Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #139: (1/23/98)
Briel strides into the lobby of the Center to check and make sure all the corrections have been made to the board.
Wise Snake is asleep on one of the lobby sofas.
Briel stops, surprised, zlinning.
Briel: Snake?
Keli sets mode: +o Tarsh wisesnake mutters something unintelligible.
Tamlen is now known as Mostan.
Briel moves forward, zlinning closer.
Tarsh is now known as Bosis.
Wise Snake comes conscious as Briel's field nears.
Wise Snake jumps up self-consciously.
Briel steps back.
Briel: Hello Snake.
Briel ~~curious~~
Keli comes down the hall with a stack of folders in her arms.
Briel: Taking a nap?
Wise Snake: Oh, uh, Briel.
Wise Snake: Is Veraik available?
Wise Snake: No! Just resting my eyes.
Briel: Oh, I see.
Briel nods.
Briel: Actually, Veraik will be available in just a bit. He's still in transfers working.
Wise Snake: Oh. [pushes her hair back with one hand, looking at a loss for what to do in the meantime]
Briel: Is there anything I can help you with?
Wise Snake: Well, I guess I'll, um, come back later. When is his shift over? I couldn't make any sense of the board.
Keli comes into the lobby and over to the desk.
Wise Snake indicates the board with a tentacle.
Bosis: Hello Keli.
Keli: Here are the last twelve hours of donations.
Keli plops them down on the desk.
Keli: Hi.
Keli smiles.
Briel looks over at the board and groans.
Briel: Shenned, the thing was fine last night.
Briel: I'm going to find out who keeps playing games with it and...
Wise Snake: I thought maybe a new system...?
Briel shakes her head.
Briel: No.
Briel: Seems like we have a prankster among us who keeps slipping in and changing it when no one is around. Not just changing assignments, but changing everything.
Bosis: Thanks.
Keli: How are you today Bosis?
Bosis: I doing all right.
Wise Snake's eyebrows raise.
Briel rubs at her forehead.
Wise Snake: How long has _that_ been going on?
Briel: Not quite a week.
Bosis lowers his voice. "Not sure what Hajene snake wants... something about Bcal and Veraik."
Briel: It's only a matter of time before we catch them.
Keli lifts an eyebrow.
Wise Snake thinks she would never stand for such behavior if she was in charge.
Wise Snake: Have any serious accidents occurred as a result?
Keli: Really? [secretive whisper, leans forward, resting her elbows on the top of the desk]
Briel frowns.
Briel: I imagine it's someone who doesn't know how important the boards are.
Bosis: She came in asking about them, then said she'd wait over there.
Briel: I've reordered new boards, that won't be erased quite as easy. Glass encased, with keys.
Bosis: She went to sleep there until Hajene Briel came up just now.
Keli: I wonder what she wants with them both.
Wise Snake: Ah, I see.
Briel rubs at her neck with a tentacle, then sighs.
Bosis: Bcal is some Farris specialist, isn't she?
Wise Snake: Who is B'cal really assigned to this month?
Briel: Anyway, Veraik should be...
Wise Snake: [casually]
Keli: Something like that.
Keli: I know she's working with Snake.
Briel: Bcal?
Briel: I assigned her to Veraik.
Wise Snake sighs.
Wise Snake: I see.
Wise Snake: That's what she had said, but with the board messed up...
Briel: Do you have a problem with that?
Wise Snake: It's none of my business [points out, stiffly]
Briel: I thought, after the trouble last month, that it might be best for her to have transfer with someone who didn't have your speed, someone that she would feel comfortable with.
Wise Snake is obviously slightly possessive of B'cal.
Briel: Well, as comfortable as possible.
Wise Snake: As you say.
Keli: I do know she is from V'lar. And that she has been taking transfer with Snake until she was burned. wisesnake feels irrational for not wanting B'cal to have transfer with somebody at the Center.
Wise Snake tells herself to get a grip, without much success.
Bosis: She got burned?
Wise Snake: I'm sure it will, it will, [trying to imagine B'cal dealing well with what Veraik is like afterward]... I HOPE it goes well.
Briel: It would be best, I think for her to go ahead with a transfer instead of walking around high field, or having her field taken down.
Keli glances around and leans forward.
Keli: Yeah.
Wise Snake: Is she ... aware of... [grimaces]
Keli: I heard the channel's speed was too fast.
Briel: What?
Wise Snake: .. Veraik's p-p-problem?
Bosis glances over at snake. Shivers.
Wise Snake nervous and embarrassed.
Briel: Ahhh...
Briel smiles.
Briel: That.
Wise Snake: I mean, we're talking about B'cal here. What if... [can't bring herself to say the words]
Briel: Well...I'm not going to tell her. Are you?
Briel: I value my sanity too much.
Wise Snake's eyes widen.
Wise Snake: You're not going to TELL her?
Wise Snake: Whyever not? What good will it do to let her get caught by surprise?
Briel: She's suppose to be a top notch Donor. I imagine she can ... uh ... handle it.
Wise Snake insulted for B'cal.
Briel rubs at her neck again not wanting to imagine what might happen if Veraik decides....
Briel: Feel free to inform her yourself.
Briel ~~ hopeful ~~
Bosis: How come they didn't know that would happen? From the speed ratings? [ gestures at the files ]
Wise Snake realizes it's possible Briel avoided telling B'cal out of fear of B'cal's reaction - especially if she wouldn't be able to reassign the two in the event B'cal didn't want to do it.
Keli: Well, from what I hear, the channel, who is still in first year, took a huge jump from one month to the next. Far surpassed what they expected.
Briel: I imagine if she works with Veraik anytime at all, she'll discover just what Veraik is like.
Briel shrugs.
Wise Snake thinks B'cal isn't supposed to work with Veraik any time, she is supposed to work with Snake.
Wise Snake: Will B'cal be able to see Veraik's file beforehand? And will it be accurate?
Keli: Evidently, her Donor wasn't expecting it and bingo, she ended up flat on her back.
Briel: Of course.
Briel: She should read up as much as possible on the channel so she'll know best how to serve him.
Wise Snake winces.
Briel coughs and then clears her throat.
Briel: Well.
Wise Snake: Could you excuse me for a moment?
Briel blinks.
Wise Snake leaves the lobby, giving Keli and Bosis each a brief intense scrutiny as she passes.
Bosis looks a bit scared. "I wondered about being a donor, but if stuff like that can happen..."
Wise Snake goes upstairs to B'cal's room.
Keli: Anyway, I guess the latest rumor is the Donor is going to be helping here.
Keli: I'm a Donor and it's never happened to me.
Wise Snake walks in.
Bosis quails a bit at snake's examination.
You are now known as Bcal.
Keli flushes guiltily.
B'cal is in bed asleep.
