Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #142: (1/26/98)

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Yota stalks into the Sime Center lobby, radiating outrage.

Alea looks up from the front desk where she is checking files.

Alea: May I help you?

Yota glares at Alea.

Yota: Yes. I want to speak to your Controller.

Alea: Uh, well, of course...

Alea: Will you have a seat please?

Yota: Very well.

Alea nods.

Alea: I'll be just a moment.

Alea turns and goes down the hall to find Veraik or Briel.

Briel is just coming out of an infirmary room on her morning rounds.

Yota removes himself to a couch, checking his pocket watch to time how long.

Alea is gone.

Alea: Hajene, there is someone who insists on speaking with the Controller.

I think it might be best to see him. [Alea wants nothing to do with anyone.

Who acts the slightest bit odd in the lobby].

Briel nods and heads down the hall to the lobby.

Briel studies the lobby and the different people there.

Yota stands up and approaches Briel briskly.

Yota: Are you the Controller here?

Briel: Yes, I am. May I help you?

Briel zlins the Gen.

Briel goes to her office with Yota.

Briel: Why don't you tell me what the problem is?

Yota sits in the visitor's chair, glaring with the wrath of an offended VIP.

Briel takes a seat and crosses her hands, intertwining tentacles.

Briel waits for Yota to explain.

Yota: I came into this Sime Center yesterday to donate. I usually go.

Uptown, but travel is difficult in the snow and I had an important meeting.

To attend. I _thought_ that all Sime Centers had employees who maintain at.

Least minimally professional standards.

Briel: They do.

Briel: All Tecton employees are trained exactly how to handle their.

Donations and transfers.

Briel: ~~ concern ~~

Briel: I take it your donation didn't go as you expected?

Yota: Oh? Then perhaps you could explain why your Hajene Sumulo was rude,

Abrupt, and so incompetent that I actually _felt_ him take my selyn.

Yota shudders in distaste.

Briel pales, then flushes.

Briel forces herself to stay under control.

Yota: I never felt anything so awful in my life.

Yota rolls up a sleeve.

Briel smiles thinly and pushes the paperwork over to Yota.

Yota: He left me with some nasty bruises, too.

Briel: Bruises?

Briel: I see.

Briel: Please fill these out and I'll be sure to see that Sumulo is put on.

Disciplinary action.

Wise Snake takes a detour on the way back to the Sime Center, leads B'cal.

To a cafe.

Yota leaves the papers where they are.

Yota: What sort of "disciplinary action"?

Briel: As for disciplinary action.

Yota is quite determined to keep ranting if he doesn't like the answer.

Briel: I will have to meet with the other Controller and decide just what.

Actions are to be taken.

B'cal: What? You decided you're actually hungry for a change?

B'cal looks at the cafe, thinking she hasn't been to this one before.

Yota settles back in his chair, still leaving the papers strictly alone.

Rapol is calmly eating muffins.

B'cal: Or is there someone here who requires treatment?

Briel lifts an eyebrow.

Briel: I can take no action until you fill out the complaint forms.

Wise Snake: No, I'd like you to meet someone. I'm considering training him.

As a Donor.

Yota: You know, that's precisely the sort of answer I give a complaining.

Employee when I have no intention of doing anything about it.

Wise Snake enters the New Leaf.

Briel: Well, you know, it's not our practice to lie at this Center.

Briel bristling.

Briel: If I say that, then I thoroughly intend to follow through.

B'cal: Really?

B'cal: ~~ glad Snake has found a potential Donor ~~

Yota takes a gold fountain pen from his shirt pocket.

Wise Snake spots Rapol and leads the way to his table.

Briel: Can you please tell me exactly what happened?

Briel is absolutely thrilled that this might get rid of one of her constant.

Headaches.

B'cal follows Snake.

Yota: Very well. While I fill out your form, suppose you explain what kind.

Of "disciplinary action" you will recommend to your fellow Controller in.

This case.

Wise Snake: Hello, Rapol.

Yota starts writing in a firmly disciplined handwriting.

Rapol: Good morning.

Rapol stands up and bows.

Wise Snake: B'cal, this is Rapol, a potential Donor trainee. Rapol, this is.

B'cal ambrov V'Lar.

Briel: We have all kinds of disciplinary actions depending upon what we.

Judge the severity of the situation, and just how many times an individual.

Might have been in trouble, or lack of trouble. It all depends.

B'cal looks Rapol over.

B'cal: I see.

B'cal nods curtly.

Rapol: Pleased to meet you.

Yota stops writing and gives Briel a look which makes clear that he expects.

Her to do better.

Wise Snake: Would you like tea? [to B'cal, along with a worried look at the.

Curtness].

Briel: Anything from being off work to transfer being withheld, from forms.

Written up and put in his records to formal charges.

Yota: Suppose you elaborate on this specific situation.

Briel: Why don't you explain to me exactly what happened first?

Rapol is a tall male brown haired Gen with bright blue eyes.

Rapol: Do try the muffins, they're very good.

B'cal tugs at the end of her jacket and then seats herself stiffly, folding.

Her hands in her lap.

B'cal: Yes, Snake. Please.

Wise Snake rushes off to the counter with relief.

B'cal tall, stately, no nonsense Donor From Hell.

Yota: Very well. First, this Hajene Sumulo kept me waiting an.

Unconscionable amount of time.

Yota: When he finally deigned to show up, he was rude and disrespectful.

B'cal: I hear you are interested in working with Snake?

Briel: I see.

Briel thinks the first could be a lag problem, the second definitely Sumulo.

Briel: And then?

Briel zlins the bruises on Yota's arms.

Yota: He hardly waited for me to roll up my sleeves before grabbing me, and.

It wasn't the usual sort of grab, either.

Briel makes a mental note of Sumulo's lack of finesse.

Yota: That was unsettling enough, but then I felt this awful draining.

Sensation.

Rapol is a smiling relaxed Gen who appears about 5 years past establishment.

B'cal: Just what type of qualifications do you have to work with a possibly.

Unsalvageable situation like this? You do realize, we are fighting for.

Snake's existence and she's going to need the best?

B'cal: We can't have someone who isn't totally committed, someone who has.

No idea what they are doing, someone who can't help her.

Rapol: Yes, I am. Very much.

Briel's frown turns darker.

Briel: Any other feelings?

Briel pulls out a paper and beings jotting down everything Yota has.

Confided in her.

Briel: Just the draining sensation?

Rapol looks concerned at 'possibly unsalvageable situation'.

Briel: No tingling, pain, anything like that?

Rapol: I am totally committed to helping.

B'cal sneers at Rapol.

Wise Snake waits in line, casting occasional nervous glances back at the.

Other end of the room, not sure she likes what she's zlinning.

Yota: Yes, a little. The sort of pain that's just on the edge of being.

Perceptible, like a headache when it's coming on.

B'cal: Committed. Well then, I suppose it's up to Snake to make sure your.

Abilities are up to your commitment.

Rapol: I'm sure they will be. But of course judgment is best left to her.

Rapol: I have worked with Simes of great capability, and been praised for it.

Briel makes some more notes on a piece of paper.

B'cal: Do you have references?

Rapol: No.

Briel: Well, it seems we do have a bit of a problem here.

Rapol wonders if her nager is a mechanistic as her mind.

Yota harumphs at the understatement.

Briel: I can guarantee you, that when I meet with Veraik, the Controller,

That we will definitely see there is action taken against this channel.

Briel: We do NOT allow our channels to injure, or scare, or discomfort.

Donors in anyway.

B'cal studies Rapol again, thinking there is something strange about this.

Donor, but thinking that might be just what Snake needs--strange.

B'cal nods.

B'cal: Very well.

B'cal turns to see what is keeping Snake, not liking the fact that she is.

In a crowd by herself.

Wise Snake orders two teas and some muffins.

Yota: Oh? Judging from your response, this isn't the first time that Hajene.

Sumulo has caused trouble.

Wise Snake is relieved that the crowd is cutting off the nager from the.

Table, so she isn't freaking out over every detail of their nagers and.

Wondering what they're saying.

Briel looks blankly at Yota.

Briel: When the Controller returns, the case will be discussed.

Rapol notes B'cal's concern for her Sime, which shows that she has the.

Proper priority down there somewhere.

Briel refuses to get into a gossip session about the employees.

Wise Snake pays for the stuff and starts wending her way back to the table.

With the tray.

Briel: We will fill out a full report and the course of disciplinary action.

We take will be sent to you in the form of a letter along with an apology.

Briel: And let me apologize too, that something like this happened at our.

Center.

Yota: Very well. I will expect a full report of your meeting...soon.

Briel stands.

Wise Snake sets the tray on the table and sits down near B'cal.

Briel: Thank you for coming and pointing out this problem to us.

B'cal: ~~ support ~~

Wise Snake is relieved to see neither is dead, or even seriously wounded, yet.

B'cal: Next time, make sure I go with you. There are too many people here.

For you to be running around by yourself. [to Snake].

Rapol resists the urge to engage Snake's field.

Wise Snake blinks.

Wise Snake: Okay.

Yota harumpfs in a still-disgruntled fashion as he stands, nods curt.

Dismissal at Briel, and stalks from the room.

Wise Snake: B'cal will be here for another month, and I hope you would feel.

Comfortable in asking her if you have any questions or problems. Do either.

Of you have a problem with that?

B'cal: Of course not. .

Briel drops back into her chair as soon as Yota is out of sight and.

Practices a nice round of Simelan curses, then when that doesn't help her.

Anger, she switches to English.

Rapol reflects that it is just as well that this Gen is only here.

Temporarily (strange though that idea is). Her responsibility is.

Praiseworthy.

Rapol: Not at all. Knowledge is to taken wherever it is found.

Briel begins filling out her own reports on Sumulo as she thinks of just.

What a proper punishment would be.

Briel knows that sending this through Tecton channels will get them.

Nowhere, so, she decides to couch the phrasing so that she can handle it at.

A local level.

B'cal looks at Snake.

B'cal: Have you made sure his nager is where his mouth is?

Wise Snake seems pleased at the responses.

B'cal: I've heard bragging while sitting here, but all the bragging in the.

World can't replace good solid support.

Wise Snake frowns.

Rapol holds his field open.

Wise Snake: I haven't tested him extensively yet. I wanted to have him meet.

Both you and Nick first.

B'cal: Why? [bluntly]. You will be the one he has to work with. If he can't.

Work with you, then nothing else matters.

Rapol: ~~ confidence and sincerity ~~

Wise Snake thinks she would have better luck training a one-armed GN-3 with.

A heart condition to be her Donor than she'd have trying to sort out.

Another interpersonal problem between Donors.

Kadi saunters into Briel's office.

Briel smiles as a plan forms.

Wise Snake: I have had a good deal of difficulty in dealing with the.

Problem between Nick and you. It almost cost me Nick's services. I'm trying.

To head that off at the pass this time.

Kadi: Mrroowww?

Briel looks down.

Briel: Hello, Kadi.

B'cal shrugs.

Wise Snake feels a powerful irritation at B'cal's shrugging.

B'cal: Well then, you ought to get him out and test him next, then.

Kadi wanders over and rubs her head against Briel, marking the channel as.

Her property.

