Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #145: (1/29/98)

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Alea comes into the lobby, her crutches working fine now...

Alea thinks now that they lowered the setting and padded the arms....

Eliza is asleep.

Alea swings her way across the lobby.

Eliza wakes up and stretches.

Eliza lays there luxuriating in the comfort of a real bed.

Alea gets to the stairs and stares up them.

Eliza wonders what Alea will break today.

Alea: Well shen.

Eliza rolls over and considers going back to sleep.

Alea decides to go find Eliza and have a talk with her about the books she found.

Eliza shuts her eyes and yawns.

Alea turns and swings her way toward Eliza's room.

Alea is huffing and puffing by the time she gets to Eliza's door.

Eliza dozes off.

Alea signals at Eliza's door.

Eliza: [sleepy not really awake] come in......

Alea goes in, awkwardly.

Eliza opens one eye and sees Alea and sits up, showing plainly that she didn't understand the use of the clothes in the bottom draw.

Alea blinks.

Alea is glad Tarsh isn't with her.

Eliza: [yawn] oh Alea - good morning - sit down before you fall down!!!

Veraik goes to his office to handle the paperwork.

Alea: Your bedroom is on the bottom floor, Eliza.

Eliza realizes that she doesn't have clothing on - but doesn't see why Alea finds that a problem.

Eliza: Seeing as how Alea is upset about it she lifts the sheep up to her neck.

Veraik looks at the stack of files he is supposed to read and almost flings them off the desk.

Alea moves over and sits down.

Alea: Eliza, I'd like to ask you a question, if I may. I, um, found a stack of, um, books on my desk.

Alea: Do you know how they got there?

Eliza yawns.

Veraik: ~ control ~ [thinking, I must have control.]

Eliza: Yes Alea - you told me to get them from the library.

Eliza: I told the librarian to put them in your name - hope that was ok.

Eliza: She sure is a snotty person.

Alea groans.

Alea: Eliza. Those are NOT the books I told you to get.

Alea thinks her reputation is going downhill with this girl, somethi.

Ng she didn't think was possible until now.

Eliza: Alea - [Eliza is a bit tired of these people not understanding that when you can't read or speak the language they have to HELP more] how am I to know what books you wanted?

Briel goes by and signals at Veraik's door.

Alea rubs at her head.

Veraik adjusts his nager and goes to the door.

Veraik: Hello Briel. Come in.

Briel: Good morning, Veraik.

Briel goes in and over to a chair, dropping into it.

Alea: I didn't send you for books. I sent you for tapes.

Alea: It's a rather new thing, runs with selyn and has words on them.

Eliza: I got a tape too.

Veraik goes to his desk and waits for her to tell him the problem.

Eliza doesn't want to tell Alea that she was embarrassed by the librarian.

Alea: Oh. Well, then, we're making progress.

Briel: I'd like to talk to you about Sumulo, oh, and the transfer schedule too.

Eliza: The tape had a picture of a Gn and a Sme in transfer on the front - thought it must be about donating.

Alea: Very good.

Alea isn't sure but, it sounds right to her.

Veraik: Tell me, Briel.

Eliza: What do you want me to do today Alea?

Eliza: How about I have a shower and get dressed and we go get something to eat.

Eliza loves the fact that there is food all over the place at the center.

Briel: I found out yesterday that Sumulo tried to hurt Alea. I'd like to know what is to be done.

Alea: Yes. Did you listen to the tape last night and practice the Simelan?

Eliza: Yes - but I didn't understand it at all.

Alea: Well, as we take donations today, you can practice your Simelan.

Veraik: Sumulo tried to hurt Alea?

Alea: So, go shower and I'll meet you in the cafeteria.

Briel: Snake said Alea said you knew.

Veraik: ~ anger ~

Veraik: When did that happen?

Briel: I don't know.

Briel curious.

Eliza jumps up and walks into the connecting shower - forgetting Alea's reaction to nudity.

Briel: Uh, you don't think Alea simply exaggerated, do you?

Veraik covers his anger and presents a neutral field.

Briel: I mean if she said you knew and you didn't.

Briel: You do know how Alea is about exaggerating everything.

Alea stands and slips the crutches under her arms and goes down the hall heading toward the cafeteria.

Eliza has a shower and decides to wash the tribbles nest of her hair.

Veraik: I know however do you really think that Alea would go that far. That is, feeling that a Second Order Channel tried to hurt her. She's a Farris. Think of her pride.

Briel: Veraik. She was a spy. Lying was part of her life.

Briel: She could probably lie to any of us and we'd never know it.

Briel: And yes, if it served her purpose, I think she'd lie about this.

Briel frowns.

Briel: However, I'm not sure what good it would do in this case.

Briel: That's what has me wondering.

Eliza gets dry and dressed and runs to the cafeteria to meet Alea.

Veraik deepens his neutral field and looks away. "Maybe."

Alea goes into the cafeteria and gets herself a seat.

Briel rubs at her neck.

Briel: I told Snake I'd check into it.

Briel: Evidently either way, she and that lorsh aren't getting along.

Briel: It's something you should know.

Briel: Now, about the transfer schedule.

Eliza has decided that trin tea is wonderful stuff and that it must be good for the baby and that Alea can't have enough of it.

Veraik: I doubt that anyone could get along with Sumulo.

Alea accepts the cup of tea someone brings her.

Briel smiles thinly.

Veraik: What about the transfer schedule?

Briel: True.

Briel: I brought you a copy. I want you to go over, look, see if it's okay. Then you can send out the notices.

Briel pulls the schedule out of her pocket and tosses it on her desk.

Briel: You know, Veraik. You look tired.

Briel zlins Veraik.

Veraik nods and takes the schedule.

Veraik covers his nager.

Veraik: I'm a bit tired. I haven't been getting a lot of sleep lately.

Briel: Your Donor should be sleeping with you.

Briel thinks of Bcal and forces herself not to wince in her nager.

Veraik doesn't look at Briel but studies the schedule. "I don't have a Donor at the moment."

Alea sips her tea and sighs.

Briel: I assigned you Bcal.

Alea wishes it was laced with fosebine.

Veraik: B'Cal and Snake agreed that she would not be an acceptable Donor for me this month.

Briel sighs and rubs her neck.

Briel: Fine.

Briel: Well, look over that schedule and you can decide something later.

Veraik: Thank you. I will.

Briel: Why don't we go for some tea?

Eliza slips in at the table next to Alea and glows with excitement.

Eliza: "hello, how are you, I'm a donut"

Eliza smiles proudly.

Alea pauses in sipping her tea.

Alea: Excuse me?

Veraik blanches but agrees.

Briel loops an arm through Veraik's.

Eliza: Thats simelan - you said we were only going to talk that from now on.

Briel: Don't worry. It's going to work out.

Alea: No. I said greetings, farewells, donations, things like that.

Alea: But you aren't a "donut"

Eliza: That was a greeting.

Alea: You are "do-ing fine"

Eliza: Yes I'm going to be a Donut aren't I?

Alea: Ah.

Alea nods in understanding.

Eliza: "do-ing fine"

Alea: No.

Alea: You are going to be a "Don - nor "

Eliza looks at Alea nodding and saying no.

Eliza: "Don - nor "

Eliza tries shaking her head and saying yes to see what it feels like.

Veraik controls his nager and tries to remember the "good times" with Briel.

Alea: Now, would you like some tea?

Briel releases Veraik and walks out the door.

Eliza would love some tea.

Eliza: I'll go get it - would you like another cup?

Alea: Yes. Please.

Alea smiles.

Eliza jumps up and runs over and pours two cups of tea.

Eliza walks carefully back and puts them down in front of Alea without spilling a drop.

Eliza: Is there anything else you would like Alea?

Alea lifts her cup and takes a sip.

Alea: Thank you.

Alea: Did you sleep well last night [Simelan]

Eliza looks blank.

Alea motions with her hands, sleeping, then points at Eliza and looks with question.

Eliza: "yes"

Alea smiles and repeats Sleep.

Sumulo walks into the cafeteria and zlins that Farris Donor.

Alea chuckles.

Eliza: "sleep"

Alea: You're doing very good.

Eliza: "good"

Alea smiles softly at her young charge.

Eliza smiles.

Eliza: ~~ joy ~~

Sumulo sneers. "A Farris being a teacher. Oh how lowly."

Eliza looks up at the newcomer and smiles.

Alea looks over at Sumulo and smiles.

Eliza: "hello, how are you. I'm a donut"

Alea: They want this Donor to know something, unlike your training, which is still sadly lacking.

Sumulo toes her caste. "And what happened here" ~ zlins ~

Alea looks at Eliza.

Alea: "Don-nor"

Eliza is so happy.

Eliza: ~~ radiant joy, peace and love ~~

Eliza: "Don-nor"

Alea looks at Sumulo.

Alea: I have a chart. Read it.

Alea: Excuse me please.

Alea looks back at Eliza.

Eliza says [in english] "Alea broke her leg skating.

Sumulo: Oh I can see just how well you are teaching her. Donut? Hah. That's a good one.

Alea: You have a sense of humor?

Alea looks wide eyed in mock surprise.

Sumulo openly zlins the fresh young meat.

Sumulo slides a tentacle around Alea's neck. "I can when I want one."

Eliza smiles happily.

Eliza is glad that Alea has such a good friend.

Alea stiffens.

Eliza sees Alea's reaction and goes into protection mode.

Eliza: Are you ok Alea?

Sumulo zlins the young Donor again. "I know what I'd like for next month's transfer.

Alea: Fine [in English]

Alea: Get your tentacles off me [Simelan]

Eliza picks up the word transfer and gives him an uncertain grin.

Eliza wishes she understood more.

Sumulo pokes a tentacle tip into Alea's ear. "You are such a babe."

Eliza can't believe that this person is so familiar with Alea.

Sumulo: Sumulo zlins Alea .

Eliza: Alea - don't you have work to do in your office - shouldn't we be leaving?

Alea smiles thinly.

Alea: Yes, Eliza. My thoughts exactly.

Eliza starts to stand.

Alea's field goes flat.

Eliza takes Alea's hand.

Sumulo laughs.

Alea: Dream on, lover boy.

Eliza field is fluctuating wildly.

Sumulo: Where are you going?

Alea stands and grabs her crutches.

Alea: I have work to do.

Eliza tries to move closer to Alea.

Alea slips an arm around Eliza, comfortingly.

Eliza wants to get between Alea and that man.

Eliza: "good buying"

Sumulo: Then you admit it. We will be lovers.

Alea: Like I said, in your dreams.

Alea: [english]Come on, Eliza.

Eliza remembers that word from the tape.

Eliza goes with Alea.

Alea releases her and slips her crutches under her arms and works to get them balanced.

Alea: You will excuse us.

Alea waits for Sumulo to move out of the way.

Sumulo goes hypo and augments out the door, tripping Alea's bad ankle and making her fall again on it.

Eliza considers doing that slam thing to see what would happen.

Alea gasps.

Alea falls, hitting the ground.

Eliza gasps and punches at Sumulo.

Eliza: Get away from her you horrid man!!!

Sumulo is out the door, gasping at the pain but thinking it was worth it.

Eliza: ~~ indignation ~~

Eliza: Alea! are you alright?