Bosis: I still don't see how you donors can do it.
Wise Snake closes the door softly then goes over to the bed.
Bosis: I mean, not being afraid.
Keli: There's nothing to be afraid of.
Wise Snake shakes B'cal gently.
Wise Snake: Hey... B'cal, hey,
Wise Snake: Are you asleep?
B'cal blinks and looks up at Snake.
B'cal: No, I was just resting my eyes.
B'cal rubs a hand over her face and pushes herself up in bed.
B'cal: What is it?
Bosis: It one thing to know that, but to *feel* it is another...
Wise Snake: Ah. Good.
Wise Snake: I have to talk to you about your transfer with Veraik.
Wise Snake: Do you want me to be there?
B'cal scowls.
Keli: If you donate, each month it should get easier.
Keli: The channels here are really wonderful.
Keli glances around.
Keli: Except, I'd be careful for Sumulo. I don't think he likes Gens much.
B'cal stops rubbing her face to look at Snake, curiously, sharpening.
B'cal slowly smiles.
B'cal: Why, yes. I think I'd like that.
Bosis: I've been donating, but it still makes me feel a little .. you know.
Keli: Nervous? Uneasy?
Bosis: Hajene Sumulo is bad enough when he isn't touching you.
Bosis: Yeah.
Keli thinks Bosis would never make a Donor if he is that worried.
Keli chuckles.
Keli: Yeah.
Keli glances around again, then sighs.
Keli: And I'm second order. I'm hoping I don't get the luck of the draw and get stuck with him.
Keli shudders.
Wise Snake: Then I will.
B'cal thinks anything that would bother Veraik would please her.
B'cal: Good.
Wise Snake: And you might want to read his file as soon as possible, because there are a lot of things in there you're going to have to think about.
B'cal: Really?
B'cal studies Snake.
Bosis: Uh, [ looks to either side ] Is it true what they say?
Keli: What's that?
Bosis: About it being, y'know, fun.
Wise Snake: He worships Zeor and Farrises to the extent that he tries to be one. And I don't mean by striving for excellence.
Keli smiles.
Keli: It's the best job I could ever have. And yes, it can be a lot of fun.
Wise Snake: The guy has deliberately cultivated entran in himself, augmented to go into need early thinking he can wait until the appointed time and stretch his systems... he's obsessed.
B'cal: A Farris wanna be.
B'cal sneers.
Wise Snake: Don't get me wrong... deep inside, Veraik is a good man. And he has his own good traits that have nothing to do with all of that.
Bosis: If you say so...
Keli: I do say so.
Wise Snake: So he has a lot of problems.
B'cal: He's had to do something right, I suppose or he wouldn't have advanced as he has.
Wise Snake looks surprised.
B'cal: It shouldn't be a problem since I'm used to working with Farris problems.
Wise Snake looks incredulous.
Wise Snake: If you say so.
B'cal smiles grimly.
B'cal: ==grimply grimly==
Wise Snake feels sick.
B'cal: I'll check his file out though.
Bosis considers saying that it never feels like anything to him, but that would make him sound like some out-t first-timer.
Keli pats the files and stands.
Keli: Well, I'd better get back to work.
Wise Snake turns away from B'cal.
B'cal: What is the matter Snake?
Keli pauses, looking at Bosis.
Keli: What?
Keli sees the indecision on Bosis's face.
Wise Snake: Look, B'cal, I... I know Veraik is ridiculous, and his problems are ridiculous, but please... don't joke about it. Not with me.
Bosis: I never ... nothing.
B'cal ~~ concern ~~
Wise Snake: There was a time, back before the real problems started, when he helped me, helped me get a hearing and eventually win a place at Zeor.
B'cal: Of course.
B'cal nods.
Keli: Ah, okay then.
Keli: Have fun tearing those files down.
Bosis: Sure Keli.
Wise Snake: A lot of things have changed since then... Shen, sometimes I wonder if he's even the same man anymore. But I... please take his problems seriously.
B'cal: I take all problems seriously, Snake. You should know that.
Keli waves and starts back down the hall.
Bosis starts sorting through the file.
Wise Snake: It seemed you didn't.
B'cal: Well, I do.
B'cal: I always make it a necessity to know all about the person I'm going to have transfer with. It's important, to their health and mine, to know about them.
B'cal: I prefer to spend some time with them too, before the transfer.
B'cal: You can pick up a lot from them that would never make it to paper.
Wise Snake: There is... something else you should know about Veraik. I don't know how well THIS has translated onto paper.
Wise Snake: He's a bit obsessive about sex as well.
B'cal stares at Snake.
Wise Snake: He will more than likely expect you to share his post reaction, which for him will be comprised almost entirely of sexual urges, with him.
B'cal allows a slow smile to curve her lips, her eyes narrowing.
B'cal: Really?
Wise Snake: Either that, or he may spend a completely miserable time sobbing on your shoulder about how much he wants Alea... that is, unless he's more over her than I think.
B'cal: The lovebird. [sneers]. Perhaps I should just point him that way.
Wise Snake: Since the well being of the Center depends on the Controller being in decent shape to handle its affairs, I would urge you to think carefully before choosing actions out of spite.
Keli goes down the hall and signals at Mostan's office door.
Mostan gets up and goes to the door.
B'cal: I won't cause a problem with my channel out of spite.
Wise Snake: Alea does not want him and is pregnant with another man's child.
B'cal: I'm dead serious when I say ....
Mostan opens the door.
B'cal: Oh.
Wise Snake: You scorn her, but there are good and serious reasons to keep Veraik believing he cannot have her anymore.
Mostan smiles. hello Keli!
Keli: Hello, Mostan.
Keli: I came by to pick up the files for the last shift.
B'cal: I had no idea they weren't involved.
B'cal: I thought she was rather the, uh...
Wise Snake: What I am saying is, you will probably have your hands full making sure Veraik comes out of that transfer able to handle the Center's affairs competently.
Wise Snake: Slut? [bluntly]
B'cal ~~embarrassed~~
Mostan tries to conceal a touch of disappointment "Sure. I have them right here."
Keli follows Mostan in.
Keli: So, how have you been?
Keli looks around the office.
B'cal: Well, I can't tell you how many men's arms I've seen her in.
Wise Snake: Alea and Veraik were briefly lovers. Since then Alea has been devoted to Tarsh. Veraik has had a good deal of difficulty accepting this and had only recently made progress in believing it.
B'cal slightly defensive.
Wise Snake looks surprised.
B'cal: I see.
Wise Snake: Whose? [quickly]
B'cal: Veraik, Tarsh's, that ass, Sumulo.
Wise Snake: Do you mean when he tried to rape her?
B'cal: OH yes, and JonDrake...he WHAT?
Mostan: I've been learning. They say I'm doing ok at channeling...