Wise Snake looks down for a moment and fights back the reaction.

Wise Snake: I will. [quietly]

Kadi jumps up on Briel's desk and lays down on the report.

B'cal looks to Wise Snake.

B'cal: Good.

Kadi: Purrrr, purrrr.

Briel lifts the cat off her desk and drops her back on the floor.

Briel: You have entirely too much freedom here, you know that.

Rapol: ~~ anticipation ~~

Rapol: ~~ concern ~~

Rapol: I'm available at your convenience.

B'cal reaches out and touches Snake's hand. ~~ encouragement ~~

B'cal: You have to do what's best for you. Remember that.

Kadi decides charitably that Briel acted in ignorance, and jumps up into.

Her lap, waving a plumed tail in the channel's face.

Wise Snake wraps a dorsal briefly around B'cal's wrist then withdraws her hand.

Wise Snake: Well, it's time to be getting you back to the Center then, B'cal.

B'cal nods.

Briel twitches her nose and grabs the cat gently, goes to the door and.

Tosses her outside. "Go bite Sumulo or something."

Briel closes the door.

B'cal stands.

B'cal: Is he going with us?

Wise Snake looks to Rapol.

Wise Snake: I would like it if he did.

Wise Snake meets Rapol's eyes curiously.

Rapol: Of course.

B'cal waits, willing to withdraw her field if Snake wants to allow Rapol to.

Support her.

Wise Snake smiles briefly.

Rapol gulps the rest of his tea and picks up his last muffin.

Kadi: Murrrp?

Rapol stands.

Wise Snake does not say anything to that effect, merely gets up and puts.

The dishes in the receptacle.

Rapol starts pulling on his greatcoat.

Wise Snake catches herself doing another one of those Linn-drilled-in.

Things and mutters under her breath.

Kadi stalks off in offended silence to find someone who is capable of.

Properly appreciating the superiority of felines.

Wise Snake leads the way out of the cafe, sticking to B'cal's support.

B'cal keeps the support up as they walk.

Wise Snake: I realize you are still relatively in the dark, Rapol, despite.

Some tidbits the others have let drop. I will be glad to explain a little.

More of my situation and requirements as I evaluate you.

Alea goes down to Briel's office to confer, and when she is gone sees the.

Formal complaint against Sumulo.

Alea picks it up and reads it.

Alea: Oh, my.

Rapol: Thank you. I'd like that.

Alea grins as she reads.

B'cal bets he would.

Alea takes it and makes several copies of the form.

Wise Snake, B'cal and Rapol trudge toward the Sime Center. They arrive.

After a few minutes, and Snake climbs the steps to hold the door for B'cal.

Alea moves through the Center, putting them on all the public bulletin boards.

B'cal enters.

Alea slips into Sumulo's room and makes sure to tack them around securely.

Alea leaves and heads back to the lobby.

Wise Snake: Good bye, B'cal. I will see you tonight.

Rapol follows staying far enough back to not interfere with B'cal, much as.

It feels wrong.

B'cal: Of course.

B'cal nods.

B'cal: Good-bye, Rapol.

Rapol enters after them. ~~ nervous ~~

B'cal crosses the lobby and heads up the stairs.

Rapol: Good-bye. Honored to meet you.

Wise Snake: Come on, let's leave here before something disastrous happens.

Rapol looks around at the Center of Iniquity.

Rapol: Certainly.

Kadi follows Alea into Sumulo's room and leaves some decorations of her own.

Wise Snake leaves the Sime Center.

Rapol holds the door for Snake.

Wise Snake enjoys the luxury, though she thinks it's a little odd for the.

Gen to hold it for the Sime.

Kadi really wishes that Alea would clean her litter pan more often, making.

Such substitutes unnecessary.

Rapol follows, cautiously trying to engage Wise Snake's field.

Wise Snake glances at him.

Wise Snake: I assume you have never worked with a Farris before.

Briel continues on her rounds to check on the people in the infirmary,.

Rapol: No, I'm sorry. Very high sensitivity, right?

Wise Snake: Yes. [nervously].

Wise Snake: You must be very delicate, very subtle in everything you do.

Believe me, it won't feel subtle at all on my end, especially at first.

Rapol: I see. Am I overcontrolling?

Rapol: Err, overinfluencing, that is?

Briel goes into Mostan's room.

Briel: Good morning, Mostan. How are you feeling?

Briel zlins Mostan.

Wise Snake chuckles dryly.

Wise Snake: You haven't had a chance yet.

Alea goes into the lobby and checks the new glass encased boards.

Mostan: Briel?

Wise Snake: But always be wary of that possibility.

Rapol reminds himself to remember that.

Alea drops down in a chair to go through some files, smiling with.

Satisfaction at a bit of revenge.

Mostan: ~~ conscious but disoriented ~~

Wise Snake edges closer to Rapol.

Briel: Yes.

Wise Snake: You may try it now, if you like. [nervous and trying to hide it]

Briel projects a comforting nager as she moves closer.

Briel: Tell me, Mostan. How are you today?

Mostan: [swelling on arms has subsided, but laterals show a very low level.

Of selyn activity.

Briel reaches carefully for one of Mostan's arms and zlins.

Rapol very cautiously moves closer and projects a weak and calm field.

Mostan winces at ~~ pain ~~.

Mostan: I can't zlin.

Briel zlins the laterals concerned, though she keeps it from her nager.

Mostan: ~~ laterals only energized at the core instead of throughout their.

Substance ~~

Briel: I imagine you can't. Your laterals were injured. Don't worry.

Everything is going to be fine.

Mostan: ~~ doesn't believe ~~

Mostan: What time?

Briel: Early morning.

Briel: You've been asleep for awhile, healing.

Mostan: Day?

Wise Snake: Ummm.

Briel: Yes, Mostan.

Sled Kid swoops down the street at a dangerous pace, sled barely under control.

Briel: ~~ very concerned ~~

Mostan: What happened?

Rapol tries to gauge his effect, if any.

Mostan: ~~ bewildered and confused ~~

Sled Kid hits an ice patch, and his conveyance skids sideways towards two.

Oblivious pedestrians.

Sled Kid: Look out!.

Wise Snake: You, know, I think... Yow!

Wise Snake snatches Rapol and leaps out of the way.

Briel thinks of what happened and gets angry all over again.

Rapol: ~~ surprise ~~

Wise Snake lands on ice and skids wildly, still clutching Rapol.

Wise Snake: ~~ uh-oh ~~

Sled Kid desperately tries to correct his course, only to slip off the sled.

Entirely as it leaps into a snowdrift.

Briel: One of our Donors was doing something she shouldn't be doing. A.

Ren Sime came in and all hell broke loose. During the fight, Avaleia came in.

And evidently grabbed your arms.

Briel: She tried to kill you, but somehow missed.

Briel says the last flat, without inflection.

Rapol: What!

Mostan: ~~ fear ~~

Wise Snake manages to find secure footing and comes to a halt.

Mostan: ~~ regret ~~ "Too bad."

Briel: The woman is locked up, tied to a shendoni bed. Don't worry.

Wise Snake discovers her tentacles are clutching Rapol in a death grip and.

Grimaces, lets go.

Rapol sags in Wise Snake's arms.

Wise Snake: Sorry. I'm a little keyed up.

Briel: If I have my way, they'll ship her to the outer reaches of the Tecton.

Rapol gets his balance and looks at Snake.

Young Gen comes pounding up, panting.

Rapol: Are you hurt?

Wise Snake: No, no, I'm fine.

Wise Snake shaken.

Young Gen: Krill, I told you to be careful.

Mostan: How long?

Briel looks at Mostan.

Briel: What do you mean by that?

Rapol moves to get between Snake and these clumsy Gens.

Kril looks up at Big Brother, snuffling with a bloody nose.

Kril: It was an accident!

Mostan: Have I got?

Wise Snake looks at the Gen and the kid.

Young Gen turns to Snake and Rapol.

Briel: Oh, I'd say another twenty or thirty years if you take care of yourself.

Young Gen: I do apologize for my brother...

Mostan: ~~ ?? ~~

Young Gen: ~~ recognition ~~

Young Gen: Oh! Hajene Snake.

Briel: Of course, it's going to take another week or so for those laterals.

To heal properly so you can start working again.

Rapol is watching Snake, wishing he dared engage her more strongly.

Mostan: ~~ extreme doubt ~~

Wise Snake studies Young Gen and his brother.

Young Gen sees that Snake doesn't recognize him.

Young Gen: I'm Jerl, Onna Ni's son.

Briel goes over to the cabinet and retrieves some cream that will help cut.

The pain Mostan is experiencing.

Jerl is unwilling to admit before the stranger that his mother buys.

Protection from Snake.

Wise Snake: Oh. Did you know you just established?

Briel returns and squeezes some onto the tips of her fingers.

Wise Snake knows she is getting old, since she failed to recognize somebody.

On sight just because their nager was different.

Wise Snake mutters something under her breath, disgusted with herself.

Jerl: Yeah. One of my mom's johns told me.

Rapol turns to look at Jerl, while trying to keep his attention on Snake.

Briel dips a tentacle in and, holding Mostan's hand with her own left hand,

Begins to very carefully smear the ointment on Mostan's laterals.

Jerl finds Snake more than a little intimidating.

Briel: This will help.

Wise Snake: Oh. Good.

Wise Snake: Why isn't your brother in school? I thought your mother said.

You were both attending.

Wise Snake assumes Jerl bailed on school as soon as he found out he was Gen.

Briel: And I'll keep someone in here by your side to help stimulate healing.

Jerl: Holiday today. Some conference for the teachers.

Wise Snake: I see.

Wise Snake walks over to the snowdrift and augments slightly to unwedge the.

Sled from it.

Jerl is more than a little embarrassed at having to correct Snake.

Kril nods vigorously in support of his brother.

Wise Snake: Oof. Here you go.

Wise Snake sets it on the ground.

Wise Snake hands the rope to the younger kid, since he seems large enough.

To keep the sled from sliding downhill.

Kril prepares to jump on the sled, only to be brought up short by his.

Brother's fist in his jacket.

Jerl: What do you say?

Rapol tries to repress his resentment of these irresponsible children.

Kril shuffles his feet in the snow and mumbles, "Thank you."

Mostan: ~~ pain at touch ~~

Jerl looks at Snake apologetically.

Mostan: ~~ subsides as ointment takes effect ~~

Jerl: I try to teach him some manners, but it's hard, with no father and.

Mother drunk more times than not.

Wise Snake: Ah, well. Stuff happens. Have fun, kid.

Wise Snake: Say, Jerl, can I have a moment with you?

Kril requires no further invitation to jump on the sled and resume his.

Interrupted journey.

Jerl: Uh...sure.

Wise Snake attempts to smile reassuringly, although it is difficult while.

The younger brother is still within zlinning range.

Briel: You just relax now and get better.

Rapol watches Snake work with this client's child.

Wise Snake: What are you planning on doing with yourself now that you're grown?

Mostan: Thanks.

Briel leaves.

Jerl shrugs.

Jerl: Might find a job in the gutting houses.

Wise Snake grimaces.

Wise Snake: You could donate.

Rapol looks over to see if Kril is making another attack.