Alea struggles up and gets her crutches.

Eliza: Shall I go get someone?

Alea: Yes. I'm fine.

Alea: No. No. really. I'm fine.

Eliza: I can't believe he did that!

Eliza is in tears.

Alea: That's just Sumulo. He and I have a running ... disagreement going.

Alea reaches out for Eliza.

Eliza is going to tell Veraik or Briel.

Alea: Here, help me up.

Eliza: Why didn't you slam him?

Eliza helps Alea up.

Alea slips her crutches under her arms.

Alea: Eliza. I never EVER slam unless my life is at risk.

Alea: That's way to dangerous. It can hurt someone severely.

Alea: With my field. I could easily kill someone.

Alea: He's not worth the risk.

Alea thinks yet.

Eliza: Seems to me...

Eliza shuts up.

Alea: Yes?

Eliza: Shouldn't you tell someone?

Alea glances at Eliza as she makes her way across the cafeteria.

Eliza looks around for someone to tell.

Alea: Really, Eliza. I'm fine. I'll handle him.

Tramila walks into the cafeteria and zlins pain.

Alea ~~ unsure ~~

Tramila goes to Alea.

Tramila helps Alea to sit.

Alea: Tramila. Hello, how are you? I'm fine too. Oh, nice day out? No, I didn't know!

Alea: Do you have to be so pushy!

Alea frustrated that she didn't make it out of the cafeteria

Tramila: Alea? What happened? and YES!

Eliza looks at Alea and wonders what just happened.

Alea: I fell.

Tramila: ~ protective ~

Eliza: That man pushed her [english]

Tramila: Tramila zlins Alea .

Tramila: No you didn't. Tell me what happened.

Alea looks at Eliza thinking great. She doesn't want anyone to know a mere second is pushing her around.

Tramila: Which man?

Eliza tries to think if she heard a name... "lover?"

Alea looks around for Frutata, Tramila's Donor and doesn't see him. Darn. He would have been a wonderful distraction.

Alea pauses, looking at Eliza incredulously.

Alea: Tarsh?

Alea wonders why she brought up Tarsh at a time like this.

Eliza radiates innocent.

Eliza: No not Tarsh.

Alea thinks maybe she meant....

Tramila gets Alea to the couch.

Alea: Then what are you talking about?

Eliza: That other Sme person man thing that just ran out the door.

Tramila: Then who?

Eliza: Wasn't that his name?

Alea: He's not my lover!

Alea shudders.

Alea sighs.

Alea: Just a um, second order channel we both know and hate.

Eliza: Oh I thought that "lover"[simelan} must have been his name.

Tramila zlins Alea. "Sumulo."

Alea: Why in the world .... Never mind.

Alea nods.

Eliza thinks "well it was a word I heard several times - they both said it"

Eliza can't wait to catch him alone and tell him what she thinks of him!!!

Eliza will give him what for....

Alea: He was angry and decided to act petty and shoved me on his way out.

Alea: He is so unoriginal.

Tramila: Lie back and let me heal your ankle before you drive every Sime in here crazy.

Eliza wonders if this Sme is going to attack Alea too.

Alea: Here?

Alea looks around.

Tramila: And dangerous Alea. "There are more hidden files on him than even you know about.

Eliza wonders why Alea seems be so the center point for so much disaster.

Alea shrugs thinking she'll get revenge on him.

Alea lays back and presents her cast covered leg.

Tramila zlins the Donor field. "Care to introduce me to your friend?"

Alea: Oh!

Alea flushes.

Eliza: Ummm Alea - I'll be back in a moment...

Alea: Forgive me. This is Eliza.

Eliza thinks now is a good time - while Alea is busy...

Eliza: Oh hello.

Alea: Eliza...? Tramila.

Tramila places tentacles around the cast.

Eliza: Hello Tramila.

Eliza sees that their attention has gone back to the job at hand and slips away.

Tramila: Hello Eliza.

Eliza is going to go find that person and make him come back and say "sorry"

Tramila: Where are you going Eliza?

Eliza: Oh ummm.

Eliza: Can you look after Alea for me - I just have to go for a moment...

Eliza: ~~ hiding something ~~

Alea glares.

Alea ~~ outrage ~~

Tramila smiles. "Come back and tell me about yourself.

Alea: I do not need "looking after"

Alea: I am a shendonie FARRIS!

Alea glares at them.

Alea: I hate it when you talk down to me that way Eliza!

Tramila releases Alea's ankle and goes to Eliza.

Eliza is upset now.

Tramila: Eliza. This should be your first lesson. Never lie to a Farris.

Eliza: ~~ misery ~~

Alea forces her anger away, realizing this child knows nothing about Farrises.

Tramila: Come back here and let me help Alea while we talk.

Eliza doesn't want to - she is cranky at that person and wants to blow off steam but she does as she is told.

Tramila places tentacles back on Alea's ankle.

Tramila: Eliza? Do you know what it means to be a Farris?

Eliza: I know I know - they are the uppity ones.

Alea gasps then bites her tongue to keep from blasting the girl.

Tramila laughs. "Well. That certainly can be a part of it. but actually it means that we are the most sensitive Channels and Donors."

Eliza lifts her head and looks down her nose at Alea at the table with her foot on another chair.

Eliza: Well, at least I don't fall over all the time.

Alea thinks that's it. She is not going to work with this child any more.

Eliza doesn't give a damn about that at the moment - she was only trying to help [again] and no one appreciates it.

Tramila: We wear black [pulls on black ribbons using one tentacle] because we are allergic to everything.

Eliza: Bah you think you are the only people in the world allergic to everything?

Eliza: I can't even take that fosebaine stuff Alea takes all the shen time.

Tramila: Eliza. Just because Alea is clumsy is no reason to insult her.

Eliza: So then she goes and POURS it over me!

Alea gets up and grabs her crutches, furious.

Alea: Excuse me.

Alea starts swinging off down the hall.

Eliza is indignant.

Tramila: Alea!

Alea ignores Tramila and keeps going.

Tramila turns to Eliza.

Eliza isn't sorry ~~ guilt ~~

Tramila: I didn't get a chance to finish her healing.

Tramila: She is in pain.

Tramila: Don't you care whether she will hurt renSimes that she passes in the hall.

Eliza hangs her head and sits down.

Eliza: Well go after her then.

Alea goes in search of a channel to heal her.

Tramila: Come with me. I will try to explain life in a Sime Center so you will have a better idea of where you are and how you are supposed to behave here.

Eliza: Ok [sulky]

Tramila leads Eliza to her office, grateful that she didn't have to eat breakfast.

Eliza is sick and tired of this crummy place and is thinking "bloody farris bloody farris" over and over.

Eliza decides she wants to go live somewhere where there are no "bloody farris's" to look down their noses at her.

Tramila shows Eliza into her office.

Tramila: Eliza. I know you have a lot to learn. I've talked to Veraik about you.

Eliza thinks it's a rotten office.

Eliza: Yeah - is he a farris too?

Tramila: If you do not wish to be here then I can have you sent to Householding Tien.

Tramila: Who? Veraik?

Eliza: Yeah.

Alea sees Veraik and Briel heading down the hall.

Alea: Excuse me, Hajenes. But could one of you possibly heal my ankle. I fell.

Tramila: No. Veraik is a First Order Channel.

Eliza decides she like Veraik.

Eliza decides she likes Veraik ALOT.

Eliza: Oh I see - no I don't want to go to a Housething.

Briel is startled, and zlins Alea.

Tramila: You can tell if a person is a Farris since only Farris's wear black.

Briel winces

Eliza: Ok.

Eliza: What about Briel - is she a farris?

Briel motions with a tentacle toward the treatment room.

Veraik zlins Alea's ankle.

Eliza decides it isn't the center she doesn't like - only the farris's.

Tramila: No. Only Snake, Alea and myself. Although we have had others pass through the Center on occasion.

Eliza decides that in that case she will stay [smiles again at last]

Eliza: Ok so - why am I always doing the wrong thing?

Briel looks at Veraik.

Briel: I'll handle her.

Veraik: Go on Briel. ** I ** will talk to her later.

Veraik leaves.

Alea hobbles into the treatment room, wondering what THAT was all about.

Briel zlins Veraik, concerned.

Tramila: Probably because you do not have enough knowledge not to do the wrong thing. However, that is easily fixed.

Eliza hopes so.

Eliza is tired of getting into trouble.

Veraik goes to the lobby in a very foul mood.

Eliza doesn't' feel good.

Tramila zlins Eliza. "You are not feeling good. What is the problem? Or do you want me to zlin you?"

Eliza: I just don't want people to be mad at me all the time.

Eliza feels restless.

Tramila smiles.

Eliza doesn't' want a damn farris channel doing anything to her.

Alea hobbles over to a chair and drops into it, sticking her foot out.

Tramila: Then let's get started. The more you know, the better chance you will have in not getting in trouble.

Alea is not happy being here.

Briel goes over and zlins it.

Briel: What happened?

Eliza is willing to learn from one however.

Alea: I fell.

Briel zlins Alea.

Alea keeps her field guarded allowing nothing to show.

Briel thinks shendoni fleckin Farrises...the only time they do that is when they're lying. Otherwise, they're smug or arrogant.

Briel: Oh, really? You fell?

Alea smiles blandly.

Alea: Yes. I fell.

Briel snarls and sticks her laterals out to heal Alea's ankle.

Alea relaxes.

Alea closes her eyes as Briel works on her ankle.

Briel finishes healing her then sits back coolly.

Briel: You know, Snake is under the impression you have talked to Veraik and I about Sumulo and we've refused to help you.

Alea ~~ surprise guilt ~~

Briel: I see. You did go to her.

Alea shrugs.

Alea: I would prefer not to include the Center in my arguments.

Briel: So, what she said is true?

Briel glares and stands.

Alea simply shrugs.

Briel: Fine. Play your games. But if you get hurt, don't come whining to Veraik or me.

Briel turns and goes out the door to go tell Veraik the latest development.

Alea sighs, disgusted, but not understanding why they don't understand why she is trying to keep them safe.

Alea gets her crutches and hobbles out of the room.

Alea hobbles down the hall to her office.

Alea goes into her office and proceeds to gather up all the books Eliza left in her office and put them in a bag.

Alea slips her arm through the loops and then turns and heads back down the hall.

Alea goes down the hall toward the library.

Eliza leaves Tramila's office with the paper with the writing on it to give to the Librarian.

Eliza dashes down the hall to the library.

Alea returns the books and starts out when Eliza almost runs her over.

Alea: Yikes.

Groupie wanders in the Center's back door.

Alea: Eliza. Running is dangerous for a Donor...

Eliza stands back stiffly.

Eliza: I don't see why - I don't usually fall.

Alea hears the back door and awkwardly turns.

Alea: Neither do I, Eliza.

Groupie starts opening doors, searching for something.

Eliza looks at the door [can't believe Alea said that!]

Alea: Uh, may I help you?

Alea motions to Eliza.

Alea: Help me corral him before he runs into someone's room that he might hurt.

Groupie finds an empty treatment room, and ducks inside long enough for a brief try at the locked medicine cabinet.

Alea hobbles down toward the treatment room.