Wise Snake: Tried to rape her?
B'cal: Yes.
B'cal ~~ shocked ~~
Wise Snake: I hardly think that counts.
Keli smiles.
Keli: That's wonderful news.
Keli: I knew you were going to make it.
B'cal: Well, uh, of course not.
B'cal thinking she might have misjudged the little Farris.
Mostan: I do well with donors, but I'm not very good at giving transfer.
Keli moves over to a chair near his desk and sits down.
Keli: Why do you think that is, Mostan?
Mostan goes over and sits down. Looks thoughtful.
B'cal: Well, then, since you've informed me of this, I'll make sure to be careful about any references to her.
Wise Snake: And as for Jon Drake... I doubt the two of them have anything going on. I'll check it out, of course, but it was probably innocuous. Alea loves Tarsh.
B'cal: And I'll be prepared if he decides to talk about it.
Mostan tries to recall how much Keli knows about his past.
Wise Snake: Good.
Wise Snake: Ah... good.
B'cal ~~ thoughtful ~~
B'cal: Are there any more little tidbits you might want to inform me of that wouldn't be covered in the chart?
B'cal thinks there is a lot going on at the Center that she has had no idea about,
Wise Snake: Hmmm... [thinks]
Mostan: I'm not entirely comfortable with Sime-Sime contacts, frankly.
Keli: I see. ~~ concern ~~
Mostan: Donations, that's fine, Sime-Gen stuff, but serving renSimes...
Wise Snake: Well, just be prepared for a mid-level First. He's not hard-core Controller material, he got this post by virtue of being the only person who ever believed a Sime Center in this part of town could succeed, and pushing the project until it finally happened. He isn't a superhero, just an ordinary guy who is now in way over his head and under way too much stress. Don't scorn him for what that stress has exposed in him.
B'cal: Is there anyone particular Veraik is seeing right now, someone I might draw help from if he has problems afterwards.
Wise Snake: No. That is why I warned you.
Keli: Because you thought you were renSime so long?
B'cal: Thank you, Snake.
Wise Snake: He came back from his time away, ready to forget Alea. But forgetting has been hard and he has not found another.
B'cal: You know, it might actually be good for you to be there too.
Wise Snake looks confused.
Wise Snake: I already offered to. And you agreed.
B'cal: Well, I wasn't sure it was necessary earlier, now I think it might be.
Wise Snake nods.
Wise Snake: Then I will be.
B'cal: Good.
Wise Snake zlins B'cal suddenly.
Wise Snake: Are you... tired? [seeming amazed]
B'cal looks up at Snake, disgruntled.
Mostan: Ysomething like that.
Mostan zlins Keli, wondering if she can be trusted.
Wise Snake: You should get some sleep.
B'cal: I am a Gen. And not even a Farris Gen. We do require our sleep.
B'cal: Oh, what a novel idea.
B'cal ~~ sarcasm ~~
Wise Snake blinks several times.
Wise Snake: Am I keeping you up?
Keli ~~curious ~~
B'cal: You're my channel. Isn't that what all channel's do? Drive their Donors crazy for three weeks then revel in bliss giving them peace for two or three days?
B'cal covers a yawn.
Mostan: How much did they tell you about my case? Before I came here, I mean.
Keli: That you had a hard time.
Keli ~~ hesitating ~~
Keli: I, well..
Keli glances away.
Keli: I do know you were involved in something you shouldn't have been.
Keli: You know how gossip is.
Wise Snake: I'm sorry. I just.. heard your assignment really was Veraik and thought I had to talk to you right away.
Mostan: Yeah. Well it seemed like a good idea at the time...
B'cal shakes her head.
B'cal: I am here for you, WHENEVER you need me.
B'cal: Don't apologize.
B'cal ~~ soothing ~~
Keli: What did?
Keli ~~ encouraging ~~
Wise Snake leans over and hugs B'cal.
Wise Snake: Thanks, B'cal. I knew you would understand.
B'cal sighs and hugs Snake back.
B'cal thinks Snake is the touchiest Farris Channel she has ever worked with.
Mostan is still not used to Gens who use their fields and therefore vulnerable to it.
Mostan: I was a channel. Channel need Gen transfer. So I went looking for it.
B'cal: == touchiest feeliest==
Mostan: Having the names wrong didn't change the reality. Just the perceptions.
Wise Snake: I'll let you sleep now.
Keli nods ~~ empathy ~~
Wise Snake releases B'cal and goes to the door.
Keli: You did what your body demanded.
B'cal smiles.
B'cal slides back down under the covers.
B'cal: Anytime, Snake. I'm here.
Mostan looks over, humorously apologetic. "Sorry, baby, but you weren't the first."
Wise Snake: Thank you. [softly]
Wise Snake leaves.
You are now known as Alea.
Wise Snake walks down the stairs.
Keli: I see.
Keli smiles.
Alea comes into the lobby, noting with surprise, that someone has changed the board again
Keli: IN other words, you're telling me, even though you thought you were renSime, you were taking Gen transfer.
Keli nods ~~ accepting ~~
Mostan: So I didn't have many transfers from channels. And didn't like those I did.
Mostan: Exactly.
Keli: As a channel, I can certainly understand how repulsive it must have been to have channel transfer.
Keli: Channels should have Donors.
Mostan: 4 months ago I could have told you a whole load of nasty things about channels...
Bosis: Hello, Sosu Farris.
Alea: Hello Bosis.
Keli: And now?
Mostan: And I thought all renSimes felt like I did.
Mostan: When I try to give transfer, I get the distaste I had with channels, and feel guilty for what I'm doing to them.
Mostan: Which taints their experience and makes my fear self-fulfilling.
Alea: Looks like someone has been fixing the boards. OR trying to.
Alea: At least they have my transfer right.
Wise Snake walks into the lobby.
Keli leans forward and props her arms on the desk.
Bosis: You might want to ask Hajene ambrov R'lea about the schedule board. There's been a problem with it.
Keli: You know, most renSimes are very happy with channels transfer.
Alea chuckles.
Wise Snake: Oh, hi, Alea. [walks past; does a doubletake when she sees something on the board]
Alea: Oh, don't worry. I know I'm scheduled with Tramila.
Alea: Hello Snake.
Alea sets mode: +o Veraik
Wise Snake: Boy, Briel wasn't kidding.
Wise Snake walks closer to inspect the board.
Wise Snake: This can't be right.
Alea looks at Snake, curious.
Alea: What's that?
Mostan opens his mouth, but then closes it. He shouldn't betray his friends by talking about them.
Alea moves forward to see what is going on.
Wise Snake frowns, eyes darting about the board, then brightens.
Wise Snake: Oh, I see what happened.
Wise Snake picks up the eraser and industriously erases various names.
Mostan: That just doesn't ring true to me.