Mostan goes back to sleep.

Wise Snake: It would pay just as well or better...and would be a lot healthier.

Jerl scratches his head, wondering how that would pay for food and shelter.

After the protection was paid.

Jerl seems to recall that his mother gains no actual cash from her.

"protection" donations to Snake.

Jerl: Umm...

Wise Snake looks at him curiously.

Jerl tries to figure out how to phrase it diplomatically.

Wise Snake: You haven't been getting into trouble, have you?

Jerl: Naw. But protection costs.

Wise Snake looks at Jerl oddly.

Wise Snake: I'm talking about donating for pay. At the Sime Center.

Wise Snake: There's no reason not to do it, if you aren't in trouble with.

The law.

Alea gets up and wanders down the hall and into Mostan's room to check on him.

Wise Snake: And if you haven't done anything wrong since you established,

Your record should be fine.

Alea is very quiet as she goes over, keeping her nager in very careful check.

Jerl blinks at the weird idea--he knows lots of people who subscribe to.

Snake's protection racket, but no one who goes to a Sime Center.

Alea looks at the ointment smeared on his arms, notes he's asleep and goes.

Over to check the chart.

Jerl: Oh. I'll think about it next month.

Jerl: This month...

Jerl shuffles his feet.

Alea reads the prognosis and is relieved for the first time in days.

Wise Snake: What about this month?

Alea: Thank heavens. [whispers]

Arcadia scurries out of a treatment room and up the hallway.

Rapol is confused by Snake advocating the Tecton.

Jerl: Mother said she's gonna spend Faith Day with one of her "friends" in.

Northburg. She said now I'm Gen, I hafta make her payment.

Arcadia goes to the front desk and gets the file Jirelle asked for.

Wise Snake: Oh, okay.

Wise Snake: Well, you think about going to the Sime Center after this month.

Then.

Alea sees no one in the room so she goes over and sits down by the bed, and.

Relaxes, hoping her field will help him.

Jerl nods.

Wise Snake: What's your mom going to do about getting low-field this month?

Jerl is not very comfortable at the thought of associating with a Big.

Cheese like Snake.

Jerl shrugs.

Jerl: Dunno.

Arcadia opens the file, then slips a book inside it without letting anybody.

In the lobby see what she's doing.

Arcadia makes a big show of opening the file and scanning its contents to.

Make sure it's the right one...while sneaking a read of two pages of the.

Book.

Arcadia: [the book is entitled "Pink".]

Wise Snake: She'd better watch out the cops don't catch her high field when.

She isn't supposed to be, or she'll get in trouble.

Wise Snake knows Jerl knows this already.

Kadi wanders into the lobby, and pauses at the peculiar mewing sounds.

Uttered by the human.

Jerl: Wouldn't be the first time.

Arcadia's eyes light up. She starts to close the folder but then opens it.

Again, sneaking just another page...

Kadi wanders closer, just in case the excited, squeaky sounds are caused by.

A mouse.

Wise Snake: Huh. Well then, I guess I will see you when I come by and visit.

Jerl: Yeah.

Wise Snake: And don't let your little brother murder himself. Little kids.

Are worth good money at the flea markets.

Jerl looks anxiously after his long-departed sibling.

Jerl: Yeah. Kid's a walking disaster area.

Wise Snake zlins.

Wise Snake: I THINK that's him about three blocks down and two to the right.

Jerl: I'd better go after him before someone decides to do some pest.

Control, then.

Wise Snake thinks, at least there is a trail of Gen outrage leading in that.

Direction.

Rapol is sure Snake couldn't have been serious ... could she?

Jerl: Though how the kid managed to get around the corner on a hill like.

This is beyond me. That sled doesn't steer too good.

Wise Snake frowns.

Wise Snake: Well, I COULD be wrong...

Wise Snake would hate to break a perfect record.

Jerl is hard put to keep from cringing at Snake's offended reaction to his.

Observation.

Jerl: I'll check it out right away.

Rapol wonders if "protection" is a term for healing in this context.

Wise Snake watches Jerl disappear and then turns to Rapol.

Wise Snake: I'm terribly sorry. I may have overreacted somewhat. I have.

Recently had a bad experience with a sled.

Rapol looks inquiring.

Wise Snake brushes some snow off Rapol's clothes.

Rapol: No harm done. If you are all right.

Wise Snake: No, I'm fine.

Rapol accepts the courtesy.

Rapol: Excellent.

Wise Snake: [physically... Snake's still jumpy from the sled's sudden.

Appearance.]

Rapol projects a slightly stronger measure of calm.

Wise Snake relaxes visibly.

Alea sighs when another Gen comes in and gets up to leave Mostan's room,

Very worried and concerned about him, and vowing to come back later to.

Check on him.

Kadi sits down in the lobby and grooms her fur straight, just in case the.

Squeaky sounds are coming from a mouse and quick action becomes necessary.

Arcadia realizes to her horror that she has completely forgotten about her.

Errand.

Arcadia tucks her book into a pocket and scurries out of the lobby, hoping.

Jirelle won't be angry with her for her tardiness.

Rapol: ~~ pleased he is helping ~~

Wise Snake: Ah. Thanks.

Wise Snake starts down the hill once again.

Wise Snake: I'd like to show you the place I am looking at turning into a.

Base of operations.

Kadi looks after Arcadia, disappointed by the sudden disappearance of the.

Maybe-mouse.

Wise Snake: We can talk, and do your evaluation, there.

Rapol follows, watching for further hazards.

Rapol: Certainly.

Alea goes down the hall, pausing to go in the conference room to see if it needs restocking.

Wise Snake sees a glimpse of the clock tower off in the distance between.

Some houses and smiles to herself.

Alea goes through all the drawers to make sure they are stocked properly.

Wise Snake leads the way to the Ferry Building.

Rapol wonders what that tall building is. Is that a face on top?

Rapol follows, treading carefully around the icy spots.

Kadi prowls around the lobby, looking for entertainment.

Wise Snake unlocks the front door and ushers Rapol in.

Rapol stamps off the snow and goes in.

Rapol looks around the room.

Wise Snake: Sorry about the mess. I had some kids in here the other day.

Sort of cleaning up, but it's an ongoing process.

Wise Snake: [it is a tiled entryway, which looks like it might be fairly.

Fancy underneath decades' worth of grunge.]

Rapol: You're refurbishing an abandoned building?

Wise Snake: I hope to. Right now I don't actually hold the deed to this.

Property.

Rapol: You have to save up?

Alea leaves the conference room and goes back into the lobby.

Alea sees Kadi and scoops her up.

Alea: Hello, sweetie.

Kadi purrs and kneads Alea's sweater, catching her claws in the yarn.

Rapol looks at the benches which look of questionable strength now.

Wise Snake: Oh, no, the money is no problem, at least not for buying the.

Building itself. The upkeep is a different story. No, I just have to go.

Through this whole song and dance because it's currently public property.

The City hadn't planned on selling it so I have to do a lot of jumping and.

Smiling for the various powers that be.

Wise Snake leads Rapol up a flight of stairs.

Rapol: Ah. Politics.

Alea carefully unhooks Kadi's claws.

Alea: I want you to know, the room has been all fumigated so you shouldn't.

Have to worry about any more fleas.

Wise Snake: Bureaucracy, more like. I haven't encountered much in the way.

Of politics personally, I think that is all going on over my head.

Rapol goes up the stairs, realizing that of course a place this big can't.

Be heated for one person.

Alea nuzzles Kadi.

Kadi takes offense at having her paws handled and bites.

Alea: I take it you want down?

Alea sighs and puts Kadi down.

Alea moves on off to her office.

Kadi scurries off in pursuit of mischief.

Tamlen comes downstairs.

Wise Snake leads Rapol on up to the 3rd floor.

Rapol trudges on up.

Wise Snake: This used to be a ferry terminal. There were ferries running.

All along the southern edge of the Greater Lake.

Rapol: People or cargo?

Wise Snake: People.

Wise Snake: Bender Cove used to be at one end of the line, but the ferries.

Stopped coming here when the town became Sime Territory.

Rapol: Why?

Alea sees Tamlen and nods.

Alea: Morning, Tamlen.

Wise Snake looks surprised by the question.

Wise Snake ponders.

Tamlen: Morning, Alea. Do you know how Mostan is doing?

Wise Snake: I'm not sure.

Alea pauses at her door and turns.

Wise Snake: Oh, do you mean why did the ferry stop coming here?

Alea: So-so. It looks like he's going to recover.

Rapol: Out-t Gens afraid of juncts? Nowadays?

Wise Snake had thought Rapol was asking why people would bother to ride on it.

Alea: I was just there. He's sleeping.

Tamlen: That's such a terrible injury...

Alea shudders.

Alea: Yes. It is.

Tamlen: Wasn't that the same woman who made trouble the other day? I.

Thought she was in the clink.

Wise Snake: As I understand it, the commercial ferry lines were all based.

In Gen Territory and not interested in crossing the border, while the City.

Ferries lost funding when the government was reorganized.

Alea frowns.

Rapol looks around to see if this is where Snake is living.

Alea: She is SUPPOSED to be in jail. I have no idea how she got out.

Wise Snake: Honestly, after looking at the old receipts and stuff I don't.

See how it could have ever operated unsubsidized.

Alea: She's locked up, downstairs--again.

Rapol: Politics again.

Wise Snake leads Rapol to one of several offices.

Tamlen: Maybe I should guard down there. Just in case.

Alea shakes her head.

Alea: Briel had her bound, hand and foot, to the bed. She's not going anywhere.

Wise Snake has made the small office into a sort of den, with a small bed.

Covered with blankets, a desk covered with papers and a chair covered with.

More blankets.

Wise Snake: [the floor is also covered with books and papers, although.

There was some attempt to pile them in stacks]

Wise Snake: You might want to close that door. It heats up in here much.

Better with the door closed.

Wise Snake goes to the fireplace and pokes at the dead ashes, then sets.

About starting a new fire.

Rapol closes the door firmly.

Wise Snake has also finally gotten around to buying firewood.

Rapol looks at the titles on the books.

Alea fidgets.

Tamlen considers that maybe this Avaleia should have an accident.

Tamlen is shocked to realize what he was thinking about a woman...

Alea: You know, Tamlen, I think I should apologize for borrowing your rifle.

The other night without your permission...

Alea: I had thought to shoot a boa with it.

Tamlen: Bit overpowered for a varmint gun.

Alea thinks she still hasn't found that nasty snake.

Alea: As long as it ended that thing's life, that's all that mattered at.

The time. And my shoe wasn't doing the trick.

Tamlen: Where is it now, by the way?

Alea looks up at Tamlen.

Alea: You mean you don't have it?

Wise Snake gets a small fire started, and carefully places pieces of wood.

In order of increasing size.

Alea: ~~ worried ~~

Rapol goes over to squat next to the fire and her, grateful.

Boa slides slowly out from under a bed, stalking the unsuspecting kitty.

Tamlen: No, I don't. I assumed Briel had followed through on her threat.

Boa can still taste fur on its tongue from the time it got away and plans.

To curl up around a nice full tummy tonight.

Boa creeps closer.

Alea: I'm sorry. Briel threatened your rifle?