Eliza follows the groupie - ahead of Alea who is too slow.

Willarene comes up the front steps of the Sime Center.

Eliza enters the treatment room "what are you doing in there!"

Groupie shakes his head when the lock fails to yield.

Groupie: That is NOT cosmic.

Willarene throws open the front door (knocking the doorknob into the plaster behind it) and stands there looking in suspiciously.

Alea swings her way down the hall... ending up in front of the room.

Eliza touches the groupie on the shoulder - "excuse me but you shouldn't be here"

Willarene steps into the Sime Center's lobby with a sort of martial stance.

Groupie looks at Eliza.

Alea hears a crash.

Alea: He's crazy, Eliza. He's been here for. He's looking for drugs.

Willarene is a slightly heavyset, grim-looking Gen woman with hair coming out of her bun.

Alea remembers this one as the crazy person who almost hurt Tarsh and doesn't like him one bit.

Groupie decides that Eliza doesn't have what he's looking for, and ignores her.

Briel comes in zlinning.

Briel: May I help you?

Eliza pulls groupie away from the chest by the shoulders.

Groupie ducks back into the hallway, narrowly avoiding Alea.

Briel studies the odd looking Gen.

Eliza: Get away from that!

Alea sticks her crutch out to trip Groupie.

Groupie: Hey, man. What you doing just standing in the hall?

Eliza runs after him "Stop!!!"

Groupie steps over the crutch and tries the next door.

Eliza crashes into the groupie and throws her arms around him.

Groupie looks at the shelves full of books.

Briel zlins the Gen again.

Groupie: Cosmic!

Alea hobbles after Groupie.

Alea: STupid...that's what he is.

Alea: Brain dead.

Willarene: ~~~ outrage/grief, under some control ~~~

Alea tries to hurry faster, worried about Eliza getting too close to the weirdo.

Groupie staggers a bit, but heads through the door into the library anyway.

Briel concerned.

Willarene: I want to talk to the person in charge.

Briel moves over to the Gen.

Groupie fails to allow enough space for Eliza to get through the door as well.

Briel thinks oh no.

Briel: That would be me.

Eliza falls through.

Alea: Shen it.

Alea turns back around and heads back the other way.

Groupie looks down in surprise as Eliza sprawls on the floor.

Eliza: "shen it" Eliza repeats.

Groupie: Why are you sleeping in the library?

Willarene: My son was killed by your negligence. What are you going to do about it? ~~ vicious anger, controlled ~~

Eliza doesn't understand a word and say "I'm a donut"

Alea swings to the library and goes in, almost tripping over Eliza.

Groupie decides that Eliza must really love reading.

Briel: Your son?

Briel remembers Groat as the only one who has died...

Briel: I'm so sorry.

Eliza decides that groupie smells.

Groupie looses his train of thought and returns to his current obsession.

Briel goes hypo.

Willarene: Just how many people's kids have died here with nobody knowing?

Groupie goes to the first shelf and starts pulling books off, inspecting each briefly before throwing it on the ground.

Alea swings in after Groupie.

Alea: I have drugs groupie.

Eliza picks up the books off the ground and puts them back.

Groupie: Cosmic!

Briel: None have died here that we don't know.

Eliza: Don't do that to the books!

Groupie starts emptying another shelf.

Briel: But this is a Sime Center. And we do have accidents sometimes.

Alea: You make a mess, you don't get them.

Willarene: Accidents???!

Briel: People we can't save though we try everything we can to save them.

Eliza keeps putting books back.

Eliza: Stop it!

Willarene: My son was perfectly healthy!! Are you people incompetent?

Groupie pauses a moment to look at Alea.

Groupie: Don't have any drugs?

Groupie looks very sympathetic.

Briel: Your son was in changeover and refused our help.

Eliza repeats "drugs" and keeps putting books back.

Groupie reaches into his pocket and withdraws a glass jar full of pills.

Alea: You want drugs?

Alea: Why don't you come with me?

Groupie: I got some.

Willarene: He came here, didn't he? Obviously he wanted your help. Don't try to lie to me.

Alea: I have a room downstairs and you can have all...

Groupie takes out a pill and offers it to Alea.

Groupie: It's cosmic!

Briel: I have no reason to lie to you ma'am. He was worried about changing over, didn't want to be a 'monster'

Alea takes the pill, looking at it helplessly.

Willarene looks completely flabbergasted.

Eliza glares at Alea thinking she had enough drugs yesterday.

Willarene: Are you out of your head? My son isn't like that.

Groupie smiles pleasantly at Alea, then turns around and starts to empty the books off that shelf.

Alea drops it down her shirt since she can't reach her pockets.

Alea: Now, I have some drugs you might like. Why don't you just come with me.

Eliza decides that Alea is a "Farris" and can cope with the situation herself and walks out.

Willarene: He'd been to changeover classes and everything. We told him to come here.

Alea glares back at Eliza.

Briel: But he refused to take channel's transfer. I have the records.

Briel: Groat?

Groupie keeps tossing books in Alea's general direction, until the stack is almost knee-high.

Willarene looks utterly contemptuous.

Willarene: Your "records" are supposedly more accurate than 15 years of my being his mother? I think I know my son.

Briel: Your son was church of the purity and refused to allow another channel to touch him.

Eliza smacks groupie over the head with a book on her way out.

Groupie reaches a collection of particularly well-thumbed books, and goes over the first with some care.

Briel: Believe me. We've worked with enough people to know church of the purity.

Willarene: Church of the Purity? [goggles] What in shen are you talking about?

Alea: Eliza!

Eliza holds her head up high and walks past Alea.

Briel: Your son was Groat?

Groupie thumbs quickly through the book, and goes back to check for a table of contents.

Eliza turns "yes Alea??"

Alea ~~ panic ~~

Eliza: Did you want me for something?

Willarene's expression turns strange.

Alea moves around the stacks of books.

Alea: Please help me.

Eliza: But Alea - you are a Farris...

Groupie fails to find a table of contents, and looks at the cover more closely.

Eliza: You don't need help from me.

Alea stiffens.

Willarene: Well.. his name is Wilbar but he's started calling himself "Groat" when he started in his new school.

Willarene: He said it had something to do with his friends.

Alea: That's fine. On your way to the lobby, don't forget to clean up that room he messed up.

Eliza: I'm not cleaning staff "I'm a donut"

Eliza: Walks out.

Briel: Well evidently his friends were church of the purity.

Groupie's eyes widen at the picture of a well-dressed Sime man reaching out to grab a particularly well-endowed Gen woman.

Alea hobbles over toward where Groupie is and lifts a crutch to swing at Groupie's head.

Eliza stops outside the door and turns to peek back in.

Groupie has a bit of trouble reading at the best of times, but finally manages to decipher the title.

Groupie: "Lateral Lust"?

Groupie shakes his head.

Alea swings the crutch and whacks Groupie with it.

Groupie: Bad trip. Definitely not cosmic.

Alea waits to see if Groupie is going to fall over unconscious or if she has to whap him again.

Groupie thinks in his drug-befogged way that he feels a rat bite him, and flings "Lateral Lust" in the general direction of the pesky disturbance.

Alea gasps when the book hits her.

Alea: Can you tell me exactly what you want?

Alea decides just to give it to him and then get him out of here since she's been deserted.

Eliza jumps but waits to see if Alea is alright before reacting again.

Willarene: Do you mean to tell me that your "channels" couldn't talk a teenaged boy out of some silly thing he only learned a couple of months ago?

Groupie looks at Alea, a bit surprised that she doesn't seem to know.

Groupie: I'm looking for the cosmic book.

Willarene thinks about Briel's words again.

Willarene: And how do I know you aren't making THAT up as well?

Briel: We tried. It's not our policy to allow someone to....

Briel stiffens.

Briel: We have nothing to prove to you. I'm sorry you're so upset.

Willarene: I think you people are a bunch of quacks and I'm going to report you to the Better Business Bureau.

Briel: Perhaps you should go talk to his friends.

Briel: Fine.

Briel: Be my guest.

Willarene flares outrage at the words "We have nothing to prove to you".

Alea thinks great.

Willarene: That's it. I'm going straight to the newspapers.

Willarene marches out of the Sime Center.

Briel: Well Shen!

Briel goes out the door after her.

Briel: Wait.

Willarene is marching determinedly down the street.

Alea: What book are you looking for?

Alea: I'll find it for you.

Alea thinks if he'll just leave.

Willarene: So you can give me more of the same?

Willarene: No thank you.

Groupie briefly inspects "Tentacle Temptation", "Nagerically Nimble" and "Genny's Great Gambole", and throws them towards the growing pile.

Willarene: [grimly]

Briel: Well, excuse me, ma'am. But what are we to do?

Groupie: The cosmic book.

Briel: Your son came in her in changeover and refused transfer. He died in a channel's arms.

Briel: That's all I can tell you.

Willarene stops.

Briel: We have no more information than his name.

Eliza decides that they need help and goes to get it.

Willarene: I want a full investigation into why my son died.

Willarene: You people are supposed to help people to survive changeover. Why didn't you?

Groupie's actions make it clear that he doesn't consider "Naughty Nan's Nager" a cosmic piece of literature.

Briel: We can't if they refuse to allow us to help.

Willarene: What does a boy that age know! You should have saved his life!

Alea hobbles over to a chair and sits down.

Alea: Fine.

Alea: Keep looking.

Alea: Let me know when you find it.

Alea drops her crutches and crosses her arms and waits.

Briel: That boy was an adult.

Briel: When he refuses transfer there is nothing we can do.

Groupie sets to work clearing the shelves.

Briel: I am terribly sorry for your loss, ma'am. I wish we could have done more.

Willarene: Don't give me that. I know there is all kinds of... of... [moves hand in waggling motion].. of things you people are supposed to be trained to do.

Briel: Yes. You are right.

Groupie doesn't find what he's looking for.

Briel: Perhaps you'd like to see some of them.

Eliza decides Alea will be fine and goes to finish her breakfast.

Willarene: What about that article in the Eastcove Press the other week about all the high level channels this Center has?

Alea sticks her feet out and crosses her arms over her abdomen and closes her eyes .

Briel: Yes. What about them?

Willarene: And how they are supposed to have had special training and...

Willarene pauses.

Willarene: What?

Briel: Maybe you'd like to come in and see all the things we can do.

Eliza hears angry voices from the lobby and thinks it's about normal for the Center.

Willarene looks angry.

Briel is silently cursing the fact she doesn't have a Donor here.

Willarene: I don't know what kind of wool you're trying to pull over my eyes, but I'm not buying it.

Eliza decides that it might be interesting at that.

Eliza wonders into the lobby.

Willarene: I'm going to call the Better Business bureau, the newspapers, the police, and my lawyer... not necessarily in that order!

Groupie considers the absence of the cosmic book from the Sime Center Library.

Willarene turns around and stomps away down the street.

Briel makes a rude comment and goes back inside.

Briel is shaking and angry.

Willarene notices she is passing a police station and decides to walk in.

Eliza: Hello Briel you ok?

Briel: No. I'm not.

Briel goes in and drops to the couch.

Eliza: ~~ concern ~~

Groupie's two moderately functioning brain cells fumble for a connection.

Eliza thinks about it for a moment.