Keli: Why?
Keli ~~ confused~~
Mostan: I know it's true, but I don't *feel* it.
Keli: Well, what would it take to make you feel it?
Wise Snake picks up the chalk and carefully writes in new names, in the original person's handwriting.
Keli: Perhaps if you zlinned renSime's getting transfer.
Alea: Snake?
Alea: What are you doing?
Mostan: Like the way donors know they have nothing to fear, but still are afraid.
Alea ~~ alarmed ~~
Mostan: I've observed the other channels giving transfer. But they're all so much better at it.
Keli: Well, I imagine it's not something that is learned overnight, Mostan.
Keli ~offering support~~
Mostan: The question is, can it be learned at all after First Year?
Wise Snake: This schedule was obviously the work of a prankster. This will straighten things out.
Alea: But..but I am suppose to be with Tramila!
Keli: Of course it can.
Wise Snake assigns Tramila to Frutata, Alea to Lopanal, etc... reassigns people until the board makes sense to her.
Keli hoping she is right.
Wise Snake: I hope Briel gets that glass-enclosed one in here soon.
Alea: You erasted my name.
Mostan smiles. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Alea: ==reasted erased==
Alea banked panic.
Keli smiles.
Bosis stares wide-eyed at snake changing the schedule in blatant disregard of procedure.
Keli: That's what Donors are for.
Wise Snake: Alea, Alea [soothingly]. You'll be able to have Tramila again when you've had the baby.
Alea: Tramila and I were suppose to be together. I missed one month with you, then last month didn't go right, but this month....
Alea: But....
Alea: I want a Farris channel!
Wise Snake: She wouldn't be properly served by you now. You know that.
Alea finally registers Snake's words.
Alea: The baby?
Alea sighs.
Mostan: You Donors are wonderful...
Alea: My field hasn't dropped that much already has it?
Mostan: You're the ones who keep this mess together.
Keli: I imagine to a channel who was on channel's transfer for so long, you'd think that.
Mostan: Yeah.
Alea ~~ worry ~~
Wise Snake: Um.... [grimaces, trying to let Alea down gently] Well, it seems to me it has.
Alea: I didn't know...
Mostan: I've never properly thanked you for that first time, have I?
Wise Snake: Perhaps you can go to Briel and ask her to check the board and make sure it's right now. If it isn't, she can switch it back.
Keli: There was no thanks necessary, Mostan.
Keli: The thanks for a Donor is being able to server her channel.
Alea sighs again.
Alea: Of course.
Alea: I'm sure though, if you think my field has dropped that much, then it probably has.
Veraik goes to the lobby and zlins a disturbing ambient around Snake and Alea.
Veraik: Is there a problem?
Alea ~~ morose ~~
Mostan is so used to having to cajole Gens into donations that he finds that hard to fathom.
Alea: Oh, hello, Hajene.
Alea: No. I just ... I hadn't realized. Snake and I were talking.
Veraik: Alea. Snake.
Wise Snake: Veraik! ~surprise/guilt/apprehension quickly covered~
Veraik: You hadn't realized what?
Alea looks at Snake.
Wise Snake: I... didn't think she could be assigned to Tramila this month.
Alea: She was just zlinning that my field has dropped lower than it should be to properly serve Tramila.
Mostan: It doesn't seem like enough to me. You deserve more.
Keli chuckles.
Wise Snake serrupticiously slides the chalk back onto the tray.
Veraik: Why no..... [zlins Alea] "Oh."
Alea ~~ disappointment/worry ~~
Veraik looks at the board. "You did this, Snake?"
Wise Snake: [nervously] Well, Briel said it was mixed up....
Bosis wonders if he should tell co-controller Veraik about snake's unauthorized actions.
Wise Snake: I thought I could see what was wrong.
Keli: Oh really?
Keli shakes her head.
Veraik inspects the board again. "I'd say that you did a perfect job in the matching." [ignores the fact the it isn't Snake's handwriting. He has known her too long not to understand what has just happened.]
Keli: Just what did you have in mind? wisesnake's spirits rise somewhat.
Keli teasing.
Veraik: ===fact the board isn't in Snake's==
Mostan: I don't know. Just that I still owe you.
Wise Snake: Oh... good.
Keli smiles gently at Mostan.
Wise Snake darts her eyes at Bosis, letting him know she knew exactly what was going on in his ratty little nager just now.
Keli: You don't understand how satisfying it is to help a channel, to serve a channel. However, if you still owe me, I'd accept a cup of tea in repayment.
Veraik tries to smile but approaching transfer keeps it from him.
Alea: I don't even know this new channel I'm being assigned to.
Bosis busies himself with his extremely urgent paperwork.
Mostan: Deal.
Mostan get up and goes over to get it.
Alea: Just who is Loponal?
Mostan digs out that gourmet trin he's been saving.
Alea goes over behind the desk, ignoring Bosis and pulling out the file on Lopanal.
Veraik looks at Snake and then at Bosis, wondering what he missed.
Alea: Mid first?....
Wise Snake realizes she only knows who he is because of the time Briel handed her a whole list of Donors and Channels and their stats.
Wise Snake is not sure if Veraik was cool with that, so isn't sure what to say.
Wise Snake: Er, a first order channel?
Mostan brings back two mugs of trin.
Keli accepts one of the mugs.
Mostan hands one to Keli.
Alea sighs and slips the chart back into the files.
Alea: I see you're with Bcal, Veraik.
Veraik: Bosis, give me the list of donor's scheduled for this afternoon.
Alea purposely changes the subject, not wanting to think of how miserable she is over the change.
Veraik: [cringe]
Bosis: Of course, Hajene.
Alea looks from Veraik's reaction to Snake to see her reaction.
Bosis holds out the clipboard.
Keli sips her tea.
Keli: Oh, my, this is very good.
Veraik: Lopanal. [not looking at Alea or Snake but waiting for his file] 'is a First who should be rated within your range for quantity but who is several points lower than your speed, Alea.
Wise Snake zlins Alea again.
Mostan: Thank you. I got it from a importer here in town.
Veraik tries to hide his fear from Snake.
Alea looks nervously at Snake wondering if she is zlinning some problem and not telling her.
Alea: Yeah, it's the speed.
Veraik takes the schedule and scans it, back to the others and still refusing to look at them.
Wise Snake tries to smile reassuringly at Alea.
Keli: Really?
Keli: Who?
Wise Snake looks oddly at Veraik.
Keli: Perhaps I'll go check out his shop.
Wise Snake: What's the matter, Veraik?
Veraik returns the file to Bosis.
Alea thinks it's the speed she has missed for so long and now is going to miss for a while longer it seems.
Veraik slowly turns around and forces himself to smile. "Nothing."
Mostan: Exotic Imports, I think it was. Run by some Sime from out-t.