Tamlen: She said she might take it away. She was worried that it might be.

Dangerous.

Alea: ~~ guilt ~~

Alea: Ah. I see.

Wise Snake looks over at Rapol as the fire starts to rise, casting actual.

Noticeable heat.

Tamlen: She's right, I really should get over it, but old habits die hard...

Alea: I used to have a gun.

Boa pounces.

Rapol holds out his hands and lets the warmth suffuse his nager.

Boa clamps its mouth around the cat's head.

Tamlen assumes that Alea doesn't mean a true gun, an artillery piece.

Wise Snake smiles.

Boa now has the cat's front end in its mouth.

Boa ignores the clawing hindlegs and wildly whipping tail.

Rapol: So you fixed up this room first?

Wise Snake: Yeah... I actually picked it because the roof doesn't leak and.

It's small.

Alea: Unfortunately, it was taken from me after another incident with Febus.

Tamlen: Incident?

Boa gulps... only the cat's tail is left sticking out, flipping back and forth.

Kadi yowls loudly, ripping the inside of boa's mouth to shreds.

Boa is used to it.

Alea: Febus gambled off his transfer and came in, attacking me. It angered.

Me and I gave him my pistol, and suggested what he could do with it to save.

Us the trouble.

Kadi bites Boa's tongue off.

Rapol: Sensible enough. What do you want so much space for? If I'm not.

Being too inquisitive.

Alea: He didn't like my suggestion. And well, gunfire ensued.

Wise Snake: Ah. I won't require it all, at first. For the short term, I.

Want to open a clinic of sorts, and a neighborhood community center.

Tamlen smiles darkly. "Tradition is to leave it clean and loaded on his.

Desk or his bunk."

Alea: If I knew where he lived.

Rapol: Community center? Dances, feasts, that sort of thing?

Wise Snake: What?

Wise Snake: No, more like for meetings and the like.

Wise Snake: For the long term, I want to found a Householding. I would like.

It to be based here.

Alea: You know, Tamlen, I'm not feeling very well. I think I'd better go.

Lie down.

Wise Snake supposes there isn't any reason why it couldn't be used for.

Those sorts of events also, though.

Kadi gouges large chunks out of Boa's mouth.

Boa disappears.

Kadi starts awake with a yowl of distress.

Kadi looks around for the boa.

Kadi slowly realizes that she has suffered from a kitty nightmare.

Rapol: Ambitious plans.

Tamlen looks concerned. "Should I get a channel?"

Alea: No, I just...

Wise Snake doesn't comment.

Alea thinks she hasn't eaten and that's probably the problem.

Kadi grooms her fur straight, resolving never to overindulge in catnip again.

Alea: I think I just need to rest.

Tamlen: All right.

Alea: Thank you.

Rapol: What did you want me to show you first?

Wise Snake: I want to talk to you first.

Alea: You know, you might check outside, around the Gnome for that rifle of.

Yours. It went out a window.

Rapol: Certainly.

Alea: During the struggle.

Wise Snake: I want to make sure you understand what I do, and what I'm.

Asking you to do.

Tamlen looks scandalized. "Outside?! In the snow?".

Rapol: All right.

Rapol is glad she will explain all this strange stuff.

Alea: Well, I'd much rather it out there than in Avaleia's hand trying to.

Blow us all to kingdom come.

Kadi heads for the kitchen in search of a soothing snack, checking all.

Boa-sized hiding places as she goes.

Alea: I should have looked for it though.

Rapol: _She_ got hold of it? But I didn't keep it loaded.

Alea: ~~ guilt ~~

Alea: Well, uh, I loaded it.

Tamlen: No, you go rest.

Tamlen hurries off down the back corridor.

Virra Emlu comes into the Sime Center lobby, gawking like a tourist.

Wise Snake, having started with that pronouncement, can't think of how to.

Continue.

Tamlen isn't sure if he is more upset at the dangerous incident or the.

Mistreatment of his weapon. HE wonders what has happened to his priorities.

Lately...

Virra Emlu is carrying several large shopping bags.

Alea starts to go in her office, but pauses, seeing the person who just.

Entered.

Alea: May I help you?

Virra Emlu is a healthy out-T Gen, recently retired.

Rapol gets up and goes over to sit in the chair.

Virra Emlu: This is the Sime Center, isn't it?

Alea looks for her holding any big books, anything that might conceal any.

Type of weapon, any maniacal gleam in her eye.

Alea studies her dress for any odd bulges that shouldn't be there...her.

Hair....then sighs and goes warily forward.

Alea: Yes, it is.

Alea stops a good five feet away.

Virra Emlu: Oh, good.

Tamlen goes out into the garden, and looks around in the snow.

Alea wonders if that is a "good" good or a "bad" good.

Virra Emlu goes to the door and pokes her head out.

Virra Emlu: It's the right place, girls!

Alea sees her action and just knew it.

Alea turns and heads down the hall.

Wise Snake: Rapol, you must be prepared to... to make sacrifices.

Alea finds Briel and drags her back with her, staying behind her.

Virra Emlu steps back from the door as a swarm of ladies of a certain age.

Swarm through it, holding shopping bags and cameras, which are snapping.

Busily.

Briel jumps back surprised.

Briel: What the shen?

Briel: I thought you said it was an emergency.

Rapol is about to agree, but decides that might sound too eager.

Rapol: What kind of sacrifices?

Briel thinks this might just be construed as an emergency.

Alea shrugs.

Alea thinks better safe than sorry.

Virra Emlu pulls a well-thumbed tour guide from one of her bags and opens.

It, clearing her throat to silence the others.

Virra Emlu: Here's what it says, girls.

Wise Snake considers the question.

Tamlen: Gnome, you haven't seen my rifle, have you?

Wise Snake: I don't know you well enough to say.

Virra Emlu: "The newly opened SIME CENTER offers donations, changeover.

Services, and an infirmary to the people of Bender Cove. Note the unique.

Decorations in the lobby.

Virra Emlu blinks as lightbulbs flash in the direction of the lobby artwork.

Wise Snake: Nick couldn't stand B'cal. He couldn't work with her. He felt.

He had to protest being forced to work with her or even be around her. I.

Could wish he had been willing to live with it.

Lanyi hears some commotion and comes out of her office.

Briel sees Lanyi and smiles, deciding to leave the crowd in her hands.

Wise Snake concentrates, trying to articulate very nebulous ideas.

Briel leaves.

Virra Emlu: "The architecture dates from pre-Unity days, although much.

Remodeled."

Lanyi sees the cameras, and smoothes at her hair and tugs at her uniform.

Wise Snake: I don't know what might happen for you, that might bring about.

The same frustration. But there will be some sacrifices.

Alea slips past the crowd and into her office.

Rapol: I can't be sure either, at this level of abstraction. But B'cal will.

Only be here for a month. I can cope, I'm sure.

Virra Emlu: "In the garden is a figurine typical of the period of the.

Building's construction."

Wise Snake is rather perplexed by Rapol's answer.

Wise Snake: Are you, or are you not, willing to go through extreme.

Frustration in order to serve a channel?

Rapol: I realize that there may be sacrifices. I do intend to try and get.

Along. She clearly is very concerned for your welfare, as am I.

Kadi hears the commotion and wanders into the lobby, hoping for a handout.

Kadi: Mrrooww?

Virra Emlu: Oh, look at the pretty kitty!

Rapol is confused. "Yes. I am."

Alea goes to her desk and finds a day old piece of toast and munches on it.

Lanyi comes over to the group. "Good morning, Ladies. Can I help you?"

Kadi jumps as multiple flashbulbs go off.

Alea finds a cold cup of tea from early this morning, and sips it, hoping.

To restore her lagging energy.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, hello, dear. We were just looking around. Very.

Interesting place you have here.

Rapol is still unsure what snake means by frustration. Underdraw?

Lanyi smiles. "Thank you. We like it."

Mrs. Scott: [snaps picture of Lanyi]

Mrs. Scott: Would it be possible to have a look around a bit?

Alea thinks of all that has happened the past week and sighs.

Virra Emlu: We were traveling through, and our bus broke down. Most.

Distressing.

Lanyi wishes they could have gotten her good side...

Virra Emlu: But we thought we'd see the sights of Bender Cove while we're.

Here anyway.

Mrs. Scott: [snaps a picture of the wall]

Lanyi: Yes, I can show you around, if you like.

Virra Emlu: Why, that would be marvelous, wouldn't it, girls?

Lanyi is glad they won out over the fish gutting sheds and the docks.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, yes. Wonderful. [beams around at the group][snaps more.

Pictures]

Wise Snake massages her forehead.

Virra Emlu: It would be so different from the City Hall and the Library.

Rapol moves over to Snake. Carefully reaches to rub her neck.

Wise Snake is surprised.

Wise Snake lets him do it, with trepidation.

Lanyi: This is the lobby, of course. Our clients come in here to register.

With the clerk who assists the channels with scheduling the donations and.

Transfers.

Alea continues to sip her tea until she is feeling better.

Virra Emlu's group dutifully snaps candid shots of clerk.

Mrs. Scott: You know, I always donate every Faith Day.

Alea wonders just how Sumulo will retaliate for what she's done, certain he.

Will.

Virra Emlu: How nice. Isn't that nice, girls?

Lanyi: RenSimes require one transfer every month to live. They use the.

Selyn donated by some generous Gen who shares her life energy so that.

Ren Simes may live.

Mrs. Scott: I've been told I could have been a Donor with proper training,

If I had not been so unwell.

Lanyi: That is most unfortunate about your health.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, dear, you don't know the half of it! [babbles on]

Lanyi goes over to whisper to the clerk, asking if there are any renSimes.

In need in the Sime wing right now.

Mrs. Scott: [babbles on about health]

Lanyi: Please, follow me.

Virra Emlu and her friends stream after Lanyi.

Mrs. Scott rushes to catch up, still explaining about her health to the.

Nice Lanyi - so pleasant to find someone who cares to listen these days.

Lanyi: This is the transfer wing, where channels like me dispense selyn to.

Ren Simes.

Virra Emlu gapes at the transfer lounges as the lightbulbs flash.

Wise Snake thinks this process is going to be even harder than she had.

Originally thought.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, and it is so nice and clean!

Lanyi: Cleanliness is essential to good health for both Simes and Gens.

Lanyi: Channels and renSimes uses these transfer lounges.

Mrs. Scott: [takes photo] Oh, I'm sure. I learned hygiene from my aunt, who.

Was a doctor. You see, she.. [babbles on]

Eliza wanders down the corridor to Alea's office and knocks on the door.

Lanyi: Now, these are treatment rooms, where Simes are treated for illness.

No, that room is closed. Hajene Mostan is very ill and cannot be disturbed,

I'm sorry.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, I'm terribly sorry. Hajene? That's a channel, isn't it?

Alea winces at the knock on the door and knows immediately it's someone new.

Alea gets up and goes to the door and opens it.

Alea: Ah, hello, Eliza.

Virra Emlu: That's so interesting. Isn't it interesting, girls?

Eliza: Hello, Alea. I have to go get some oranges. Want to come for a walk?

Alea nods.

Lanyi: Yes, Hajene is the title for a channel, like Doctor in New.