Alea cracks and eye open to see if Groupie is done.

Willarene: [to desk sergeant] I want to file a complaint.

Eliza: ~~ support ~~

Willarene: No, I want to report a murder!

Eliza: Would you like a cup of trin?

Briel grabs at Eliza.

Briel: Just sit here for a moment.

Eliza ~~ supports ~~ Briel.

Briel takes a deep breath, resting on Eliza's field.

Eliza: What was that about? or don't you want to tell me>

Groupie decides that of course the cosmic book is present, but that someone has carefully hidden it away because he values it.

Eliza wonders if it would be a good idea to tell Briel what is happening in the library.

Briel: Just sit there and think happy thoughts, Eliza [English].

Eliza finds it amazingly easy to support Briel.

Briel takes another deep breath wondering where the shenned her Donor is.

Briel: I can't believe this.

Groupie considers again, which is very difficult for him to do twice in a day.

Eliza: ~~ joy ~~

Briel: That woman came in and accused us of murdering her son.

Briel shaking.

Eliza: ~~ radiant joy, peace and love ~~

Briel: Uh, tone it down.

Eliza: ~shock~ err ~support~

Briel: Try soothing, gentle thoughts.

Briel jerks and gasps.

Tormer takes a break from his paperwork and makes the rounds, checking to see that everything is functioning smoothly.

Alea: Are you done yet?

Alea: [to groupie]

Tormer notices his desk sergeant being bawled out by a VERY angry woman.

Eliza: Die we, err is the center responsible?

Briel: He died and it wasn't even one of our... No. No we weren't.

Briel: The channel who saw him did everything within her power to save him.

Groupie decides that he's going to have to offer whoever has the book something in exchange for it.

Tormer is having a slow day, so he decides to help out.

Alea studies groupie in disgust, ready to backslap him when he doesn't answer. She wonders if he has any brain cells at all.

Eliza wonders who is was but doesn't think it would be polite to ask.

Tormer: What seems to be the matter, ma'am?

Briel ~~ slowly relaxes ~~

Eliza ~~ supports ~~ Briel.

Eliza: ~~ calm ~~

Willarene: I would like to file a complaint. [for the eightieth time, rather stridently]

Eliza doesn't know if to put her arm around Briel in a comforting sort of way or not.

Briel: The child came in. He was church of the purity. He refused transfer.

Groupie doesn't want to surrender any more pills, so he gathers up some of the paperbacks from the stack, since they're more portable.

Briel: I signed the paperwork myself. I read the entire thing.

Eliza: Oh dear.

Eliza: I'm sure it will be ok.

Briel: I just hate to deal with parents who have lost children.

Briel: I hate to lose children too.

Briel: There was no reason for it.

Briel: He just flat refused what was offered.

Eliza worrys.

Alea grabs up her crutches, deciding to leave the idiot to whatever he wants.

Tormer: Of course, ma'am. Sergeant Ur, give the lady the proper form. Ma'am, if you will fill in the form, so we have a written record, I will be happy to get the details of the problem from you personally.

Eliza thinks about Alea and wishes she was here.

Willarene snatches the form the sergeant finally gives her.

Alea pushes up and slips them under her arms and swings toward the door, carefully avoiding the fallen books.

Eliza: Would you like me to get you a proper Donor Briel?

Eliza: I could get Alea for you.

Briel sneers.

Briel: No, thank you.

Willarene quickly fills it out in bold, impeccably regular handwriting.

Briel: I have no desire for -her-.

Eliza: Is there anyone else I could get for you? I don't know really .....

Alea gets to the door and struggles to get the door open.

Briel: I ... uh ... yeah.

Briel smiles sweetly at Eliza.

Briel: You're doing great for such a new Donor... but[it's not quite right--thinks]

Briel: I'll be fine.

Briel: You work good on those emotions, Eliza.

Briel: I'm surprised.

Eliza wonders where a Donor is when you need one.

Briel: What, you've been here three four days now?

Briel shudders thinking this girl is such a natural.

Eliza: ~~ support ~~

Groupie goes to the door, carefully cradling his stack of....um...."literature".

Eliza tries to count and realizes she can't remember.

Eliza: Sees like forever in some ways Briel.

Alea pulls the door open, accidentally ramming it into Groupie.

Alea: Oh!

Eliza: And in other like I just got here.

Alea looks surprised ~~ not ~~

Alea: I'm sorry.

Briel smiles.

Groupie backsteps.

Frutata walks into the lobby and studies the schedule board.

Groupie: Hey, that wasn't cosmic.

Eliza: This is sure a hectic place - it beats me how you handle it.

Alea slams the door and locks it.

Alea: Drop the books, then you can go.

Alea just can't let it go.

Frutata runs his finger down the board and frowns when Tramila's name appears next to his with still no time actually scheduled for them to work together.

Briel: I guess you've been rather inundated since being here.

Groupie shakes his head, unlocks the door, and wanders down the hall.

Briel: Best training I can suggest.

Tormer waits patiently for Willarene to finish filling out the form, wondering if there will be some entertainment value from the complaint.

Alea thinks it's interesting how Groupie walked right through her, shrugs and goes down he hall.

Tormer has been at his desk all week fielding inquiries on the mysterious missing artwork, and would love an excuse to get out in the field.

Briel: Ah, Frutata.

Briel signals him from where she is.

Willarene hands back the form, detailing her complaint that the Sime Center negligently allowed her son to die in changeover.

Eliza looks at who Briel is talking to.

Willarene: [with added details such as "We have nothing to prove to you."

Willarene: ]

Tormer takes the form and scans it deliberately.

Alea swings down the hall, ignoring groupie completely and going to the lobby.

Groupie recalls (sort of) that there was a lot of paper in the lobby.

Alea swings into the lobby, sees Briel and Frustata and Eliza.

Alea ignores them and goes over to the cloak stand and gathers her cloak.

Groupie remembers that there were also lots of people in the lobby, and decides that one of them might be willing to exchange "Larry's Laterals" for the cosmic book.

Frutata approaches Briel.

Briel decides Frutata isn't going to answer and reaches back out for Eliza.

Eliza wonders if Alea thinks she is going down the front stairs on crutches.

Frutata: Hello, Briel. [smiles]

Eliza: Errr Briel...

Briel pauses.

Briel: Work with me.

Eliza supports Briel while waiting for the other Donor to help.

Alea slips on her cloak and scarf and then pulls on first one glove and then the other.

Alea: Eliza, open that door for me.

Alea swings toward the door.

Eliza tries to support Briel - but is a bit concerned by Alea's actions.

Briel reaches out for Frutata.

Frutata steps closer to Briel and engages her field slightly, waiting for the other Donor to hand her off.

Briel nods to Eliza.

Tormer finishes reading and nods deliberately.

Eliza: Alea! do you think its wise to go out on crutches?

Tormer: I believe the complaint is serious enough to warrant an immediate investigation.

Eliza knows it isn't.

Alea: Of course it is.

Willarene: Well I'm glad somebody does!

Alea lying.

Willarene: I'm planning on going to the newspapers next.

Willarene: I can see the headlines now: "We have nothing to prove to you"

Eliza doesn't' agree.

Briel gets up and moves into Frutata's field.

Eliza: Alea - you have a broken leg - you are pregnant - it is icy out there.

Briel ~~ relief ~~

Eliza: You don't even have a channel with you.

Eliza: And you promised Tarsh that you wouldn't go out without one.

Alea pauses, trying not to glare.

Tormer: As it happens, ma'am, I am going to the Sime Center to get some information for an unrelated case. Perhaps you could walk with me and fill me in on the details?

Frutata slips smoothly into support of Briel.

Alea: I assigned a renSime to keep the pathway clear of ice for the next week.

Eliza hardly thinks that is the point.

Eliza: Alea - and who is going with you?

Willarene: They were so rude to me there, I hardly want to go back now.

Groupie gets lost on the way to the lobby, ending up in the rest room instead.

Willarene purses her lips.

Alea curses.

Alea turns around and swings over to the desk.

Willarene: I do believe I would go into a screaming rage if I had to face that woman again.

Briel ~~ relax ~~

Willarene: I have to go home.

Briel: Thank you, Frutata.

Eliza follows at a distance enough to be out of crutch range.

Frutata smiles again.

Tormer: Ma'am, I can't take action on your complaint until I have heard the entire story from both of you.

Alea picks up the phone and has Lawana paged.

Eliza would love to stop and watch Frutata and Briel working but Alea is more important at the moment.

Tormer: That will be accomplished fastest if I have both of you in the same room.

Willarene sighs and grits her teeth.

Willarene: Fine. I'll go.

Frutata is relieved to have a channel to work with.

Frutata considers asking about Tramila again, but realizes this is probably not a good time.

Frutata concentrates on Briel instead.

Lawana: You paged Alea [smiles and kisses Alea on the cheek]

Tormer: Good. I know your time is valuable, but you realize that serious charges require a thorough investigation.

Alea gapes at Lawana, thinking they've all gone crazy.

Alea: Uh, yes, Lawana.

Alea: Would you um, walk out with me?

Tormer: I would like to get this settled as quickly as possible.

Briel: Whole center has gone crazy.

Lawana: What can I do for you honey... I have some clients... but I can spare a little time.

Briel shakes her head at Frutata.

Alea: I want to walk.

Alea goes back toward the front door.

Tonkie walks into the center with a bible and a stack of reading material to leave.

Frutata continues to offer Briel ~~ soothing concern ~~, just enough to let her relax without taking the edge off her alertness.

Alea sees the bible and almost shrieks.

Alea hastily backs up and offers support to Lawana.

Alea thinks ~~ another Avaleia ~~

Lawana follows sedately.

Frutata blocks Alea's "shriek" from Briel.

Lawana catches Alea as she backs into her.

Alea ~~ soothing support ~~

Eliza is confused.

Groupie wanders into the lobby, still carrying his stack of books.

Briel turns to see what Alea reacted too and gapes.

Tonkie smiles and offers Alea a tract.

Groupie sees Tonkie carrying books.

Briel grabs Frutata's arm.

Tonkie: Oh child of god.

Alea takes the tract...

Tonkie: You can be saved.

Frutata boosts his support, moving protectively closer to Briel.

Alea nods.

Groupie decides that Tonkie seems to like her books.

Tonkie smiles pleased to have such a big audience.

Groupie goes over to Tonkie.

Groupie: Is that the cosmic book?

Tonkie: The most cosmic ever child.

Tonkie hands groupie a bible.

Alea realizes this person isn't going to try to kill the Simes so she turns and goes to the door.

Alea: Come on, Lawana.

Briel zlins Tonkie.

Lawana stands behind Alea amused by the situation.

Lawana: Where did you want to go Alea?

Groupie: Will you trade me a copy?

Briel zlins Groupie and sighs.

Tonkie smiles at Briel and hands him a book.

Briel wonders where another person is when you require help.

Tonkie: You too can be saved.

Tonkie: You can all be saved.

Frutata adjusts his position and nager to allow Briel a clear zlin of Groupie and Tonkie while blocking the worst of the ambient.

Briel strides over, grabs groupie and tosses him out the front door.

Tonkie: [to groupie] have it with my blessing child.

