pamlos: I've seen her do that before.

Wise Snake: Shen... she nearly killed me.

Pamlos's smiles leaves.

Pamlos: She was angry to be manipulated like she was.

Wise Snake: Destroyed everything I owned.... yelled at me until my nerves were shattered...

Pamlos: She wanted you brought to the "house" to a controlled environment. The tecton refused.

Wise Snake: Told me I was going to be on a new schedule.. gave me a LIST of what I'd do when.

Pamlos ~~honest bewilderment~~

Wise Snake: She ruined two pieces of artwork that were worth a month of my salary apiece.

Pamlos: I'm sure she had her reasons, though the artwork...

Pamlos: I wonder why she did that.

Wise Snake: I couldn't see the reasons. I was terrified.

Pamlos: She is very particular about her artwork since we do a lot of studying on Ancient things.

Wise Snake: ANd after she got thrown in jail...

Pamlos: She what?

Wise Snake: She told me she did not want me anymore.

Wise Snake: ANd that is when I left the Tecton.

Pamlos eyes widen and a small smile plays about his lips.

Pamlos frowns.

Pamlos: You're saying you left the tecton because of B'cal.

Wise Snake rubs her arms unhappily.

Wise Snake: I.. she triggered it.

Pamlos ~~dangerous ground~~

Pamlos: I see.

Wise Snake: I had nothing at the Center anymore that would make it home.

Wise Snake: ANd I had no Donor.

Pamlos: Well, this throws things in a different light.

Wise Snake: ANd I was terrified of what would happen to me.

Pamlos: It sounds like B'cal may have taken her licensee just a bit too....

Wise Snake: Understand... my relationship with Tramila was such that..

Pamlos realizes he is saying this in front of an outsider and stops.

Pamlos: Yes?

Pamlos: Tramila.

Pamlos flatly.

Pamlos: Tramila Farris.

Wise Snake: I did not know at the time whether Tramila had deliberately sabotaged my first transfer or if it were an accident.

Wise Snake: Yes, Tramila Farris. I changed over at Zeor.

Wise Snake: She was my mentor. Was.

Wise Snake: ANd not knowing.. not knowing... but I did know that Tramila had sent B'cal.

Wise Snake: ANd B'cal terrified me.

Pamlos listening intently now, frowning.

Wise Snake wraps her arms around herself, looking up into the branches.

Wise Snake: Then...after I had been missing.. I kept hearing B'cal was searching for me.

Pamlos ~~soothing comfort~~

Pamlos ~~here for you~~

Wise Snake: Everywhere... high and low.. people told me she was asking.

Wise Snake: ANd I didn't know what to think.. but I was scared to come out. Scared of her and of the Tecton's grip.

Wise Snake: But.. then.. three weeks later I was in need and I had no choice. I had to let her know where I was.

Wise Snake: That was when we had our first transfer.

Pamlos wishing he has asked Secutib just how the Farris channel had zlinned earlier.

Pamlos ~~curiosity~~

Wise Snake: A week or two later.. I talked Veraik, the Controller, into assigning B'cal to me even though I was not living at the Center.

Pamlos: And how did it go?

Wise Snake: That first transfer?

Pamlos: Yes.

Wise Snake: We were much more closely matched, then.

Pamlos: I'm sure that she was very pleased with that.

Pamlos joking.

Wise Snake grimaces.

Pamlos: At least she didn't get burned.

Wise Snake: That transfer...

Wise Snake: Of course.. you should know... none of my transfer have been pleasant for both involved.

Pamlos: B'cal wouldn't have been requested if it had been any other way.

Pamlos ~~honsety~~

Pamlos: For you to have burned her tells me you have quite a speed on you.

Pamlos: This is only the second time it has happened, other than when she was ... taken.

Wise Snake: I tried to hurt her. I couldn't.. so there were aborts.

Pamlos nods.

Wise Snake: Veraik took her back.

Trelina is now known as Alea.

Pamlos: Yeah, she wrote us about that.

Wise Snake: ANd, like I say, a week or two later I had convinced Veraik to give her to me officially. She was to live with me.

Wise Snake: ANd then she was gone.