Washington Territory.

Alea: Let me get my cloak.

Lanyi: Hajene Mostan was hurt in an accident.

Virra Emlu: Oh, my!

Alea goes out to the lobby and grabs her cloak, gloves and scarf.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, yes, so interesting. My great uncle's second cousin's.

Wife's mother is a channel.

Lanyi: We are praying that he will recover fully soon.

Alea grabs a second cloak--Veraik's Liorie one--and hands it to Eliza.

Alea: Bundle up well.

Virra Emlu: Oh, I hope so, too.

Lanyi leads them by the deferment suites without comment.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, I'm sure we will all pray for him too, won't we, Virra.

Virra Emlu: Now, Mrs. Scott, you know I'm an atheist.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, but Virra, you can think happy thoughts, can't you?

Eliza: Eliza skips alongside Alea, feeling wonderful.

Lanyi: And back here is the door out to our garden, where we raise.

Medicinal herbs for use in our healing work.

Mrs. Scott feels a sudden urge to use the rest room.

Mrs. Scott presses her legs together hoping it will go away.

Lanyi: Thank you, I'm sure he will appreciate your prayers. ~~ right! ~~

Alea slips on her scarf and then pulls on her gloves and cloak.

Virra Emlu: Oh, what's that?

Virra Emlu points towards the--er--colorful Gnome.

Lanyi: The garden is also where the Gnome you mentioned is located. Legend.

Has it that he gives advice to people who require it.

Lanyi: That is Gnome, our mascot here.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, dear. It could at least have more clothes on then that!

Mrs. Scott: [hides eye]

Virra Emlu snaps a picture of the Gnome, using black and white film to.

Avoid the eccentric choice of color.

Tamlen jumps up from the snow where he is kneeling.

Tamlen: Oh! Hello!

Virra Emlu: Eeehh!

Tamlen is not dressed for the outside.

Virra Emlu blushes as she realizes that the disconcerting jump came from a.

Fellow senior-citizen type Gen.

Alea: I have to find us a Sime, first.

Lanyi: Hello, Tamlen.

Eliza skips alongside Alea, pleased to be with someone doing something.

Eliza has a restless feeling and needs to DO something.

Alea looks to make sure Veraik's cloak isn't going to drag too much.

Eliza: Why?

Alea: You know, as a Gen, we really shouldn't leave the Center alone.

Virra Emlu takes a closer look, and amends that to "good-looking hunk of a.

Fellow senior citizen Gen".

Lanyi: This is Tamlen Bobers, one of the 1st order Donors who helps us.

Channels in our work.

Alea: That's just asking for trouble.

Eliza: You are joking!

Eliza: But, you are a 1st!

Eliza: That's right, isn't it?

Eliza: You should be able to go anywhere you like!

Virra Emlu snaps a picture of Tamlen, wishing he'd taken off more than his.

Coat.

Alea sighs.

Eliza: We are only going down the shop!

Tamlen dusts off his pants. "Sorry, I was just looking for something."

Eliza: It isn't far.

Alea: If it were just me, I might go ahead and go.

Eliza: Awww, come on.

Alea: I really don't want to risk you.

Eliza: But I won't be any trouble, I promise.

Alea feels a headache coming on.

Eliza makes herself very quiet inside.

Virra Emlu smiles coyly.

Tamlen nods to all the ladies who remind him of his mother.

Virra Emlu: It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Bobers.

Alea thinks of where they're going and sighs.

Alea: Okay.

Alea: Just one quick trip.

Mrs. Scott still is hiding her eyes and misses the Tamlen undressing.

Altogether.

Tamlen: Likewise, I'm sure.

Virra Emlu: And is there a Miz Bobers?

Eliza grins madly.

Eliza rushes to the door and opens it for Alea.

Virra Emlu's eyelashes flutter coyly.

Tamlen looks saddened. "No, not anymore." [ looks away ]

Alea hopes to heavens she isn't making a mistake.

Virra Emlu: Oh, dear, I'm so sorry.

Mrs. Scott opens her eyes and hits Virra. "You behave yourself, now!"

Lanyi: We also have a gazebo for relaxing, at least in warmer weather.

Virra Emlu tries her best to drool over the hunk in a sympathetic fashion.

Alea is very careful going down the icy steps.

Eliza gives Alea her hand.

Alea: Be careful. Don't fall.

Lanyi: We even grow a little trin here, though not nearly enough.

Alea thinks she's sounding like a mother.

Virra Emlu looks at the gazebo and decides that it really won't be worth.

Photographing until warmer weather, when the vines will grow up it.

Virra Emlu snaps another picture of Tamlen instead.

Lanyi: I'll tell you a secret. Sime Centers really run on trin.

Eliza: I won't, Isn't it wonderful to get outside? Isn't it a beautiful day!

Mrs. Scott: Trin?

Alea thinks it's cold.

Mrs. Scott: Like Trin as in Tea?

Virra Emlu: How interesting.

Eliza doesn't feel cold at all.

Alea starts down the sidewalk and then turns toward the docks.

Lanyi: Yes. Trinrose bushes.

Virra Emlu: My brother's youngest is a doctor, and _he_ swears a hospital.

Runs on coffee.

Lanyi smiles. "The great truths like that transcend territory borders.

Alea: I know exactly where a nice little fruit stand is.

Mrs. Scott turns to Virra and whispers "I've heard they make drugs out of.

It and have, you know: Orgies."

Virra Emlu: Really?

Eliza hopes it isn't too close.

Virra Emlu's eyes have a certain gleam.

Mrs. Scott: Well, its just a rumor, mind! But you know what they say about.

Channels!

Mrs. Scott smacks her lips in a disapproving way.

Alea goes down the street.

Tamlen goes over to the group. "You've come to tour our little Center?"

Alea looks at the piles of snow, the shiltpron parlor, the other places as.

They slowly make their way toward the dock.

Eliza skips along side hoping that they will meet someone, preferably Sime.

Virra Emlu smiles.

Virra Emlu: Yes. I hadn't thought it would be so _interesting_, though.

[flirtatiously]

Eliza notices a brightly decorated building by the river. "What's that place?"

Eliza: Reads name, "Fast Eddie's"

Briel stares out her office window watching the women with Lanyi and Tamlen.

And sighs in great relief at having escaped such a tour.

Virra Emlu wonders where they hold the orgies, and whether she'll be.

Allowed to participate.

Eliza: It looks cheerful. Can we go there sometime?

Tamlen smiles. "Why, thank you. We like it."

Mrs. Scott hits Virra for her expression.

Mrs. Scott: Now do behave, Virra.

Lanyi: Now, this door leads into the back of the Gen wing.

Mrs. Scott: And concentrate.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, I see, dear. That's where the Donors live?

Alea eyes widen.

Alea: I don't think that's exactly the place a Gen should go.

Virra Emlu looks at Mrs. Scott smugly, knowing sour grapes when she hears.

It: Mr. Scott is still alive, unlike Mr. Emlu.

Eliza: But why?

Lanyi: It is much like the Sime wing, with treatment rooms for sick Gens in.

The back...

Mrs. Scott: [whispers to Virra] Probably down there.

Alea: Well, you see...

Mrs. Scott remembers a call of nature. "Would it be possible, dear, to have.

A short - err - rest stop?"

Alea: It's a little dangerous, to be honest.

Alea can't imagine this young girl going in a place like that.

Eliza eyes light up.

Lanyi: No, both the channels and Donors have rooms up on the second floor.

Eliza: But, Alea, you are a 1st! And a Farris.

Eliza: Surly I'd be right with you.

Alea: Which means I know better.

Eliza smiles at Alea trustingly.

Virra Emlu: Oh!

Eliza: But, Alea!

Lanyi: Some of them also have apartments in town, though I've never been.

Willing to incur the extra expense...

Alea: No. No. No.

Virra Emlu looks up at the ceiling, sure that she's located the section of.

The building of most interest to her.

Alea: It's just too dangerous.

Eliza pouts.

Eliza: I didn't realize that being a Donor meant that you don't have fun.

Alea: Of course you have fun.

Eliza thinks that Rior is starting to look attractive.

Alea: Why look, over there, there's a place selling hot cider.

Alea: Why don't we have some?

Lanyi quietly speaks to Mrs. Scott. "Just along there, the second door on.

The left."

Virra Emlu: So true. Rents are outrageous, these days. Now, when I was your.

Age, one could afford to live on one's wages.

Mrs. Scott: Err, dear? I need a rest room rather quickly... Oh, thank you.

[rushes off]

Alea goes over to get them two cups of cider.

Eliza pokes a face; hot cider isn't what she had in mind.

Eliza notices that the cider seller is Sime and male and follows more.

Cheerfully.

Lanyi: Yes, it's true. But my work keeps me so busy that I would never be.

There anyway.

Alea pays for two cups and turns back to give one to Eliza.

Alea starts back down the street.

Eliza smiles at the cider seller and tries to make her errr nager all.

Appealing.

Eliza runs after Alea.

Virra Emlu has heard such complaints before, usually from people working.

Six-hour days.

Alea: Eliza.

Alea: Don't go tempting the Simes.

Alea sips her cider.

Lanyi: Towards the lobby we have the donation rooms, where Gens selflessly.

Give their selyn to our channels.

Mrs. Scott reappears looking refreshed and less worried.

Eliza looks innocent.

Mrs. Scott: Now, where were we, dear?

Virra Emlu: Oh, my. We MUST have pictures.

Alea turns the corner.

Alea: Here is the fruit stand.

Alea: Let's get what you want.

Eliza picks up oranges and looks at them.

Lanyi: I was just showing people the donation rooms, and the bursar's.

Office where donors are compensated for their kind help...

Mrs. Scott: Errr, we were wondering... That is, would it be possible...

Mrs. Scott: I mean, we would really love to see...

Lanyi: Yes?

Mrs. Scott: We can pay, can't we Virra?

Mrs. Scott: [pokes Virra for help]

Virra Emlu: Of course.

Eliza puts some oranges in a bag.

Eliza notices a young Gen male looking casually in their direction.

Alea is relieved that everything has gone okay.

Eliza decides he is looking at her and simpers.

Lanyi zlins to try and get an idea what they want.

Alea sees the simper and follows her gaze.

Jerl wonders why the girl by the fruit stand is acting so peculiarly.

Alea glares at the Gen and shakes her head at Eliza.

Eliza chooses to forget what she looks like and smiles at the young man.

Alea tosses some money at the fruit stand individual and slips her arm.

Through Eliza's.

Alea: Come on, hon, let's go.

Seezi bites her lip seeing that cute guy looking at some other girl...

Eliza smiles at Alea. "Did you see that? He was looking at me."

Alea: Yes, I did. [smiling]

Alea: Now, we'd best get back.

Mrs. Scott: Well, dear. I have given donations, but I have never actually.

Seen one!

Mrs. Scott: Isn't that strange?

Mrs. Scott: [smiles]

Mrs. Scott: It would mean so much if it were possible to watch and maybe.

Take a few photos.

Mrs. Scott: [pulls out video camera]

Mrs. Scott: Or a movie or two.

Alea releases Eliza when they are away from the stand.