Briel: Go, Tonkie. NOW>

Groupie politely hands her "Larry's Laterals" in exchange.

Tonkie is shocked by such actions.

Frutata hurries after Briel.

Frutata: ~~~ calming ~~~

Tonkie takes the Larry's laterals and smiles in thanks not looking at it.

Frutata: ~~ soothing/relaxing ~~

Tonkie turns to Briel "sister such hostility is most unbecoming'

Groupie eagerly opens Tonkie's book and starts to read.

Briel grabs Tonkie and tosses him out along with Groupie.

Groupie doesn't find what he expects.

Tonkie is happy that so many potential saint have received the msg and leaves.

Briel slams the door

Briel looks at Frutata.

Frutata is perplexed that his nager seems to have no effect on Briel.

Briel: I think we should put a lock on that door.

Frutata: I apologize.

Lawana follows Alea.

Briel: No, I'm perfectly calm.

Eliza is confuzzled.

Briel: I simply remember what has happened before with him.

Briel: It was easier to toss him out than let him wreck my Center.

Frutata of course does not know what happened before.

Groupie lies in the snow, his remaining literature spread on the snow all around.

Frutata: I see.

Alea realizes the nuts are outside and turns around and goes back inside.

Alea: And the other one. That's what Aveleia always did.

Briel: Why risk it.

Lawana is amused by Alea's uncertainty and follows her back in.

Lawana: Alea how about we go grab a cup of trin instead.

Frutata is not familiar with Avaleia, but can tell that Briel is upset.

Alea: Thank you Lawana.

Frutata: ~~~ soothing support ~~~

Alea: I guess I'm not going for a walk after all.

Eliza thinks that lawana sounds like a sensible person.

Frutata: Perhaps a small break would be in order?

Briel: Yes, please.

Briel: This has been one of the worst days...

Tormer leads Willarene up the path to the Sime Center, pausing to view groupie and the books (porn and Bible) spread around him.

Briel shakes her head.

Groupie looks up at Tormer.

Frutata leads Briel toward her office.

Groupie sees the pretty blue uniform, just the color of the summer sky.

Frutata: Shall I make the tea?

Groupie: Cosmic!

Briel goes into her office and sinks down.

Briel: Please.

Lawana smiles at the usual havoc and thinks "no place like home"

Alea: I apologize, Lawana, for taking you from your work.

Alea works her way over to the sofa and sits down.

Frutata closes Briel's office door and sets about preparing the tea, keeping his attention upon Briel.

Lawana: Oh it's no problem Alea - anytime you know that.

Lawana: You sure you don't need me any more?

Lawana thinks of the work she has still to do.

Briel slowly relaxes.

Lawana: Does your leg feel better today?

Willarene gets a closer look at the title on one of the books: "Ronaplin Uninhibitor"

Alea: No, of course not. Thank you.

Willarene: Obscene!!

Tormer snarls at groupie, but is after bigger game.

Willarene: [shocked]

Lawana: Ok then.

Alea: Yes, it does. Thanks.

Alea sits back then sees Eliza standing there staring.

Alea: Well, do you not have anything to do?

Eliza wants so badly to sit next to Alea and apologize - but she doesn't want Ale to look down her nose at her again.

Eliza: No actually I don't.

Tormer looks at the cover.

Eliza: Nothing.

Frutata makes the tea with calm, careful movements.

Tormer: I've seen worse.

Eliza: I'm totally useless.

Eliza wonders if Snake would give her a job.

Alea: Fine. Sit down here.

Eliza hesitates.

Willarene then notices the bible.

Willarene: ~confusion~

Eliza: Ok just for a moment then.

Alea: Rest for a minute, and then we'll talk about what happened in the library earlier.

Eliza wonders which occasion in the library Alea means.

Willarene wonders what she has been missing all these years she hasn't read the bible.

Eliza thinks that working for Snake might not be too bad and wonders how it pays.

Eliza wonders if she would survive it.

Eliza starts day dreaming about standing on street corners looking attractive for renSimes.

Groupie sees Willarene pick up his Bible.

Willarene opens it.

Groupie: The woman inside told me that was the most cosmic book ever.

Willarene reads: "The Sime is the Demon in Fleshly Form and must for the Greater Good be Exterminated."

Willarene: What rubbish!

Willarene: Where did you get this, young man!

Groupie: Inside. They had it hidden, because they think it's so cosmic.

Groupie just wishes it weren't so long. It's going to take _forever_ to find the part about how to manufacture honeybee.

Willarene is outraged.

Willarene: Do you mean to tell me you got this piece of ... literature at the Sime Center?

Groupie: You have to read it close, but it has such wisdom.

Willarene turns to Tormer and stiff arms him in the chest with the book.

Groupie's memory isn't quite what it should be, but he's sure of that.

Willarene: Will you read this trash! It says all Simes are Demons!

Groupie: Yeah. It's cosmic.

Willarene: And they're giving it out here!

Tormer looks at the title in distaste, having seen a copy in the Avaleia evidence file.

Tormer: Yes, ma'am. I am aware of the book's contents.

Tormer: Shall we see why it was being passed out inside a Sime Center?

Tormer takes the book and strides heavily up to the Sime Center's door.

Tormer discovers that the door is locked, and pounds authoritatively.

Alea hears the pounding and ignores it.

Eliza jumps up shaken out of her day dream and goes over to open the door.

Eliza looks up and up until she comes to Tomer's face.

Eliza: Yes?

Tormer: We are here to talk to Controller Briel.

Eliza: Oh ummm come in.

Willarene stamps in after Tormer.

Eliza: Won't you take a seat -[gestures to the one Alea is in - rethinks and gestures to the one on the other side}

Alea sees Tormer and groans.

Willarene: ~~ suppressed outrage/grief ~~

Eliza: I'll let her know that you are here.

Alea glares at Eliza for opening the door.

Tormer: Good. And perhaps you could get us some tea as well? Miz Willarene could use some.

Alea reaches for her crutches, slips them under her arms and stands.

Eliza sees everyone glaring at her and shrinks.

Alea: Excuse me, but SHE is not your maid.

Eliza: Errr no I'm a donut.

Alea: YOu can get it yourself, over there, in the service room.

Alea points toward a small room off to the side.

Tormer clomps over to the couch and installs himself, with the immovability of a tax collector waiting for an auditee to run out of excuses.

Willarene is annoyed by Alea's rudeness.

Willarene sniffs and goes and sits down.

Alea turns and starts to swing her way out of the lobby.

Alea: Come on, Eliza. This isn't where you should be.

Eliza goes to Alea'shall we get Briel?"

Alea glances over her shoulder at Tormer and Willarene.

Alea: Let them wait.

Alea: Briel needs some breathing space.

Eliza: But what about those people?

Alea: Believe me, you don't want to be around Tormer. He has totally wrecked this Center and is nothing more than a bully.

Alea: He can wait until Briel is ready to see him.

Eliza has her mind again on other things "ok. umm Alea can I talk to you seriously please?"

Alea leans back against the wall, breathing hard.

Alea: Yes?

Eliza: Perhaps in your office - you should sit down maybe...

Eliza is sorry she said that.

Alea thinks about going back into the lobby and frowns.

Alea: Fine.

Alea swings back around and heads to the lobby, crossing it and going to her office.

Alea fumbles with the door and finally gets it pushed open.

Eliza tags along.

Alea moves in.

Eliza follows and shuts the door.

Alea tosses her crutches across the room and then hops after them to the couch.

Alea drops down, exhausted.

Eliza is sorry Alea is obviously so tired and feels guilty for saying mean things.

Alea: Sit down, Eliza.

Eliza sits on the floor next to the couch.

Eliza takes a deep breath.

Eliza: Alea, it seems that alot of people here, me included, doubt that I'll ever be good enough to be a Donor for the Tecton.

Alea looks at Eliza.

Eliza: I was wondering if you could perhaps talk to snake about giving me a job with her?

Alea: Why the shenned do you think that?

Alea gapes then freezes.

Eliza thinks it's obvious.

Alea ~~ betrayal ~~

Eliza: Well everyone is mad at me ALL the time.

Alea: If that's what you want.

Eliza: No matter what I do I do it wrong.

Eliza: I have no control.

Eliza: I make silly mistakes.

Eliza: I upset people all the time - look at you!

Eliza: You are always upset with me!

Alea: I'll tell you what. Why don't you talk to snake.

Alea: I'm sure she'll be thrilled to have you.

Alea: She fairly drooled over you when she took down your field.

Eliza: Do you think so?

Eliza: Won't you talk to her about it first?

Alea ~~ nager going flat ~~

Alea: Of course. Why not? I mean, why shouldn't a -Farris- Donor try to get rid of its potential Donors from the Tecton.

Eliza doesn't understand the sarcasm at all.

Eliza: Thank you Alea.

Alea stands and grabs her crutches.

Alea: I think you'll regret it.

Eliza: Errr also...

Alea: But, you won't know that until you try it, will you.

Eliza is stunned.

Alea: Your certainly not happy here and not even giving us a chance.

Eliza: ~~ misery ~~

Eliza bursts into tears and runs from the room.

Alea slips the crutches under her sore arms.

Alea watches her run from the room and throws her crutches across the room, smashing them loudly against the wall.

Eliza flings herself on her bed and sobs.

Alea drops back down and curses a blue streak.

Alea cries.

Lanyi comes out of the store room with a large case.

Lanyi takes the case to the conference room.

Lanyi starts fiddling with the strange device.

Tarsh goes down the upstairs hall.

Eliza sobs.

Alea wipes her eyes and then looks for her crutches, sees them on the other side of the room.

Tarsh knocks at the door to Alea's room.

Eliza thinks if snake won't take her at least she knows that Smes will pay.

Briel waits for her tea from Frutata.

Briel is relaxing under his work.

Tarsh waits for a while before deciding that Alea isn't there.

Lanyi swears in Simelan at the equipment.

Frutata brings Briel's cup to her and sets it carefully before her.

Tarsh goes back down the hall.

Briel: Thank you Frutata.

Frutata carries his own cup and sits nearby Briel, continuing to bathe her in a concerned and comforting field.

Tarsh goes downstairs.

Alea looks at her crutches and the hole she made in the wall---across the room.

Frutata: Do you want to talk about your difficulties? [quietly]

Briel: We lost a kid here the other night.

Eliza is going to force an attack and then DIE and it will all be HER fault!

Eliza: then SHE will feel bad.

Briel: The mother came in, and she blamed us.

Eliza will make that blood ferris feel guilty.

Tarsh comes through the lobby on his way to Alea's office.

Briel: I didn't know what to tell her.

Briel: I tried to explain things, and lost it. Made no sense.

Briel: She is furious.

Eliza hopes Alea will feel sooooo bad that she will just curl up and die.

Briel: She was grieving and I didn't even offer her any comfort.

Tarsh sees Tormer and a Gn woman in the lobby.

Briel: I feel absolutely awful.

Tarsh goes back to Alea's office and signals.

Alea glances at the door, wipes her face again then sighs.

Alea: Come in.

Lanyi stops herself from flinging the device through the wall and decides to do something else right now.

Tarsh opens the door. "Alea!"

Alea sees Tarsh and smiles.

Alea: Hello, dear.