Keli takes another sip, savoring the unique taste.
Bosis: Thank you, Hajene.
Keli finishes the tea and sets the cup down.
Veraik: You're welcome.
Keli: Thank you so much for the break, Mostan. But, I suppose I should get back to work.
Wise Snake realizes there is no real reason why Veraik would feel he could confide in her.
Mostan: Of course. Glad to see you again.
Wise Snake: Ah. Well, I guess I'll be off then.
Mostan gets up to show her to the door.
Keli stands and takes the files she originally came for and leaves.
Keli: Call if you ever want to talk.
Mostan: I'll do that.
Veraik: ~~~ relief clear in nager but Snake didn't ask him about his problem ~~
Keli nods and goes down the hall.
Keli is now known as Briel.
Briel comes striding into the lobby, sees the board and does a double take.
Bosis gathers up some papers and gets up.
Briel: Snake!
Briel: I see you found Veraik.
Veraik: Take care of yourself, Snake.
Briel: Did you get a chance to talk to him yet?
Veraik zlins Briel enter.
Briel notes the changes to the original schedule in consternation.
Briel decides to take care of it later.
Briel: Veraik, Snake was here earlier, waiting on you to finish in transfers so she could have a private chat with you.
Veraik: Talk to me? [looks between the two of them] Talk to me about what?
Briel looks at Veraik.
Briel: I have no idea.
Bosis goes down the hall, deciding that he'll be busy until the crowd there is gone.
Briel goes over to gather up some papers she had come for at the desk.
Wise Snake hesitates, then nods.
Wise Snake: About your transfer with B'cal.
Briel hears that, and makes for the hall.
Veraik: What about my transfer, Snake?
Alea decides she doesn't want to hear this either and decides now would be the perfect time to find a lost picture.
Veraik: [guards nager even though he knows that Snake can see right through it if she wants]
Alea heads down to the Simes quarters.
Wise Snake sees everybody else run like rabbits.
Wise Snake: I have already asked her, and received permission... but I want to ask you also. May I monitor that transfer?
Alea slips down the hall, and is glad it turns out to be so easy to find her picture, retrieve it and slip back out of the room.
Veraik blanches and his nager encloses into a tight sphere. "Why?"
Alea rolls the picture and holds it closely to her side.
Wise Snake stares at Veraik.
Alea goes back toward the lobby.
Wise Snake: Are you afraid of me?
Veraik: No. ~~ truth ~~
Veraik: ~ nager says that is something else wrong ~
Wise Snake shakes her head. "I know you and I know B'cal. I know both your situations. I think it would be for the best if someone were there during your transfer and I'd like that someone to be me."
Alea leaves the Sime area and starts down the hall toward the lobby.
Veraik teeth clinch and his nager is hold tight. "You have my permission.."
Alea enters the lobby, wondering if anything has been resolved, picture rolled, and held loosely in her hand as she strides in.
Wise Snake: ~~doubtful~~
Wise Snake: I do?
Veraik: Yes. You do. ~ nager screams of something dark ~
Alea sees the odd look on Snake's face and goes over, wondering what would make Snake look like that.
Wise Snake moves so that Alea is between herself and Veraik.
Alea crosses her arms, offering a soothing field.
Wise Snake: Good. And if you won't tell me what is bothering you, maybe you will tell your Donor. And soon.
Alea ~~support, soothing ~~
Veraik's eyes widen and his skin gets clammy but he says nothing while his nager screams of just wanting to hide.
Alea: Might I offer the simple observation that Veraik seems to despise Bcal.
Wise Snake: Are you scared of B'CAL?
Alea says this blandly no emotion over the statement showing in her field.
Veraik turns to Alea. "That is not true." ~~ zlins of truth ~~
Alea taps the picture quietly against her arm.
Alea: Oh?
Veraik's nager winches at Snake's comment.
Rhelana sees Alea with the picture rolled out. "I saw you!!! You were in my room!!! You may be a DONOR but you have NO right to be in my Room!!!"
Rhelana jerks the picture from her hand and augments away.
Alea hears the screech and jumps, turning around in surprise.
Alea forces her field to support Snake from the shock.
Alea looks at the half of piece of picture still gripped in her hand.
Wise Snake who had been concentrating on Veraik, nearly jumps out of her skin when Rhelana barges in yelling.
Alea: That shenned bitch.
Alea low, angry, looking at the torn picture.
Wise Snake blinks several time as Alea's protective nager becomes rather.... ominous.
Wise Snake: What was that all about? [dry throat]
Alea forces the anger from her nager, though there are tears forming in her eyes.
Alea hands out her half of the picture.
Alea: Something happened the other day, in the garden.
Wise Snake takes the half picture and examines it.
Alea: Something I can't quite explain.
Alea: I wanted to talk to Tarsh about it. I was worried, scared.
Alea: Rhelana saw this before I got a chance, and grabbed it from my office and ran off with it.
Veraik sees a piece of the picture. Tentacles tighten way up their sheathes.
Wise Snake: This is pretty gruesome.
Alea: I wanted to get it back before I spoke with Tarsh, and she just ruined it.
Alea nods.
Alea: I know [whispers]
Wise Snake impressed despite herself.
Veraik: Why, Alea?
Alea: Why what? [glances at Veraik]
Alea: Why am I angry that she stole something of mine and just now ruined it out of her pettishness that Tarsh doesn't want her?
Alea: Why am I scared over what I drew?
Alea: Why do I want to confront Tarsh about it?
Alea shrugs
Veraik: Why? [gulps] "did you paint it in the first place?"
Alea: I sketched it...
Alea sighs.
Wise Snake hands the picture back to Alea.
Alea: I had another scene in mind, but when I got done, this was what ended up on the paper.
Alea takes the paper.
Alea: I apologize, Snake for the shock I must have delivered to you when Rhelana grabbed at this.
Veraik is grateful that the attention has been turned from himself.
Wise Snake: Ummh... I'll live.
Wise Snake thinks, _this_ time....
Alea: This picture was very special, even though it was so gruesome.
Alea is glad to see only the bottom part is missing, but thinks it is still a shame it was ripped.
Alea glances at Veraik.
Alea: I apologize for interrupting your conversation about Bcal and your fear of her too.
Veraik hears the word'special' and vomits.
Alea: Just why do you fear her, Veraik?
Alea jumps back.
Wise Snake turns back to Veraik.
Alea shaken at Veraik's reaction.
Wise Snake is taken by surprise and Veraik heaves all over her.
Wise Snake: --!
Veraik: Knees hit the ground.
Wise Snake grabs Veraik and steadies him.
Alea moves to a position to support Veraik.
Wise Snake: ~~~support~~~
Veraik: Tentacles and hands covering face. "I..."
Veraik zlins Alea and has dry heaves.