Mrs. Scott: [pulls out special lighting from under her coat]

Alea looks in her purse to see if she brought enough to purchase a small.

Gift for a friend.

Virra Emlu: Why, of course, dear.

Eliza sees that Alea isn't watching and quick marches towards Fast Eddie's.

Eliza takes the steps two at a time and peeks through the door.

Mrs. Scott looks at Lanyi.

Alea thinks Veraik would never believe this: Her worrying about being out.

Alone without a Sime.

Alea thinks, and trying to protect a young girl.

Eliza has no intention of going further; just wants to look.

Lanyi: I suppose that could be arranged... But we don't have any of our.

Regular donors here at the moment.

Eliza just slips through the door to see better.

Eliza never really means to go out of Alea's sight.

Mrs. Scott: [downcast] Oh, I see.

Alea looks up and sees the purple Loire cape disappearing into Fast Eddies.

Alea: Oh, SHEN!

Mrs. Scott: Well, maybe some other time.

Garon notices the door opening.

Alea jerks her purse closed and runs in after the girl.

Mrs. Scott pulls on Virra's arm. "Well then, Virra, shall we be off?"

Alea blinks into the sudden darkness.

Lanyi: Of course, if one of you ladies would care to...

Eliza slips inside, fascinated by the black and red decor.

Mrs. Scott stops.

Mrs. Scott: Yes? [hope in her eyes]

Virra Emlu: The very thing!

Garon zlins Eliza.

Alea squints, trying to make out where Eliza went.

Eliza notices a shape in the shadows and jumps in guilt.

Lanyi: If one of you would care to donate, I'd be happy to fill out the.

Forms...

Eliza: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I was just looking.

[backs to door] I'll go now...

Briel thinks Lanyi is so patient with these woman.

Virra Emlu: Mrs. Scott, you're our best photographer. Go ahead and set.

Things up.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, but, dear. I have donated more often then you have. Maybe.

You should take the photos.

Alea sees Eliza.

Garon: No, you're not intruding. [ oily ]

Virra Emlu: Nonsense, dear, you know I never get the focus right.

Garon: What's your name, my dear?

Alea sees Garon.

Virra Emlu pulls out a small mirror and a hairbrush.

Eliza blushes, not that Garon can see it in the half light; but he can.

Probably zlin it.

Eliza: Err, I'm from the Center. I'm a Donor. [lie brought on by incipient.

Panic] My name's Eliza.

Virra Emlu: Besides, your hairdresser did those awful bangs you've been.

Complaining about for two weeks now.

Eliza: What's yours?

Alea goes over to Eliza and slips an arm around her.

Eliza leans gratefully against Alea.

Garon: Hello, Eliza. I'm Garon. Welcome to Fast Eddie's.

Mrs. Scott purses lips together.

Virra Emlu teases her hair into perfect waves, and studies the effect.

Eliza: And this is my friend Alea. [blurts out in panic] She is a Farris.

Garon zlins Alea and looks faintly annoyed.

Alea smiles.

Alea: Hello, Garon.

Mrs. Scott glares at Virra. "Well, okay, dear, if you are certain."

Alea: It's been a while.

Virra Emlu: Girls, help Mrs. Scott arrange the furniture and lighting.

Mrs. Scott: I mean, I wouldn't want you to have nasty burns on your arms.

Garon: Ah. So nice to zlin you again, Ms. Farris.

Eliza looks at Alea. "You know this man?"

Eliza feels more peaceful then. This man must be a friend.

Garon tenses as he remembers what happened to him last time he zlinned Alea...

Alea hates to say she actually trusted this man.

Virra Emlu smiles as the rest of the group swarms into the donation room,

Arguing at top volume about lighting and balance.

Eliza grins at Garon. If he is a friend, then...

Eliza puts her hand out to shake Garon's hand like they did at home,

Forgetting that they don't do that here.

Briel wanders out to go watch.

Garon smiles back in a smile that closely simulates sincerity.

Virra Emlu offers Lanyi the hairbrush.

Mrs. Scott sets up the camera, no longer even pretending to look happy.

Garon reaches out and takes Eliza's hand.

Virra Emlu: Do you want to neaten up a bit, dear?

Alea eyes lock on Garon's hand.

Lanyi: Yes, I think I might, thank you.

Eliza decides she really doesn't want to touch this person after all and.

Pulls her hand back.

Lanyi goes over to the mirror, wondering what she has started here...

Mrs. Scott: Okay. The camera is set up already.

Mrs. Scott: Let's get going.

Garon's faces flashes anger momentarily, and returns to the same oily smile.

Virra Emlu: Girls, that's enough.

Alea smiles smugly.

Virra Emlu beams at the completely rearranged donation room.

Virra Emlu: It looks very nice.

Lanyi goes over to the transfer lounge and sits down.

Virra Emlu joins Lanyi on the transfer lounge.

Mrs. Scott watches, fascinated in spite of herself.

Briel goes to an observation window to watch.

Virra Emlu fingers the upholstery.

Lanyi: Now, did you say you had donated before?

Virra Emlu: What an interesting fabric.

Eliza: Well, it has been - nice - to meet you Mr... Garon.

Alea is very glad that Eliza didn't shake Garon's hand.

Eliza: Alea, we should be going, shouldn't we?

Lanyi decides not to mention that it is chosen to not stain from ronaplin.

Eliza: [looks pleadingly into Alea's face]

Alea smiles at Eliza.

Alea: Of course.

Garon: Charmed, I'm sure...

Garon: Another time, perhaps?

Virra Emlu: Well, I've _seen_ it before, when I went on that grand tour.

You know, three Territories in ten days.

Alea: See you later, Garon.

Alea: ~~ not ~~

Eliza rushes out of the door, leaving Alea to follow at her own pace.

Eliza's heart is beating furiously.

Virra Emlu waves at the camera.

Virra Emlu: Mrs. Scott, do you have the focus right?

Mrs. Scott starts snapping.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, yes, Lanyi is right in focus. She looks marvelous.

Alea turns and goes out the door, keeping her nager under control and not.

Running so as not to accidentally upset any of the other Simes in there.

Lanyi is flattered by the compliment.

Eliza waits for Alea just down the stairs. She has a faint idea of what is.

Coming.

Alea gets outside and releases a breath of relief.

Alea: Eliza, dear.

Eliza is a tiny hard knot.

Virra Emlu turns her best profile towards the camera.

Eliza: [very small voice] I just wanted to look, Alea.

Lanyi: Now, I'll take your arms and put my tentacles around them. I'll stop.

If you want me to.

Mrs. Scott snaps wildly.

Mrs. Scott is breathing hard.

Alea: Please, don't ever run out of a place like that again. And please,

Try to remember, never to be scared.

Virra Emlu: Oh, don't do that, dear. It would spoil the flow of the film.

Eliza: I wasn't scared! ~~ defiant ~~

Alea: Oh?

Mrs. Scott rushes to the video and turns it on.

Mrs. Scott: I know what I'm doing. You just concentrate!

Alea props her hands on her hips.

Garon wonders if Libby would like to know about the new Donor in town...

Alea: You just ran out of there!

Eliza: Well, he was oily.

Eliza: But I wasn't scared!

Virra Emlu casually holds her arms out, turning to smile for the camera.

Once more.

Alea: You ran like the entire Sime army was after you.

Alea shakes her head, not believing her.

Eliza: I'm not scared of Simes, Alea. It was just that he was so, err, so...

Eliza: He looked at me funny.

Alea: Of course he did, Eliza. He was looking at you like you were merchandise.

Eliza is outraged. "Merchandise!!!"

Lanyi takes the her arms and carefully assembles a transfer grip.

Alea eyes widen and she regrets saying that.

Mrs. Scott is breathing very fast and her legs feel funny.

Alea: Now just calm down, Eliza.

Alea: Please.

Garon shrugs and goes back into the main room.

Eliza: What do you mean, merchandise?

Virra Emlu looks down at the tentacles wrapped around her arms.

Eliza: I am CALM!

Alea: I found out he's in the business of well...

Eliza's nager is in an uproar.

Virra Emlu: Oh, my, that feels strange.

Mrs. Scott moans.

Lanyi zlins Virra's mental state.

Briel watches, concerned.

Alea doesn't want to tell Eliza.

Alea: Come on, why don't we just go.

Lanyi: It is harmless, I assure you.

Eliza: Alea, what are you talking about.

Eliza: What do you mean, merchandise. I didn't think anyone sold Gens any.

More!

Lanyi: Now I have to make the fifth contact point.

Virra Emlu: If you say so, dear.

Eliza: You told me that was in the past!

Eliza: And that was what channels were for!

Alea: He's a pimp.

Eliza: A pimp?

Virra Emlu is paying much more attention to the camera than to Lanyi.

Eliza: What's a pimp?

Lanyi: I'll touch my lips to yours, hold them there for a few seconds, and.

Then sit back.

Mrs. Scott moans again.

Alea groans.

Lanyi: You won't feel me doing anything.

Virra Emlu turns to look at Lanyi.

Virra Emlu: Well, that's all right, then.

Alea: I imagine he was interested in ... sex.

Alea: Now, come on, let's go.

Mrs. Scott is fascinated by Lanyi's lips.

Lanyi: [ The lips are devoid of makeup, as is the rest of the face ]

Lanyi carefully leans forward.

Eliza walks along side Alea thinking, "Well, I'm interested in ... sex ...

Too."

Virra Emlu blinks as their lips touch.

Alea stops.

Eliza stops to see why Alea stops.

Eliza: What's wrong, Alea?

Mrs. Scott: Oohhh, ohhh.

Mrs. Scott goes into raptures.

Seezi sees that other girl coming out of Fast Eddie's. Which proves what.

She already knew about her. But why is she bothering that nice Sosu Farris?

Alea: Sweetie, he wants you, to sell yourself by the hour to other men.

Virra Emlu frowns, hoping that Mrs. Scott's moans won't come out on the tape.

Lanyi carefully draws from the GN-3 level.

Eliza: Oh. Would he charge much?

Virra Emlu holds her pose as the cameras flash.

Alea: I don't know, would you like to go back and ask him?

Mrs. Scott is sweating profusely.

Alea exasperated and trying hard not to show it.

Eliza considers it.

Lanyi is finished drawing, but waits a little longer to accommodate the.

Photographers.

Eliza knows she is upsetting Alea and decides to play along for a time.

Briel watches the other women to see if any of them are reacting like Mrs.

Scott.

Eliza turns back and looks curiously towards Fast Eddie's.

Mrs. Scott is bright red in the face.

Seezi decides to follow them in case she tries to do something nasty to.

Sosu Farris.

Virra Emlu doesn't remember the donation she watched at the other Sime.

Center taking this long.

Alea thinks this girl is definitely going to end up dead before the next.

Transfer.

Lanyi pulls back.

Mrs. Scott actually ran out of film some shots ago, but doesn't want to.

Admit it.

Lanyi: Done.

Lanyi: Just a moment...

Virra Emlu sits back, faintly relieved.

Lanyi withdraws her laterals and unwinds the other tentacles.

Eliza sees another girl standing on the steps of Fast Eddie's.

Mrs. Scott collapses on the chair at the back of the room.

Alea turns to see what Eliza is looking at.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, Virra. How was it for you?