Wise Snake: Not 24 hours later.

Wise Snake: I assume she's told you all that happened.

Pamlos: We've received letters.

Wise Snake: When she finally returned, it was weeks later... I had taken transfer with others twice.

Wise Snake: She was obsessed with the idea that her task with me, which had not even truly been begun, must be finished.

Pamlos: Perfectionist.

Wise Snake: Realize, of course, that we had only been in actual contact with each other for about a week's worth of days... we did not know each other at all at that time.

Pamlos: I see.

Wise Snake: I had obtained Nick, and been training him.. they clashed.

Wise Snake: I have a housekeeper now... I think B'cal was pleased to see that, at least.

Pamlos: B'cal does tend to work alone.

Pamlos chuckles.

Pamlos: I bet she is. She is very peculiar.

Wise Snake: That's part of the reason I did not insist that B'cal stay in our home.

Pamlos sets mode: +o Veraik

Wise Snake: I couldn't have handled them fighting each other.

Wise Snake: Not all the time.

Wise Snake rubs her eyes.

Pamlos: Of course not.

Wise Snake: That last transfer... ucchh.. it was bad.

Wise Snake: I mean, it was good.. for me.

Pamlos ~~comfort~~

Wise Snake: I will confess that B'cal is still nearly a stranger to me.

Pamlos: She's a very hard woman to get to know.

Wise Snake: She sees me as her duty.

Wise Snake: An unwanted duty at that.

Pamlos: Yes, a duty, but not entirely unwanted.

Pamlos: If it wouldn't be breaking trust, I'd show you some of her letters of concern she wrote about you.

Pamlos: However, I couldn't do that.

Pamlos: She cares, though, Hajene Wise. Don't let her convince you otherwise.

Wise Snake: Do you know... that thing she did, where she could mesmerize and paralyze me with her nager... if I didn't know now that that is impossible, I would still be terrified of her.

Wise Snake: ANd if I weren't desperate to keep a second Donor...

Pamlos doesn't comment.

Wise Snake rolls over and sits up, back hunched.

Pamlos: It'll all be fine.

Wise Snake's hair is even crazier than before.

Wise Snake: I shouldn't have told you those things.

Pamlos: Working here for a day or two, get a good workout on your system, try not to worry.

Wise Snake: ~regret~

Pamlos: Channel/Donor privilege.

Pamlos: It won't go any further.

Pamlos ~~truth~~

Wise Snake zlins him, then nods.

Pamlos: That's what your Donor is for, if you haven't been using him, or her, to vent out your problems, then you'd better start.

Pamlos: Now, come on, let's go start on some transfers. You've lazed around enough.

Pamlos: I see now why B'cal had to ride you all the time.

Pamlos ~~teasing~~

Wise Snake looks at Palmos, incredulous.

Pamlos: Just laying around, resting, living it up.

Pamlos grins.

Wise Snake stands.

Wise Snake swells up testily.

Wise Snake: What?

Pamlos feels just a bit guilty for teasing Wise Snake.

Pamlos: You who can joke so well certainly can't take one can you. I see you ARE Farris after all.

Wise Snake: You made me... [stops, suspects he's teasing her]

Pamlos chuckles.

Pamlos: Touchy touchy touchy about that ability to work night and day. Yep, certainly a Farris.

Wise Snake: You still think I was joking about her burning my clothes and throwing all my possessions out the window and poisoning me?

Pamlos smile fades.

Pamlos: No, Wise Snake, I don't.

Wise Snake is prickly at the constant mention of the word "Farris"

Pamlos: I had no idea why she did it or what went on. wisesnake rubs her ring finger having absolutely no idea she's doing it.

Pamlos: But I believe you. Why would you lie?

Wise Snake confused and let down; realizes she wishes she had let him tease, so his nager would still be smiling.

Wise Snake: I... wouldn't.

Wise Snake: I rarely lie.

Pamlos carefully puts an arm around Snake, offering comfort.

Pamlos: Come on, let's go work, little channel.

Wise Snake: ~~responds to comfort~~

Wise Snake: Yes.

Ord "Farris"

Pamlos: But I believe you. WHy would you lie?

Go on to Episode #118

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