Alea sees Snake's move and keeps her attention to Snake.
Veraik takes Snake support.
Alea: What is it?
Wise Snake positions herself between Alea and Veraik, using Alea's support.
Wise Snake: Come on, Veraik. Let's get you out of the lobby.
Wise Snake nods sharply at a Sime Center employee gaping nearby, to take care of the mess.
Alea quickly folds her picture and tucks it safely away and follows Snake.
Veraik allows Snake to help him up.
Wise Snake gets Veraik walking and helps him into his office.
Wise Snake: Get the door, Alea.
Veraik: "I'm sorry."
Alea pulls open the door.
Wise Snake: No, no, just relax. ~~~supportive~~~ Everything will be all right.
Alea closes the door and locks it behind them.
Veraik grabs Snake's support like a life-line.
Wise Snake: ~~~supportive strength~~~
Wise Snake: Here, this couch... [leads Veraik to it]
Alea ~~support ~~ follows Snake.
Veraik goes with Snake. [hoarse, whispers] Could you get me some water, please?"
Alea: Veraik? Are you okay?
Alea is concerned.
Veraik's gorge raises but he controls it in time.
Wise Snake: Alea. Stay behind me.
Wise Snake: And keep your attention on me.
Alea: Of course, Hajene.
Wise Snake: ~~~soothing~~~
Veraik locks onto to Snake's nager.
Wise Snake: ~~~calming~~~
Wise Snake: Get the water, Alea. Keep your attention on me while you do it.
Veraik: I'll be fine. You can leave me now. Really. ~~ nager says differently ~~
Wise Snake gets Veraik to lie or sit down on the couch.
Alea moves over and gets a glass, filling it with water, and brings it back to Snake.
Wise Snake: Why don't I just stick around until we're sure everything's okay, eh?
Wise Snake takes the water without wavering in her projection of support and consideration.
Alea moves back into Donor's position.
Wise Snake gives the water to Veraik.
Wise Snake: ~~calming~~
Alea continues to support Snake as she helps calm Veraik.
Veraik gulps the water, wincing at the favor which was mixed with the contents of his stomach.
Veraik gives the empty glass back to Snake.
Wise Snake sets it aside.
Wise Snake: ~~~supportive~~~
Wise Snake: Now Veraik, I'm sure you know you can't do yourself or anybody else any good in this condition. Please, just take some deep breaths, and try to be calm.
Veraik is feeling better as he hangs on to the supportive nager Snake is bathing him in.
Veraik forces his systems to calm.
Alea: ==supports snake as SHE=SNAKE calms veraik===
Veraik rest of Snake's nager as his breathing calms and his systems return to as close to normal as he can get, under the circumstances.
Wise Snake zlins Veraik to find out what the circumstances are.
Veraik: [tentacles are still painfully up his tentacle sheathes even though he is calming down]
Wise Snake reaches out and places soothing hands on Veraik's arms.
Wise Snake: It's all right. ~~supportive/caring~~
Veraik's tentacles start to peek out in response to Snake's field.
Alea seeing Veraik's arms, realizes grimly that her picture triggered this.
Alea keeps her attention focused on snake, refusing to allow her feelings on the reaction to seep into her supportive nager.
Veraik stares at Snake's tentacles.
Wise Snake: What's the matter, Veraik? [soothingly] Tell me what's going on with you, and I can help you.
Wise Snake entwines tentacles with Veraik, letting him know she is there to help.
Veraik swallows and looks at Snake. Only seeing Snake. Refusing to zlin the flavor of Alea's nager behind the Channel.
Veraik: Many years ago, I...[pined looked and squeezed nager]
Wise Snake: Alea... I'm sorry. Could you please leave? [quietly]
Alea: Of course.
Wise Snake: [to Veraik] Go on.
Alea moves to the door and unlocks it.
Alea: Would you like me to send another Donor?
Alea pausing at the door and asking quietly.
Veraik: I came across a Sime in [swallows] that condition. [gorge rises]
Wise Snake uses her field to quell the reaction.
Wise Snake: Get B'cal. She's in her room.
Alea: As you wish.
Alea slips out the door and pulls it firmly closed before releasing control.
Veraik zlins the moving field but tries to not think about it right now.
Alea shudders angry, hurt, disappointed in herself.
Alea goes down the hall and up the stairs to Bcal's room.
Veraik relaxes as Alea's nager is no more.
Wise Snake: Now Veraik... you've been under an awful lot of stress lately.. Have you been making sure you get enough food and sleep? Have you been working?
Veraik: Working? Yes. Sleep? No. Food? Only sometimes. Too close to need.
Alea signals at Bcal's door.
Veraik sets mode: +o Bcal
B'cal sits up groggily.
B'cal: Come.
Alea takes a deep breath and pushes open the door.
Alea: Bcal, it's me, Alea.
Wise Snake: Who have you been working with and why hasn't that Donor been taking better care of you?
B'cal starts to sneer, remembers Snake's words earlier and forces the tart comment away.
B'cal: Yes?
Alea: It's Snake. She's in Veraik's office. He has had a major reaction to well, he's very ill and she requires your assistance immediately.
Veraik: Donor?
B'cal pushes the covers back and jumps out of bed.
B'cal: I'll be right there.
Wise Snake: You say you've been working. Have you been working without a Donor?
Veraik: I've been working alone this month.
Veraik: Yes.
B'cal goes over to the sink, splashes water on her face and grabs a robe, heading out the door.
Alea moves out of the way, pulling the door to behind her.
Wise Snake groans inwardly, thinking this must be another version of the imitation Farris self-deprivation thing. Hides this very well from her nager.
B'cal rushes down to Veraik's office and signals before opening the door.
Wise Snake: Veraik, you're controller. WHY are you working alone? Don't you think that is destructive to the Center?
Wise Snake goes to the door, not removing her attention from Veraik, and opens it to admit B'cal.
B'cal looks at Snake.
B'cal ~~ support ~~
B'cal: Alea sent me.
Veraik hides his nager and the Donor enters.
Wise Snake: Thanks for coming so quickly.
Wise Snake closes and relocks the door.
Wise Snake returns to Veraik's side.
B'cal's hair is in disarray and she's wearing a pink frilly robe.
Wise Snake: Veraik, open up. We can help you. This is your transfer standing here.. zlin?
Wise Snake reaches out to B'cal, urging her to come closer.
B'cal ~~ support, willingness to help ~~
B'cal moves forward immediately.
Veraik inwardly groans, knowing that the remembrance of that pick frilly robe is going to aggravate his condition after transfer.
Alea goes to her office, and smoothes out the picture, shuddering as she once again looks at it.
Veraik: ~ nager closing as B'Cal coming nearer, thinking of how he will probably make a fool of himself after transfer ~
B'cal: You stop that right now, Veraik.