Tarsh: How are you doing?

Frutata: ~~ support ~~

Frutata: Is there anything you can do to repair the damage?

Alea shrugs.

Briel: I have no idea.

Willarene waits impatiently in the lobby.

Lanyi does some calming exercises.

Willarene has drunk all the tea she can hold.

Briel rubs at her neck feeling a pain creeping up her neck.

Frutata: ~~ sympathy ~~

Willarene doesn't want any donuts either.

Alea: I was going to go for a walk, but well...

Lanyi comes out to the lobby.

Alea gestures at the crutches.

Willarene can't for the life of her see why that silly girl suggested donuts.

Willarene: Excuse me!

Willarene: We have been waiting here for some time.

Tarsh zlins the crutches, the hole, and their position across the room from Alea.

Willarene: When will we be attended to [to that policeman] this is probably why my son died!

Briel: What do you tell a woman who's child changed to church of the purity and refused transfer.

Lanyi: Yes Ma'am?

Briel: And no one from the Center was there to help, only someone loosely associated with the center.

Willarene: We are waiting to see the manager - and we want to see her NOW.

Willarene: This is important business and we do not want to be kept waiting.

Tarsh goes over and picks up the crutches and brings them over to Alea's desk with out comment.

Eliza is out of sobs.

Lanyi: You wanted to see Controller Briel?

Alea ~~ guilt ~~

Alea: Thank you [small voice]

Willarene: Yes "we want to see Controller Briel" if that is her name.

Tarsh: Alea? Is something the matter?

Frutata winces.

Willarene: Think we are here for our nerves????

Lanyi steps back to look at the schedule board.

Alea: Well, besides the fact that I'm going to torture Sumulo to death the next time I find him alone?

Willarene wonders if Lanyi was the one responsible and her hostility increases.

Frutata: Perhaps you had better tell her the truth, and offer to do whatever she wants in repayment.

Alea: Or perhaps that I have to explain why I let a crazy druggie steal books from the library.

Alea: Or, best of all, the girl I'm suppose to be training...Eliza?

Frutata thinks if such a thing had happened in his homeland, those responsible would owe the boy's mother their lives.

Alea: I just hurt her and she ran out of here sobbing.

Alea smiles.

Alea's nager is NOT smiling.

Lanyi looks over at this hostile Gen. "I didn't know what you wanted. Thank you for telling me."

Briel: I told her the truth, Frutata.

Briel: I told her we tried to help her son. He refused help.

Willarene glares.

Briel: He died in a channel's arm.

Tarsh: Wait are you going to torture Eliza, or she was stolen by a crazy druggie?

Frutata thinks Briel has told two versions of the story, very different.

Frutata: I see.

Lanyi: The schedule board doesn't say where Hajene Briel is at the moment. Is it anything I could help you with?

Frutata: ~~ carefully maintained support ~~

Willarene: I doubt that.

Alea looks at Tarsh like she is crazy, then promptly burst into tears.

Tarsh puts his arms around Alea.

Tarsh: I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

Willarene is close to tears.

Tarsh: Just trying to be silly.

Willarene: ~~ grief ~~

Alea grabs Tasrh's shirt and sobs.

Alea: The druggie is groupie who almost killed you that time.

Alea: He came back.

Alea: I'm gonna torture Sumulo for what he said and then purposely trying to hurt my foot.

Alea: And poor Eliza.

Alea: SHe's from out-Territory.

Alea: SHe doesn't understand our ways.

Tarsh: ~~ disturbed ~~ The one who kept saying 'Cosmic'?"

Alea: Yes.

Alea: He took the books and left, leaving everything in a mess.

Alea pushes back and digs down her shirt and pulls out a pill.

Alea: He gave me this.

Lanyi comes over and sits down. "What is the matter, ma'am? Is someone sick?"

Briel: I don't know Frutata.

Willarene: My son ----died---- here.

Tarsh: ~~ puzzled ~~ "Books?"

Briel: How do you offer comfort to someone like that?

Willarene: In changeover

Lanyi: Oh, I'm so sorry.

Alea: The books he stole from the library.

Alea: Oh, they're not important.

Willarene: Because of the incompetence of your channels...[looks at Lanyi suspiciously]

Tarsh: "_Books_?"

Willarene: Was it you?

Alea: I'm not cut out to be a mother and here I am with Eliza, a child needing a mother's guidance.

Alea blinks at Tarsh.

Alea: Yes. Books.

Lanyi: Because of...

Alea: Strangest thing, you know.

Alea: He didn't want drugs this time, but books.

Willarene: They let him die.

Alea: He threw every book off the shelves of the library.

Tarsh: Eliza? She is an adult, I've zlinned her field...

Alea: Maybe physically. But emotionally she still requires so much.

Lanyi: 'Let him die'? Why do you say that.

Alea: And Veraik told me I'm responsible for all of her training, emotionally as well as every other way.

Briel: I don't know how to offer comfort.

Tarsh: And why do think you have to be her mother?

Frutata reaches out and touches Briel.

Alea: I don't want to be.

Frutata: ~~ soothing ~~

Frutata: Sometimes it is difficult. [agrees]

Tarsh face stiffens. "Veriak. Of course."

Alea: Shen, though, Veraik expects me to guide her, teach her the ways.

Willarene shuts her eyes.

Alea: Yes. Veraik, as usual.

Briel: I'm harsher than someone say, like Lanyi. I've watched her work. Even Veraik knows how to comfort someone who is grieving.

Tarsh: Shouldn't a channel be doing some of the training?

Willarene: We will come back either when Controller Briel can see us or when we have a search warrant.

Alea: I think so.

Willarene: [gets up to go]

Alea: However, I am to teach the girl how to speak the language, how to write, take her with me on all the donations and transfers I assist a channel with.

Frutata considers.

Alea: Keep an eye on her.

Frutata: I realize I am inexperienced in your culture...

Frutata: [hesitates]

Briel braces herself.

Briel: Yes?

Tarsh: Sounds like a lot of work....

Willarene walks to the door "Please tell Controller Briel that she will be hearing from me [storms out]

Frutata: Would you like me to attempt to speak to her?

== Should this be in the log? ==

Briel: I have no idea if it'd do any good.

Lanyi watches her go, still not following what all that was about.

Frutata: A mother who has lost her son requires comforting.

Briel: Yes, yes she does.

Frutata: It may not do you any good, but it would do _her_ good.

Briel: If I only knew how to offer that comfort. How to tell her why he died.

Briel: How to help her through that pain.

Tarsh cuddles Alea. "this place asks so much of people..."

Frutata is not sure what he can do besides encourage Briel, and offer his own services.

Frutata: ~~ supportive kindness ~~

Lanyi says to Tormer before he can go... "Inspector Tormer..."

Alea slips her arms around Tarsh.

Tormer turns to Lanyi.

Alea: Thank you Tarsh, for understanding.

Briel: Thank you Tormer for your help.

Veraik goes to Alea's office in search of her.

Tarsh just holds her.

Tormer nods.

Veraik signals at Alea's door.

Lanyi: I've been meaning to come down and speak to you. On another matter.

Alea hears the signal but ignores it.

Veraik signals again.

Tormer: Since I'm here now, I'd be happy to speak with you.

Alea sighs.

Tormer would just as soon let Willarene get a good head start.

Veraik: ~ impatient ~

Alea: Come in.

Alea glances up at the door.

Veraik enters and zlins Tarsh.

Briel Tormer Frutata.

Tarsh glares over at Veriak.

Veraik: ~ serious ~ "Just the two I wanted to see."

Alea: I guess Eliza came crying to you?

Veraik ignores Tarsh and sits down.

Lanyi: It has come to my attention that you had requested certain assistance form this center in the past...

Alea struggles to stand up and move away from Veraik.

Lanyi: On a certain High profile case.

Alea reaches for her crutches.

Veraik: Eliza? What's wrong with Eliza? [eyebrows furrow]

Tormer: Yes, I have, and received little cooperation.

Tarsh helps Alea get on her crutches.

Veraik zlins Alea. "Tramila told me about your 'accident'.

Alea smiles her thanks and moves over toward her desk.

Alea stiffens and turns.

Alea: Oh?

Alea coolly.

Lanyi: So I understand. I was hoping I could remedy that.

Alea leans back against her desk, staring down at Veraik.

Tormer looks interested.

Lanyi: It was a matter of needing information on personnel movements?

Veraik blocks Alea's nager as best he can but with his depleted state and her engorged state it wasn't enough.

Tormer: Yes. The information could be critical.

Alea moves closer to Tarsh, getting her balance, then lays the crutches aside.

Tormer reflects that at this stage in the investigation, any information could be critical. Like what was stolen, for instance.

Veraik zlins Alea closely as she moves.

Alea: How may I help you?

Lanyi: Can you tell me exactly what is was you wanted to know?

Alea inches closer to Tarsh.

Tormer looks around at the lobby.

Tormer: Perhaps we could speak somewhere more private?

Veraik looks at Alea and Tarsh with a harden look.

Lanyi: Of course. Come this way, please.

Tormer follows Lanyi.

Lanyi leads to her office and shows the inspector in.

Eliza gets up and sits on the side of the bed.

Veraik: Look at you two. So nice and cuddly. The look of innocence but I zlinned the truth the day that Rhelana was in your room.

Tarsh tries to stifle his jealousy at Veriak zlinning Alea.

Tormer takes a seat.

Eliza looks through the cupboard for something that doesn't yell "Tecton"

Alea: Well?

Alea forces her nager flat.

Veraik: And the truth is that both of you care so little about a renSime that you would move an unconscious one.

Lanyi closes and locks the door, and goes over to her chair.

Tarsh: I beg you pardon, Hajene?

Alea gapes.

Alea: Excuse me?

Tarsh: Moving someone 5 feet isn't going to have an effect.

Veraik: So as Controller, I am forced to take action against both of you.

Alea: Wait a minute!

Tormer: I require information on all transitory employees during the past three months.

Alea ~~ outraged ~~

Tormer: That includes Donors and channels.

Veraik zlins Tarsh.

Lanyi: So. When was the period in question?

Lanyi: Ah.

Veraik: Have you been move while unconscious Tarsh?

Tormer: The object was stolen some three months ago, and was traced to this area.

Tarsh: Not that I recall.

Veraik: ~ nager flat, professional ~

Tormer: It is not known whether it is still in the area.

Alea: You might ask us why we moved her!

Lanyi: By transitory employees, do you mean the channels and Donors, or the ordinary employees?

Veraik: Psycho-spatial disorientation is the worst thing that can happen to a Sime with the exception of attrition.

Tarsh: ~~ restraining indignation and anger ~~

Veraik looks to Alea.

Alea: She deserved it[mutters]

Tormer: Both. I don't have any solid information on why the object was stolen, and Tecton employees, particularly of high rank, had the most access to it.

Veraik: When it comes to psycho-spatial, there are really no good excuses barring death.

Alea working to restrain her anger.

Alea: Well, I was working to stop the death of my child.

Lanyi: Oh dear.

Tormer: Or at least so I'm told. I have not been allowed any solid information on the case.

Alea thinks that sounds like what he wants for a requirement and smiles smugly.

Veraik: You have other ways Alea.