Virra Emlu traces a wet streak on her arm.

Eliza notices the girl is Sime.

Lanyi picks up the clipboard and starts writing on it.

Virra Emlu: Most peculiar.

Mrs. Scott looks fascinated at the wet spot.

Virra Emlu takes a closer look at Mrs. Scott.

Virra Emlu: Are you all right, dear?

Briel nods, thinking that went very well and deciding to mention how well.

Lanyi does with the general public to Veraik.

Mrs. Scott: Oh, yes....

Lanyi remembers and hands a towel to Virra. "Here you are, dear."

Virra Emlu: You look...flushed.

Eliza whispers to Alea "What about that girl?"

Lanyi looks up and zlins Mrs. Scott.

Alea: Seezi! Hello.

Alea smiles.

Eliza smiles too.

Virra Emlu wipes the ronaplin from her arms as well as she can, but the.

Skin still tingles.

Alea is worried what Seezi is doing near Fast Eddie's.

Seezi zlins that girl looking at her, like she has some right.

Mrs. Scott: ~~~ exhausted sexual overtones ~~~

Eliza ~~ pushes ~~ just a little bit, to see what will happen.

Alea glances at Eliza oddly.

Lanyi tries not to be judgmental about Mrs. Scott's twisted reactions.

Lanyi: All you all right, Ma'am?

Virra Emlu finds that annoying, but is cheered by the thought of the.

Audience the movie and pictures will reap back home in the boonies.

Mrs. Scott can't help being twisted. If you were married to Mr. Scott,

You'd be twisted too.

Mrs. Scott is a bit worried as to when exactly the film ran out.

Seezi goes over. "Hello, Sosu Farris. Nice to see you again."

Alea: How are you doing?

Mrs. Scott thinks maybe she shouldn't have done so many close ups of the.

Lips before they started.

Seezi carefully ignores Eliza.

Eliza pouts.

Briel turns and leaves the observation area.

Eliza pointedly ignores the girl.

Seezi: I've been great!

Alea: This is my friend, Eliza.

Alea: She's a new Donor at the Center.

Eliza thinks, "She probably is...and probably gets paid to be great, too!"

Alea: She's in training. Brand new like you.

Eliza mumbles, "Hello."

Virra Emlu checks her late husband's pocket watch.

Virra Emlu: My goodness, girls, it's almost lunch time!

Seezi has no more intention of admitting confusion in front of Eliza than.

She has of swimming across the Greater Lake.

Virra Emlu: We'll have to hurry to get back to the hotel in time.

Virra Emlu starts to heard the crowd towards the lobby.

Alea: You haven't been by the Center lately. I'm missed talking with you,

Seezi.

Mrs. Scott gets up and starts packing.

Alea smiles kindly.

Eliza glares at Alea.

Lanyi tears off the voucher. "There you are, Miz Emlu. Your voucher. Sosu.

Semla can cash it for you."

Eliza: Well, Alea. Shouldn't we be getting back?

Alea uses her field to block Eliza's actions.

Virra Emlu: Oh, a souvenir! How thoughtful.

Eliza keeps her field under control. No way does she want to even have.

This girl look at her.

Mrs. Scott sniffs.

Seezi nods to Eliza microscopically.

Mrs. Scott: Well, come on then, Virra.

Eliza: Bye.

Virra Emlu absentmindedly stuffs the voucher into her purse and flutters.

After Mrs. Scott.

Alea thinks, "Kids."

Seezi: I've been, kinda ... busy.

Eliza starts to walk slowly towards the center with the oranges.

Alea thinks she's going crazy....

Eliza: I have to get these back.

Eliza: You are fine, Alea. I can make it by myself.

Alea: Well, sweetie, come by and visit sometime, okay?

Eliza: You stay and talk to your friend.

Alea: Eliza!

Eliza keeps walking.

Seezi: Sure. I will.

Alea nods.

Virra Emlu: Thank you so much! [called back over shoulder in Lanyi's.

General direction]

Eliza calls back, "I'm fine."

Alea: And stay away from Fast Eddie's.

Mrs. Scott walks out.

Alea winks at Seezi.

Seezi blushes and turns away suddenly.

Alea turns and starts running to catch up to Eliza and her foot hits a ice.

Patch.

Lanyi: My pleasure!

Alea: ~~ panic ~~

Alea slides, hitting the ground, purse going flying.

Eliza hears the shriek and turns in time to see Alea's backside hit the.

Pavement.

Seezi turns at the panic in the nager, and augments toward Alea.

Eliza runs back towards Alea.

Alea lays there staring up at the sky.

Eliza sees the Sime racing towards her and rushes.

Eliza throws herself between the two.

Eliza: Are you okay, Alea?

Eliza panics thinking of the baby.

Alea sits up, head aching.

Seezi zlins the Gen coming between them.

Seezi stops short, confused about what she should be doing...

Eliza has the mad impulse to offer Alea an orange.

Alea looks around, forcing her nager neutral.

Alea looks around sees Seezi's confusion, and Eliza's worry.

Alea: I'm fine. Really.

Eliza's nager is in terminal, with guilt foremost.

Alea pushes up and grabs her purse.

Eliza wonders what to do with the orange in her hand and puts it back in.

The bag.

Seezi: But, your head hurts...

Eliza grabs Alea's arm and helps her.

Alea: How perceptive, Seezi.

Eliza: [turns to Seezi] As you can see, she is fine.

Alea: You're right.

Alea: Eliza!

Eliza: Thank you for your concern.

Eliza: But I'll get her home.

Alea: First lesson as a Donor. Be nice.

Eliza: Alea, you should be more careful!

Alea smiles to gentle the words.

Alea: I know.

Alea looks back at Seezi.

Eliza is shocked. She thought she was nice.

Alea: I'll go have a channel heal it.

Alea: Then I'll be fine. My head won't hurt anymore.

Seezi looks at Eliza willing her to burst into flames, which she.

Obstinately refuses to do.

Alea: ~~ soothing ~~

Alea directs it toward Seezi.

Eliza: ~~ obstinately refusing to burst into flames ~~

Lanyi rearranges the donation room back to Tecton standard.

Seezi calms.

Alea: You come by sometime this week and see me, okay?

Alea: [to Seezi]

Eliza takes Alea's arm and gently pulls her towards the Center.

Alea is going to have to explain to the girl about touching a Farris Donor.

And trying to lead her around.

Seezi: All right, Sosu Farris.

Alea: Bye bye.

Eliza: The sooner we get you home, the sooner your head will feel better.

Alea turns and starts back to the Center.

Eliza sees the top of the Center come into view and feels better.

Alea: Eliza, something you have to try to remember. All of these people out.

Here are our potential patients or donors. You should always do your best.

To be nice to them.

Eliza: I was being nice.

Eliza thinks, "If I wasn't being nice, you would know it."

Eliza: But when I saw her running towards you like that I just, well, you know.

Seezi watches them go and wonders why Sosu Farris likes that other girl.

Better than her.

Alea: Eliza.

Alea: You must understand.

Eliza: Yes, Alea?

Alea: I'm a Farris.

Eliza: I know. You keep telling me.

Eliza: Several times an hour, usually.

Eliza wonders what her point is.

Alea: A Farris means, that there is no other Sime that can hurt me.

Alea: That Sime running toward me ... had she been trying to attack, you.

Might have gotten hurt. I wouldn't have.

Alea: It's better, if you're around a Donor higher field than you, not to.

Try to protect that Donor if it's an attacking Sime.

Eliza doesn't think she could not react if she thought Alea was in danger.

Alea sighs and heads back to the Center, thinking this is just something.

The girl is going to have to learn.

Eliza watches carefully as Alea goes up the steps, not wanting her to slip.

Again.

Eliza: [as Alea reaches the door Eliza runs inside looking for a channel]

Alea watches Eliza run off and feels eighty years past turnover.

Alea rubs her aching head.

Alea thinks being responsible for the local kids should definitely be left.

To someone else.

Alea: Seezi, Eliza.

Alea shakes her head and winces.

Alea: I just don't understand it.

Alea thinks she's got to escape for awhile and decides to sneak back out of.

The Center.

Wise Snake walks down the street in a state best left uncategorized.

Alea desperately wants a channel with her after the Garon incident and the.

Seezi incident.

Alea knows none are available and so decides maybe just a short walk in.

Front of the Center, out of site of the Gens.

Alea makes her way carefully down the stairs and toward the gate of the Center.

Alea exits the Center's gates and looks both ways, trying to decide which.

Way to walk. She turns toward the docks.

Wise Snake has a lot of hard, confusing things to think about.

Alea walks only a short distance before seeing Snake.

Wise Snake has the sense, almost overwhelming, that one disaster after.

Another looms ahead.

Alea: Snake!.

Wise Snake depressed.

Wise Snake looks up. ~~ surprised/wary ~~

Wise Snake: Alea?

Alea: Hi.

Alea: What are you doing out here?

Wise Snake moves closer to Alea.

Wise Snake: I don't know. Thinking.

Alea: ~~ soothing support ~~

Wise Snake practically falls into Alea's arms when she projects the.

Soothing support.

Wise Snake zlins Alea's sore head.

Alea smiles.

Alea: I was trying to stay within zlinning range of the Center.

Alea: Would you mind if I walked with you instead?

Wise Snake: I see.

Wise Snake: Uh... I... not at all.

Alea: Oh, good!

Alea: ~~ happy ~~

Alea: So, what are you thinking about?

Alea starts to walk.

Wise Snake: Donors.

Wise Snake: And how unbelievably awful the next...

Alea: Same thing that was on my mind, though I'd wager your thoughts are.

Different.

Alea: I thought so.

Alea: ~~ offers comfort ~~

Alea: Your next transfer?

Wise Snake: I was thinking, the next few weeks.

Wise Snake: But I don't even know how long it will be.

Wise Snake: Sometimes I just don't see what the point of it all is.

Alea carefully avoids an icy patch listening to Snake.

Alea: You know, some of our greatest philosophers have asked that. I don't.

Think the answer is the same for anyone. The point of it all, that is, of.

Life.

Alea: You're a channel, Snake. You know that without channels, we wouldn't.

Make it.

Wise Snake thinks that without this particular channel, she wouldn't be.

Around to care if the rest of the world made it or not.

Wise Snake: Yeah.

Wise Snake: I guess you're right.

Alea: Without Gens, then the Simes would be gone.

Alea: Of course, if we bring it down to a personal level, without you, who.

Would take care of those people down in the slums?

Wise Snake: Probably nobody. They'd just go on the way they had been.

Alea: And many more would die, that you've been able to help.

Alea: The ones too afraid to come to us at the Center, but requiring a.

Channel just the same.

Wise Snake: Do you want something for that head?

Alea looks down a side street, wondering if she should turn down it or not.

Alea chuckles.

Alea: That would be wonderful.

Wise Snake: Hold on for a minute.

Alea: You know, I've been put in charge of Eliza.

Alea: She is a sweet dear, just so very young.

Alea rubs at her head.

Alea: She wanted to go out for oranges earlier. I decided on a short trip.

One quick trip... How dangerous could it be, with the two of us together?

Alea looks at Snake.

Wise Snake feels around in her pocket for a Farris safe painkiller, then.