B'cal: You want a good transfer. I want to give you a good transfer.
B'cal: Don't close yourself off like that.
B'cal ~~ offering ~~
B'cal ~~ desire to help ~~~
Veraik: Veraik zlins Veraik .
Veraik: =====player's big load awful groan==
Veraik: Veraik zlins Bcal .
Wise Snake: B'cal is an extremely good Donor, Veraik. Not only does she have an excellent nager, but she is also one of the best-trained Donors either of us is likely to encounter in a long time.
B'cal ~~ willing to help and serve ~~
B'cal reaches out and touches Veraik's arms.
B'cal: Come on, Controller, relax. ~~ here for you ~~
B'cal glances apologetically at Snake, knowing this must bother her.
Veraik wraps one tentacle lightly around her arm, hoping, wishing that he doesn't make a fool of himself after the transfer.
Wise Snake maintains a neutral field, and attempts to maintain a neutral expression as well.
Alea remembers the unusual feeling the surreal quality as she drew this picture, something that had never happened before and sighs, wondering once again, how she is going to ask Tarsh about this.
Alea carefully rolls the paper and locks it up in a safe place.
B'cal: That's it. Very good.
B'cal: Talk to us now. I'm here for you. Tell us what's the matter.
B'cal ~~ encouraging ~~
Veraik looks at Snake for help then zlins B'Cal again, taking her support and relaxing just a little.
Wise Snake is there, but since there is nothing Veraik needs saving from, she simply watches and zlins.
B'cal ~~ here for you ~~
B'cal: Open up. Get this out now. Tell us what is going on so we can get it over with before your transfer gets here.
B'cal: We want your transfer good, the best, and holding in fears and secrets won't cut it.
Veraik strokes the pink frills. [pained look]
B'cal sees him stroke the pink frills and is embarrassed thinking Pamlos is going to pay for this.
Wise Snake begins to get some idea of what is going on.
Wise Snake thinks, oh man.
B'cal knows she should have replaced her robe when he gave her that bag that day.
Wise Snake: Veraik? [carefully] You're not thinking about your transfer at all are you? You're thinking about sex again.
B'cal thinks she did not need reminding of her femininity at all.
B'cal hears what Snake says and is glad Snake told her all about Veraik so she doesn't show any surprises in her nager.
B'cal: Well?
Veraik gets intensely interested in lightly following the edge of a frill then suddenly stops and looks at Snake.
B'cal Veraik.
B'cal to Veraik.
B'cal: I wasn't born yesterday, Veraik. If you have a problem with sex, then let's talk about it.
Veraik encloses nager and withdraws his tentacles.
B'cal: Ah, so that's it.
B'cal looks at Snake and sighs.
B'cal: Well then, let me ask you the questions.
Veraik looks away and wishes he were anyplace but where he was.
B'cal: Have you been having sex regularly?
B'cal figures if he is practicing one crazy Farris stunt, it is likely, with the things snake shared about Alea, that he might not be fulfilling other areas.
Veraik: Months the words no. ~ nager screaming NO! ~
B'cal: I see.
B'cal: So, you're worried about that then?
Veraik looks out the window, dreaming of augmenting right through the glass.
Wise Snake holds up a hand, signaling B'cal to hold off for a minute.
B'cal: Veraik. This is a fair size Center. You cannot tell me there are no women here who aren't interested in setting up a post assignment with you after our transfer.
B'cal looks to Snake in question.
B'cal nods and waits.
B'cal ~~ comfort, support, understanding ~~
Veraik looks to B'Cal and nods in the negative. "None."
B'cal ~~ disbelief ~~
You are now known as Keli.
Keli goes down the hall, continuing to collect all the forms for the desk clerk.
Wise Snake exchanges a glance with B'cal, since they both know that the Tecton has employees for that purpose if a channel requires one.
Wise Snake: Veraik.
Veraik looks to Snake.
Wise Snake: You are the Controller of this Center. What you are doing... refusing to face a transfer, the source of your LIFE, because you are wrapped up in thoughts of sex, is completely and totally unhealthy.
Wise Snake: Worse than unhealthy... unstable. Unbalanced.
Veraik: I know but I am not one who can go without for months on end.
Wise Snake: And endangering your health and sanity endangers this Center.
Wise Snake: Veraik. The Tecton has people to serve as assignees in these situations. Use them. Don't wait for something that isn't here yet. It's self-destructive.
Wise Snake: And it's destructive to the thing you worked so long for.
Veraik: I have simply been unable to find anyone for...[looks away in embarrassment] the past four months.
Wise Snake: Are you listening to me at all? Use a professional.
B'cal: I wouldn't be surprised if that little tart Rhelana might not enjoy a chance to sleep with the Controller in hopes of getting ahead.
Wise Snake shoots B'cal an outraged look.
Veraik looks at Snake, [tears actually in eyes no matter how close to transfer he is and breaths] You care?
Wise Snake: ~~nager even~~
B'cal looks wide-eyed, thinking it's the truth.
Wise Snake: Of course I care! [fiercely] When you give me the chance to.
B'cal is glad she didn't get to point out that second order Donor or that new channel that is so ditzy.
B'cal obviously didn't want a list.
Veraik looks at B'Cal with horror, tentacles whipping up sheathes.
Wise Snake sighs and begins to project ~~~calming~~~ and ~~~support~~~ again... Veraik's wild mood swings are sign he is becoming agitated again.
B'cal wonders why the shenned Veraik is acting like she just dropped a plague on him.
Keli leaves Tamlen's office and then signals at Veraik's door next.
Veraik relaxes slightly on Snake's support.
B'cal: Snake had awfully good advice, Veraik.
B'cal: Forget about post. Concentrate on life.
B'cal: If you don't concentrate on the transfer and make sure that's successful, there won't be any reason worry about after.
Veraik: I have B'Cal.
Keli decides Veraik must be busy and, disappointed, goes on down the hall to the next office.
You are now known as Alea.
B'cal looks at Snake.
Veraik: And I've been great transfers lately with no release afterwards. I can't live that way. I know that I'll go crazy if I go another month.
B'cal: Well then, if you're that worried, go buy a whore.
B'cal: There are places to take care of these problems, Veraik.
B'cal: As Snake said, stop ignoring them and being so picky.
Veraik gorges rises again.
B'cal: Snake, you look tired.
Wise Snake gets up and leaves the room.
B'cal: Are you okay?
Wise Snake: ~disgusted~
B'cal: I've been worried about her [to Veraik]
Wise Snake stomps to the nearest washroom and starts trying to wash Veraik's half dried vomit off her front.
B'cal: I don't think she's eating properly. You do know she's living in the .. well, she's no longer living with Linn and Nick.
Alea gets up and decides to go for some tea.