Tormer: ~~ frustration of an efficient professional being prevented from doing his job ~~

Lanyi: So all movements of personnel for the last three months?

Alea lifts an eyebrow and looks down her nose at Veraik.

Tarsh: Location sense is not that precise. Not to within inches.

Tormer: Yes, if you would. Mind you, aside from having opportunity, I have no reason to believe that the criminal is a current or former employee of your Center.

Veraik: So, as Controller, I have decided that you, Alea will be reassigned to Sumulo.

Lanyi: Of course. Would you want me to just list them for you, or do you want to see the records themselves?

Tormer: However, if the same names appear in the similar lists being collected from other Sime Centers along the known route of the object, it could provide an important clue.

Alea: Sumulo!

Alea ~~ shock ~~

Alea feels sick.

Veraik: [Turns to Tarsh] And your transfer will be delayed by 10 minutes.

Tarsh: ~~ anger ~~ "Why You ..."

Alea: I'm a Farris!

Alea: You can't do that!

Tarsh steps towards Veriak.

Alea ~~ mild panic ~~

Veraik stands.

Lanyi considers. "I suppose it would."

Veraik: ** I ** am the Controller and what the two of you did was unforgivable.

Alea focuses on Tarsh with her field.

Alea: Please, Tarsh... [whispers]

Tormer: I realize that most Sime Centers have a great deal of personnel turnover. If you could provide a list of names, jobs, and current and former addresses of record, I would be most grateful.

Alea ~~ stunned anger disbelief ~~

Tarsh: [ very tightly } Well, *you* know all about that sort of thing, _*DON"T*_ YOU!"

Tormer: I will add that I quite understand that personnel records are confidential, and that no one other than myself will have access to the list.

Lanyi: That seems straight forward enough. It may take me a few days to get all of it down.

Tormer nods.

Tormer: I realize that, and I appreciate your willingness to help me.

Lanyi: Thank you for that sir. We both have professional obligations to protect people's privacy.

Alea is still to shaken and angry to speak.

Tormer: Unfortunately, there are times when that obligation conflicts with our duty to protect those same people's lives and property.

Tarsh breathes very deeply in and out, fists clenched and tentacles weaving.

Veraik: ~ tightly gathered nager, professional ~

Lanyi sighs. "True."

Tormer: Please do let me know if I can make your job easier in any way.

Veraik: Rhelana has arrived to her destination and the Tecton was notified of her state.

Lanyi: Of course, Inspector Tormer. I shall.

Lanyi: Shall I bring them down to your office?

Alea looks up, glaring at Veraik.

Tormer: If you would.

Tormer starts to get up, then pauses.

Alea: Did you even stop to find out why we tossed her out of the room?

Alea: Of course you didn't.

Alea: You don't care.

Alea ~~ trembling ~~

Veraik: I just received notification that both of you were to be handed suitable gigs.

Alea: YOu call giving me to Sumulo -- suitable?

Veraik: I know. I interviewed Rhelana before she left and could piece the rest together.

Alea pale.

Tormer: I should warn you.

Tormer: Do you remember that crazy woman we've picked up here, twice now?

Tarsh: How terrible impartial of you to pass judgment on the basis of one side's story.

Tarsh: ~~ SARCASM ~~

Alea wonders if she should stop fighting what she feels and just throw up all over Veraik.

Veraik: Sumulo is a second. I am sure he will be happy to have transfer with you.

Eliza can't find anything but Tecton uniforms so puts on a clean one and takes a jacket (Tecton all over the shen thing) and heads out.

Lanyi: Yes.

Alea shudders.

Alea: Oh, I'm sure he will. But I'm not going to do it.

Tarsh: ~~ RAGE ~~

Alea: I refuse to get near that lorsh.

Veraik turns to Tarsh. "I'm here. I'll listen."

Eliza slips through the lobby and out the door without anyone noticing.

Alea decides she needs to sit down.

Tormer: Her lawyer managed to convince the judge that she really requires psychiatric counseling, and got her released on the condition that she would get some.

Lanyi's jaw drops.

Lanyi: _What_!?

Veraik: You are part of the Tecton and will do as the Tecton says Alea. That is what all of us do. We are part of the Tecton, whether we like what we are assigned or not.

Tormer: Yes. She's free again.

Alea reaches out for Tarsh, touching a Tentacle.

Alea looks up at Veraik.

Veraik hands her the transfer card. "As you can see, it is not authorized by me but by my Superior.

Lanyi: That .... is bad news.

Tormer does not look happy.

Eliza stops on the sidewalk and wonders which way to go.

Alea: You ... lorsh.

Eliza remembers where snake usually works and goes pale.

Eliza turns and walks that way.

Tarsh: Why? When you have already passed sentence!

Tormer: Yes. I wish I could assign you a full-time officer as a guard, but this investigation into the stolen art is taking over the entire department.

Veraik: Now Alea. You can call me names however, I am the only one who can revoke that order so you might want to keep that in mind.

Alea trembles with rage.

Tormer: I can't even get the officers required to keep order in the high-crime areas.

Tarsh: Where did you learn that standard of Justice? From some Freebander?

Tormer: However, I can promise you that an officer will arrive promptly to deal with the woman if she ever shows up again.

Lanyi: I zlin, Inspector.

Veraik looks to Tarsh. "I can make your delay 15 minutes if that is what you want, Tarsh." ~ professional standard Tecton nager ~

Lanyi thinks 'Like we'll have time for that...'

Alea grabs her crutches but pauses when she hears Veraik's words.

Alea: You wouldn't.

Tarsh: Well, obviously I owe Freeband Raiders everywhere an apology.

Tormer: It would help immensely if your staff was alerted to the situation, and advised to make sure that any and all weapons used by the woman are available to the arresting officer.

Eliza has a strong feeling of de ja vu and realizes that this is just like when she and John were on the run...

Lanyi: Of course.

Tormer: The more evidence we have, the better the chances that we can convince the judge to choose prison next time.

Tarsh: ~~ SARCASM ~~

Veraik: Fifteen. Want to try for 20?

Alea: Veraik!

Lanyi: Of course.

Alea reaches out for Tarsh, grabbing his arm.

Alea: Please Tarsh.

Tarsh turns to Alea...

Tormer smiles thinly, as if unaccustomed to the expression.

Tormer: I realize that's not much help, but it's the best I can do.

Veraik: I take it that Sumulo is not appealing to you Alea?

Alea pales again and looks back at Veraik.

Lanyi: Yes. Thank you for the warning. 'The most dangerous attack is the one unseen.'

Alea: You know shendoni well he's not. I came to you and told you what was going on. You KNOW that!

Tormer: If by some miracle the art case is solved before the woman comes back, I'll do my best to get you a full-time guard, at least for a while.

Veraik: I do know that Sumulo has done 'certain' things to you that the Tecton doesn't know about or which has be covered up.

Alea grips Tarsh's hand

Tarsh turns to Veriak again and opens his mouth ...

Lanyi: Ah. Well, that is certainly to be hoped for then.

Veraik: And as I said, I ** do ** have the authorization to change that order.

Lanyi's estimation of Tormer's professionalism drops sharply.

Alea is afraid to ask, knowing he's up to something.

Alea squeezes Tasrh's hand harder.

Tarsh stands there with his mouth open, not speaking.

Veraik: However, the Channel will still have to be less than what you are used to or it wouldn't be called a punishment and the Tecton will come after you with something else.

Alea finally looks up at Veraik.

Alea mouths "who"

Veraik: ~ professional nager and look, no smile ~

Alea swallows dryly.

Veraik: There is a Channel without a Donor at this time. Are you willing to take that Channel instead?

Tormer: I've already warned my patrol officers to keep an eye out for her--but I only have a third of my usual staff on the streets. The rest have been taken over by the District office.

Lanyi: I'll try to get you that information, Inspector.

Alea: I --

Alea thinks of Sumulo and feels sick.

Tormer: Thank you.

Alea: Who?

Veraik zlins Alea and waits.

Tormer: I leave you to your work, then.

Tarsh is sure he doesn't want to hear the answer...

Veraik: Give me your transfer card.

Lanyi: A pleasure speaking with you.

Tormer stands and leaves the office.

Alea: What?

Alea looks down and realizes she has the transfer card in her hand.

Alea holds it out.

Alea realizes she is still gripping Tarsh and releases him.

Veraik scribbles the name 'Veraik ambrov Liorie' on the transfer card, pushes it back, then waits while she reads it.

Alea wraps her arms around herself.

Tarsh closes his eyes and breathes very deeply, trying not to think....

Alea reaches out and reads it, then drops it.

Alea: What type of choice is this?

Veraik: The only one you have.

Alea looks painfully up at Tarsh.

Tarsh knows that he can't do or say anything, or he'll....

Lanyi sits there with her tentacles wound around steepled fingers.

Eliza walks into the shop where she brought the oranges with Alea the other day.

Eliza goes to the storekeeper "do you speak english?"

Alea: Oh god[whispers]

Eliza is downhearted when the storekeeper looks at her uncomprehendingly and shakes his head "ummm snake, wisesnake?"

Eliza: [the man doesn't know what she is talking about so she leaves and keeps walking, more aimlessly now]

Alea finally turns and touches Tasrh's arm, tentatively, unsure.

Tarsh grabs Alea instantly into a crushing embrace.

Alea for once, doesn't mind that she can't breathe.

Alea: I'm sorry.

Tarsh: Alea, I'll .... I'll ....

Alea: I'm sorry about your transfer.

Tarsh zlins her respiratory distress and loosens his grip.

Alea sags against him.

Wise Snake comes out of a dark alley and zlins Eliza passing nearby, slips into the crowd to follow the Gen.

Tarsh: My transfer? _*MY*_ transfer? But he ... you ....

Alea: I don't want to have transfer with him.

Alea shudders.

Tarsh: I know. I'll ... have to think of ... something...

Alea: Well, I couldn't go to Sumulo, could I?

Tarsh: No, of course not.

Eliza is getting frustrated that she can't find anyone who will answer her questions about snake - probably the damn uniform.

Wise Snake wonders why the Gen is wandering around the redlight district all alone, wearing a Tecton uniform, and feeling frustrated.

Tarsh reflects that the choice is like choosing whether to have you left or right laterals excised.

Wise Snake moves up a little closer, shadowing Eliza, seeing where she is going.

Alea: I can't believe he tried to force me to take transfer with Sumulo.

Alea: However, I find having transfer with Veraik just as appealing.

Lanyi gets up and goes out to the lobby.

Eliza gives up and decides that Fast Eddies, which was her last chance - is now her last chance of finding snake.

Alea: I'm sorry. I can't believe he is putting your transfer off fifteen minutes.

Eliza stops outside and looks at the stairs doubtfully.

Wise Snake: A little early in the evening for Fast Eddie's, don't you think?

Tarsh: That isn't important...

Wise Snake: [from about a foot behind Eliza]

Eliza whirls round in fright.

Eliza: Oh!

Eliza: Snake.

Eliza: ~~ controll controll dam it ~~

Wise Snake looks at Eliza curiously.

Eliza: I was looking for you actually.

Wise Snake grimaces.

Wise Snake: Give me some credit for taste.

Wise Snake: What can I do for you?