Hands it to Alea.

Alea: She's too much like me.

Wise Snake grimaces.

Alea takes the painkiller and swallows it.

Alea: I thought you'd like that.

Wise Snake: She is much more abrasive than you are.

Alea: She's so impulsive, full of life.

Alea: Oh well, you didn't know me thirteen years ago.

Wise Snake: And her nager is unimpressive.

Alea smiles.

Alea: Thank you.

Wise Snake: Of course not. I was only 2 years old then.

Alea: That's when I established.

Wise Snake: You're old.

Alea: Oh, I was so arrogant, telling everyone I was going to be a channel.

Because channels were what made the world turn.

Alea chuckles.

Alea: I don't consider myself that old.

Alea: I established very young.

Alea: I'm older than you, though.

Alea: You know, I was very angry when I established, saw no use to be a.

Donor. Oh, I fought it. Sounds so silly now.

Alea: I was very abrasive, much like Eliza.

Wise Snake: I knew I was going to be a channel.

Alea: Yeah, well, I didn't know I was going to be. I just wanted to be.

Wise Snake tries to imagine Alea, with her nager, acting like Eliza, and pales.

Alea: It was awful. I drove them crazy for three or four months at the House.

Alea: Yeah, Eliza reminds me of me in some ways.

Wise Snake: Oh.

Alea: She's going to give me gray hair if she stays at the Center.

Alea smiles at Snake.

Wise Snake tries to think of whether she, Snake, drove anybody crazy while.

At Zeor.

Wise Snake has no idea.

Alea: Anyway, we went out to get oranges today.

Alea: And the girl saw Fast Eddie's and wanted to go in there.

Alea: While I was digging in my purse she disappeared.

Wise Snake blanches.

Wise Snake: Fast Eddie's??

Alea: Yeah.

Wise Snake: ~ alarm ~

Wise Snake: I hope you got her out of there.

Alea: I ran in after her, and you'll never guess who was courting her.

Attention.

Alea: Our friend, Garon.

Wise Snake frowns.

Alea: He didn't like it a bit that I'd grabbed Eliza from him.

Wise Snake: I didn't think Garon got into the kiddie transfer thing.

Alea: And Eliza panicked and ran outta there like she had a junct Sime on.

Her tail.

Alea: I think he was more interested in her for his business.

Wise Snake: Ah. [relieved]

Alea: Imagine her in full panic, running...

Wise Snake: Oh. [cringe]

Alea: Nothing happened. Thank goodness.

Alea: We started back toward the Center. But, Snake...

Alea pauses and turns toward her.

Alea: You know Seezi?

Wise Snake: Do I know her? I served her First Need.

Alea: I thought so.

Wise Snake: If we are talking about the same girl.

Alea: I saw her on the front steps of Fast Eddie's.

Wise Snake: Oh.

Alea: ~~ concern ~~

Wise Snake stores that information away for future reference.

Alea: She came up and talked, though she and Eliza seemed upset at each.

Other because I wasn't paying the right amount of attention to the proper.

One.

Alea rubs at her head, and realizes the ache is finally starting to fade.

Alea: She promised to come by the Center next week.

Alea: But I thought, maybe if you saw her before then...

Alea: You know how serving first transfer is.

Alea: She'll never forget you. You'll always be the best in her eyes.

Wise Snake: Huh.

Wise Snake: Well, if I do.

Wise Snake: [grudgingly]

Wise Snake sighs mentally and adds it to her list of things to do.

Alea: ~~ soothing support with underlying concern ~~

Wise Snake: Did you know, I had the most unusual feeling today.

Alea: Really?

Wise Snake: I was looking out the window, of the Ferry Building you know,

And I was looking at the docks and I realized if I just went headfirst into.

The water and didn't try to get out, all of these problems would be over.

Wise Snake: It sure would simplify things.

Alea: Oh, Snake....

Alea: No it wouldn't.

Wise Snake: Well, for me anyway.

Alea stops to stare at Snake.

Wise Snake concedes it might be a pain in the ass for some other people.

Wise Snake looks at Alea.

Wise Snake: What?

Alea turns and starts to walk.

Alea: I wouldn't like that.

Wise Snake tries to think of something to say to that, can't immediately.

Wise Snake starts walking after Alea.

Alea: You have no idea what you mean to me, do you?

Wise Snake thinks this is probably true.

Alea moves out of the way as a wagon rumbles past.

Alea pauses, watching it.

Wise Snake barely gets out of the way, earning a dirty look from the driver.

Alea: I've been a wanderer most of my life, for Zeor.

Alea: A Farris, but without a home.

Alea: Yes, I was still part of Zeor, but my ... uh .. job kept me away.

Alea: Until here. Until my priorities changed.

Alea: I have started trying to change, make a life for myself here. And,

Believe it or not, I've considered you part of it.

Alea chuckles.

Alea: Oh, I know I drive you crazy sometimes, but you're family, or more.

Real to me as family than Zeor is.

Wise Snake looks away from Alea.

Alea: When I lost my child, I know I was crazy for awhile, with grief. But.

When I came by to talk, you were there.

Alea: You know I'd always try to be there for you too.

Alea: I'd even serve you if you asked. Though right now, I know I can't.

Alea: I would miss you if you were gone. [finishes softly]

Alea: ~~ sincere ~~

Wise Snake darts a glance at Alea.

===line missing=== Wise Snake: I feel like I've broken into a million.

Little pieces and everyone wants a part but no one wants to help put them.

All back together[paraphrased--snake do you have this]

Wise Snake: Don't get me wrong. I appreciate your feelings.

Alea: I wish I could pick up those pieces you talk about for you and put.

Them all back together.

Wise Snake looks at Alea.

Wise Snake: You could.

Alea: Oh?

Wise Snake's eyes shine.

Wise Snake: If you chose to.

Alea is worried at Snake's look.

Alea: How is that?

Wise Snake: Be mine.

Alea: Be yours?

Alea: ~~ confused ~~

Alea thinks that pain pill must have been stronger than she thought,

Because Snake isn't making a lot of sense.

Wise Snake: My... .

Alea: I would certainly serve you in transfer, Snake. You know that. But my.

Field is too low.

Wise Snake: It is now.

Alea: And for the next five or six months too.

Alea: But after that, you know I'd serve you.

Alea rubs her nose which is getting cold in the air.

Wise Snake: Come live with me now.

Alea: ~~ surprise ~~

Wise Snake is oblivious to the icy wind blowing through her hair, but feels.

Alea's cold nose.

Alea is very, very worried about Snake.

Alea: Do you have a Donor there, waiting on you?

Wise Snake: No... yes... sort of.

Wise Snake: Not really.

Wise Snake: Yes.

Wise Snake: Not really. [admits]

Alea: ~~ compassion ~~ ~~ a need to help ~~

Alea: I don't want you to be alone tonight, Snake.

Wise Snake: There's B'cal at night, for a little while longer.

Wise Snake thinks about the time after and expression grows bleak.

Wise Snake: Another month.

Alea: And during the day. What about now? Why isn't there someone with you now?

Wise Snake: Nick is... [doesn't know how to describe it]

Wise Snake: And the new one is... he's not a done deal yet.

Wise Snake: I've been alone during the days.

Wise Snake shivers.

Alea reaches out and touches Snake, trying to increase the support.

Wise Snake: You know, it's very hard to find people who want to be with you.

All the time.

Alea: Yes, it is.

Wise Snake leans on Alea's support.

Wise Snake leans on Alea.

Alea: ~~ allows her sleepiness to show ~~

Alea: Why don't you walk me back to the Center and we can talk.

Wise Snake: And then when you do find someone, it isn't simple. They can't.

Be your second half, living and breathing and making you whole. They have.

Their own fights and their own resentments and their own agendas.

Wise Snake: You know I think when you are a channel you can't be a whole.

Person, only a half.

Alea: It's the same as a Donor. A Donor isn't complete without a channel.

Wise Snake: And the other half is somebody else. Either the Tecton, or some.

Person with their own way of thinking that doesn't even match.

Alea: Or a channel who doesn't appreciate your field. Or perhaps a Donor.

Who can't satisfy that need completely inside you.

Alea looks at Snake to gauge her.

Wise Snake looks a little wild, and is clinging to Alea's arm.

Wise Snake: But a Donor can live.

Wise Snake: I can't even live without the other person.

Wise Snake: I can't even keep my sanity without the other person.

Alea: ~~ concern ~~

Wise Snake: And I can't find that other person!

Alea reaches out with her other hand and covers Snake's hand that's.

Clinging to her arm.

Alea: You're going to make it Snake. You just have to take one day at a time.

Wise Snake: I thought it was Nick. I really did.

Alea: It may be him.

Alea: Give him another chance Snake.

Alea: What do you have to lose if you do?

Wise Snake: I am. I am giving him another chance.

Wise Snake: But he's not the same as he was before.

Alea: Maybe he feels he's lost that part that he thought he had, and.

Doesn't know how to reach back out.

Wise Snake: I... don't know that. How would I know how to fix that?

Alea: Through trust. Start working daily with him again, and with each.

Assignment, each time you heal someone, that "something" that isn't right.

Will right itself.

Alea: If Nick is any kind of a Donor, it will, at least.

Alea: A Donor can't handle not having a channel, not being there. He.

Probably craves being back with you as much as you "need" him back with.

You.

Wise Snake: Well then. Why is he acting the way he is?

Wise Snake: [daring to hope]

Alea: Because he can feel the pain between you two.

Alea: Even though he's older than you Snake, you've had more training than.

Him. He doesn't know how to fix it.

Alea: He probably doesn't even know what's the matter.

Alea: He just knows something is.

Alea: If he loses you, imagine what his life is going to be like. Underdraw.

Wise Snake: I don't want him to see me as the lesser of two evils.

Alea: I don't think he does.

Alea: If he did, would he have risked telling you how he really felt about.

B'cal?

Wise Snake stiffens.

Alea: ~~ soothing ~~

Alea: Please, Snake, think. If he thought you were the lesser of two evils,

Don't you think he would just float along and not worry, knowing she was.

Going to be gone?

Alea: But if he really wanted a relationship with you, then he would try to.

Be honest, to show you, so you two could work through it.

Alea: Granted, he chose the wrong way. But, it goes back to the guy is.

Still so new.

Wise Snake tries to think about it the way Alea is saying.

Alea: Why waste his time trying to fix things, if he only considers you the.

Lesser of two evils?

Alea: But now, if you want it to work... well, now there is a reason to try.

To explain and work things through.

Alea: Try to think of it that way. See it as Nick trying to bring you.

Closer together, even if he did go about it the wrong way.

Alea: Then work from there.

Wise Snake is having a really hard time seeing it.

Wise Snake: I'll try.

Alea releases Snake's hand and turns back to the Center.

Alea: Will you walk me back?

Wise Snake looks down at her hand.

Wise Snake: Yes.

Wise Snake follows Alea.

Quotable Quote:

Alea turns and goes out the door, keeping her nager under control and not.

Running so as to accidentally upset any of the other Simes in there.

An unexpectedly apt psychological analysis of the preferences of Fast.

Eddie's Sime clientele.

Go on to Episode #143

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