Veraik: She hasn't. [worried]
Alea leaves her office and goes down the hall.
B'cal: And this last transfer was a disaster.
B'cal shakes her head.
B'cal: I happen to know, despite all of that, she's worried about this transfer for you.
B'cal: I have an idea though, someone I'd like to call and maybe get a Donor for her.
Veraik: She is?
Veraik: Who?
Alea sees a washroom door partially open and snake washing her arms.
Alea: Snake?
B'cal: Let me see if I can get her first before I mention names.
Veraik: All right.
Wise Snake looks over her shoulder at Alea.
Veraik: And B'Cal. [pauses]
Alea doesn't enter, not sure of her welcome.
Alea: Are you okay?
B'cal: Yes?
Veraik: If you must know, I've been afraid that I would make advances towards you directly after transfer. I doubt that I would survive it, if I did.
Wise Snake looks back at what she's doing.
Wise Snake: Just upset.
B'cal chuckles.
B'cal: I've handled horny old men before. You'd be easy enough to deflect.
B'cal: Now, forget about it and concentrate on life instead.
Veraik's ego deflates to nothing.
Alea: I must apologize, Snake.
Alea: I didn't realize the picture would have such an effect on Veraik.
Alea: I'll admit the picture has been bothering me so much, that when Rhelana tried to steal it back I didn't even think when I handed it to you.
Alea: I hope you are experiencing no adverse effects.
Veraik stands. I guess I should go and clean up. [pain]
B'cal studies him.
B'cal: You might want to take a glass of fosebine and rest too.
B'cal: Do you want me there with you?
Wise Snake: Effects from the picture? No. I've seen worse.
Alea nods.
Wise Snake thinks of the art Alea had up in the lobby once.
Veraik nods and says through tightly clinched teeth. "Sure."
Alea: That picture should never have been seen by anyone.
B'cal nods and moves to the door with Veraik.
Wise Snake: I see.
B'cal: I'd suggest you go take a shower, then lay down. Ill sit by you until you relax.
Alea ~~ tentatively offers support ~~
Wise Snake hesitates, then tentatively accepts.
B'cal thinks she is going to see a day without sleep since she's due to be with Snake in just a few hours.
Veraik leaves, only wanting to get away then pauses. "You are coming with me?" [confusion]
Alea smiles relieved.
B'cal: I just said so.
Wise Snake: Hey, um, Alea?
Alea: Yes?
Veraik: You don't have to. [nods] Go. Be with Snake. I'll be fine.
Wise Snake: I was wondering... I think B'cal is going to be busy for the next few days. Would you mind if I spent time with you in the mornings instead of her?
Alea move closer to help Snake get the rest of the vomit off.
Alea surprised.
Alea: Not at all.
Wise Snake lets Alea help.
B'cal glares at Veraik.
Wise Snake: This is disgusting.
B'cal: Lay off. I'm your Donor for the second. You need me. Snake understands.
B'cal: Now, march. Upstairs and get a shower.
Alea: I do apologize. I had no idea. Of course, any Sime would probably get ill over the picture. I just didn't think.
Wise Snake: Veraik has a lot of problems. He was freaking out just then, and your picture was just one of the things on his mind.
Veraik zlins her but stops suddenly at the abrupt nager.
B'cal: It's my privilege as your Donor to boss you around for the next couple of days.
B'cal ~~ calm nager ~~
B'cal: Come on. Let's go.
Veraik: ~ anger ~
B'cal looks at Veraik.
Veraik: Forget it.
B'cal: Is there a problem?
B'cal: Forget what?
Alea: I see.
Veraik: Yes there it. I will not be bossed like a piece of meat B'Cal.
B'cal smiles a slow smile.
B'cal: Very well.
B'cal: Tell me what you want to do?
Alea: You know, Snake. Veraik and I have had a lot of problems in the past. But I do not wish him harm.
Veraik zlins the placation and doesn't like that much better.
Alea: It looks like we're both going to be here a long time, together. I would like to get along with him.
Veraik: I would like to be left alone.
Wise Snake: Ummh [scrubbing clothes]
B'cal shakes her head slowly.
B'cal: You've just had a major episode of some sort. You should rest. And this close to transfer, you should have your Donor there to help you.
B'cal: I'm sorry, Veraik. But on this, you know I'm right.
Wise Snake thinks Veraik has completely cracked and doesn't recognize the man who helped her three years before.
Alea finishes the spot she is working on and gets a towellette and begins to try to dry the spot.
B'cal ~~ soothing ~~
Veraik: Your nager isn't very.... appealing.
B'cal: Then you should zlin it again.
B'cal: I keep firm control on my nager. That's what I'm known for.
B'cal: That's why I'm so good with Farrises.
Veraik zlins.
B'cal ~~ continued offer of soothing support ~~
B'cal: You're reacting to my abruptness like a Gen, Veraik.
B'cal: Rest on my nager instead.
Veraik: True but that is not all that counts B'Cal. Even you should know that.
B'cal: As you should know that Transfer is more than sex.
B'cal: And since you are past turnover....
Veraik: I know that but my body doesn't.
B'cal: My nager IS all that should matter to you.
B'cal: Your body shuts down when you hit turnover.
B'cal: Accept my offer, Veraik, of support.
Veraik: [Looks at B'Cal] Have you read my file?
B'cal flares her field, enticing him with the promise of transfer to come.
Veraik's tentacles flick in and out with the field offered.
B'cal: What does your file have to do with this right now?
B'cal: Just relax, accept this, rest on the promise.
Alea: Would you like to go for some tea now?
Alea: Or perhaps you'd like to work.
Wise Snake shakes her head.
Alea: Since I am no longer assigned to Tramila, I have time on my hands.
Veraik just looks at her. "Then you have no concept of who I am and how I am."
Wise Snake: I'll go for tea for a while... but not work.
Alea: Okay.
Wise Snake: I have too much work of my own without stealing work from the Center's channels.
B'cal: Veraik.
B'cal: You are simply being stubborn.
Veraik augments away at his top speed.
B'cal: Do you honestly have a death wish?
Wise Snake thinks the Center's work is a lot cushier than her own.
B'cal thinks obviously he does as she watches him run off.
B'cal goes to write up a report on all that just happened, thinking the shendoni paperwork is going to take and hour.
Wise Snake: You could spend time with your new channel [points out]
Alea smiles at Snake.
Alea: I could. And I will, when Bcal comes for you.
Alea: I will have all evening and night with him.
Alea: Right now, I'll just work with you, if you'll permit it, even if that does consist of tea.
Wise Snake: From the cafeteria, [adds with a twitch of wariness]
Alea smiles.
Alea: Of course.
Alea wonders if she should tell her about that cooking licensee she got ..........
Go on to Episode #140: The Feeling is Mutual