Eliza blushes.

Eliza: Is there somewhere less, obvious, we can go talk?

Eliza: Do you have time at the moment?

Wise Snake looks around and thinks just about anywhere would be less obvious than this.

Wise Snake had been going home to catch some sleep after dropping off Nick, before picking up B'Cal.

Alea cries silently.

Wise Snake: Ah... well okay.

Wise Snake: How about that cafe over there? It has quiet booths.

Eliza feels a huge relief to have finally found snake.

Eliza: Yes thanks that would be great

Eliza: Oh I haven't forgotten that I still owe you for the umm lemonaid the other day.

Tarsh holds Alea close, stroking her hair.

Eliza: No one has given me a chance to make any money - I guess I owe the center a bit too.

Eliza tries to work out how many meals she has eaten at the center...

Wise Snake: I think I'll live without your repayment [dryly]

Eliza: Actually thats sort of what I wanted to talk to you about.

Wise Snake: Come along. [leads Eliza to the cafe]

Eliza follows and they sit down in a booth.

Rapol hurries along, ~~ anxious ~~

Eliza: Well snake, it's like this.

Eliza: I'm use to working - and I have nothing to do at the center. I feel pretty useless to be honest.

Rapol is berating himself for oversleeping.

Wise Snake orders two teas and, zlinning Eliza is hungry, a Gen-safe sandwich.

Eliza: They said that they would teach me but so far nothing has happened

Rapol doesn't know what he'll do if his tardiness makes snake....

Wise Snake: Well, you're awfully new at being a Donor. Two or three days, am I correct?

Eliza: But I'm not a Donor! I'm nothing at the moment.

Wise Snake: It takes months to learn the skills of a Donor. It takes years to become truly excellent at the Donor's tasks.

Tarsh: Alea....

Rapol sees the cafe...

Alea looks up at Tarsh.

Alea: Yes?

Eliza: I'm not sure they want me - and I'm not sure I want them.

Tarsh: [ tears ] "What are we going to do?"

Rapol hurries into the cafe and looks around quickly for snake.

Alea reaches up and wipes tenderly at one of the tear tracks.

Alea: Go on.

Wise Snake frowns.

Alea: What choice do we have?

Wise Snake is distracted by the arrival of Rapol.

Alea wishing she could think of one.

Wise Snake lifts a tentacle to get his attention.

Eliza starts to say something else, but sees the arrival of Rapol and shuts up.

Tarsh starts breathing in spasming sobs...

Rapol sees snake with another Gn and his heart sinks...

Rapol goes over to snake and Eliza ~~ gloom ~~

Alea rubs her hands up and down Tarsh's back in long strokes, making soothing noises, tears tracking down her own face.

Wise Snake: What's the matter? [worried]

Eliza sips her tea and tries to be unobtrusive.

Alea: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. [whispers]

Rapol: [ hangdog ] "I'm sorry. I'm late and there's no excuse."

Alea: He'll regret this.

Wise Snake thinks that she does not have the right psychological makeup to be surrounded by fretting Gens trying to soothe them.

Alea's eyes narrows.

Alea: It doesn't pay to get your Donor angry.

Tarsh: This is my fault. I shouldn't have moved her....

Wise Snake: Oh. [extreme relief]

Wise Snake: We'll talk about it later.

Alea: Oh, I wish I could go back. I'd do more than move her.

Eliza is glad she doesn't understand what they are saying.

Wise Snake: Rapol, this is Eliza, a Sime Center Donor trainee.

Alea: I'd make sure to drag her through every hall in the Center. Make sure the punishment fit the crime.

Eliza: Hello Rapol.

Wise Snake switches to English.

Rapol looks up, ~~ relieved ~~ there will *be* a 'later'.

Wise Snake: Eliza, this is Rapol, he is a Donor I am training.

Eliza thinks about saying "I'm a donut" as one of the few bits of simelan she knows - but decides she won't.

Alea: And please, don't blame yourself.

Wise Snake: He doesn't know much English.

Wise Snake: Now, what were you saying?

Eliza: I'm afraid I don't know much - any - simelan.

Rapol changes to an heavily accented English. "Hello, Elize."

Alea: I think Veraik takes perverse pleasure in causing pain.

Eliza: Well, actually I was wondering if I could do some work for you.

Eliza: I'm not afraid of hard work.

Eliza smiles at Rapol.

Tarsh: And I was afraid, that I was the one with junct tendencies.

Wise Snake: Even if the hard part is in having the self-discipline to stick to something? [skeptical]

Eliza: Please don't judge me solely on what you have seen of my behavior at the center....

Eliza is miserable thinking that snake probably hasn't seen her in a real good light.

Wise Snake regards Eliza.

Eliza: I worked all my life on the farm where I grew up - it is having nothing real to do that is driving me crazy.

Eliza: That and Alea.

Wise Snake: I see.

Alea: I always told you that you weren't.

Wise Snake's eyes narrow.

Wise Snake: You blame someone else for your problems?

Eliza: I've never met anyone so accident prone!

Rapol carefully sits down next to snake, carefully meshing with her field.

Eliza: No! sorry you took that the wrong way.

Wise Snake notes Eliza is blaming her now.

Eliza: But you have to admit it is stressful at the center.

Alea offers a watery smile.

Alea: Maybe you'll believe me now.

Tarsh: I do.

Wise Snake: It is possible that you do not have the constitution to stand up to the workload of a Sime Center Donor.

Alea takes a deep breath.

Eliza: Is it always in a state of emergency? *laughs*

Wise Snake: Yes. The Sime Center is the functional equivalent of a hospital.

Eliza: Oh I see... but surely it isn't meant to be the staff that get hurt [smiles]

Wise Snake: It will therefore act as a magnet for trouble... no, of course not.

Wise Snake: Have you been hurt?

Rapol tries to support snake and consequently is only understanding about half of the words she says to Eliza. And less of the sense of it.

Eliza: Not physically.

Alea: Veraik will regret what he has done. I figure a way out of this.

Eliza: I was thinking of Alea and Mostan

Alea turns toward the couch, her leg hurting.

Tarsh: We have to.

Wise Snake: Being hurt in the line of duty can happen at a Sime Center.

Wise Snake: Particularly for Donors.

Wise Snake: So what type of work are you asking for?

Eliza: Well, can you think of any other job I might be able to get [with you, she thinks]

Wise Snake studies Eliza with half-lidded eyes... measuring.

Eliza: I don't really know - I don't know what abilities I have that there might be a market for.

Wise Snake thinks, selling herself well is definitely not one of them.

Rapol realizes that snake is telling Eliza about how she'll be hurt at the Sime Center.

Eliza: I mean I can cook and clean and milk.

Eliza: But I don't really know how many cows you have around here! [attempts a joke]

Wise Snake: Well I suppose I could put you to work scrubbing about three stories of massive public edifice... I don't think you'd find that very fulfilling though.

Eliza: Not particularly - but if thats all there is I'll take it.

Rapol wonders why Eliza wants to sell cows...

Eliza: I guess I could work my way to the top [another attempt at a joke]

Wise Snake: I am not interested in quitters. Why are you leaving Donor training after such a short time?

Eliza: Because I haven't had any Donor training yet.

Wise Snake, who has less sense of humor than a lamp post, fails to get the jokes.

Wise Snake [impatiently] "You do understand that becoming a Donor takes months, or even years, of hard work, don't you?"

Eliza: Yes - I told you I'm not scared of hard work!

Wise Snake: Well if you understand how long it takes, why are you so surprised that you can't tell any difference in your abilities after only 3 days?

Eliza: But I want to get started - not just sit around all day waiting

Eliza doesn't understand.

Wise Snake: I saw you working with Briel. And Alea has attempted to give you instruction.

Wise Snake: I think your problem is not that you have not received any training, but that you aren't seeing your training for what it is.

Eliza: And yesterday I worked with Lanyi on Alea's leg - but!

Eliza: What I was doing then was just the same as I would do when working with a colt!

Eliza: ~~ calm support ~~~ [to demonstrate]

Eliza: Anyone can do that.

Eliza considers snakes words.

Wise Snake: Any horse can stand still too, but they don't do it until you train them to [points out]

Eliza: Exactly.

Wise Snake: That is what the Sime Center is doing.. training you.

Alea wobbles and sucks in a breath when she puts weight down on her leg.

Wise Snake: If you come work for me, all that is going to happen is you will be trained by me instead of them.

Wise Snake: And being trained by me consists of being driven like a slave and nit-picked to death on the details, as Nick will gladly tell you.

Tarsh supports Alea.

Alea exhausted and defeated.

Alea: I think I need to lay down and rest, Tarsh.

Tarsh: Come on. We'll get some rest. Won't get anything done like this...

Alea nods.

Alea leans over heavily against Tarsh, appreciating the feel of his support.

Eliza sighs.

Rapol hears snake saying Eliza will be Nick's slave, and is sure he must be misunderstanding.

Eliza: Snake this is all very new to me. What would you advise me to do?

Tarsh helps Alea down the hall.

Wise Snake: I would advise you to read some books on the great Donors and what made them so admirable... and then attempt to emulate them.

Eliza: Snake - I can't read.

Wise Snake: Remember, chaos cannot happen if the Donors all remain calm and behave rationally, so that the channels can do so also.

Eliza: I'll learn eventually.

Wise Snake pauses.

Sumulo walks down the hall and sees Alea and Tarsh.

Wise Snake: When you were a child, were there any adults in your life that you looked up to?

Sumulo: Hurts?

Alea slips an arm around Tarsh, being very careful with each step.

Eliza thinks of her father and shudders.

Wise Snake: Parent or church figures? Mature elders?

Sumulo laughs and walks on by.

Eliza: Not really no.

Alea: Not at all. Briel healed it!

Wise Snake: This explains a lot.

Alea chuckles, liking getting the last word.

Eliza wonders what snake would say if she told her what happened to her father.

Wise Snake: Okay. There is a man in the Sime Center, the head of the maintenance department. His name is Zethraim.

Tarsh: The only reason I'm not ripping his head off right now is that I don't want to drop you..

Alea: I hate that ... thing [to Tarsh]

Eliza: Zethraim.

Wise Snake: Ask him to read the books to you. And if you need an example of mature, dignified behavior in a Gen, he is the perfect example.

Alea: I appreciate that. [smiles at Tarsh]

Sumulo calls over his shoulder. "Oh sure. That is why a renSime is helping you and you have a gleam of pain in your eye."

Eliza: Zethraim - ok.

Sumulo rounds the corner, laughing.

Wise Snake: Right now, you're in a tough situation.

Eliza: Thank you for all of this Snake - I do appreciate it.

Alea: I swear I'll break every one of his toes for tripping me earlier. I swear it, Tarsh.

Wise Snake: To be a good Donor requires a mature mind and a stable personality.

Eliza realizes miserable that she probably has neither.

Wise Snake: You are still essentially a kid. You'll have to work hard to change quickly enough to make a difference.

Eliza: *sigh*

Wise Snake: You said you can handle hard work... if you can convince yourself that working for self-improvement is, indeed, work, then you will do well.

Eliza is determined to prove she can do it.

Wise Snake: And remember.. nobody will expect you to do the work of a real Donor right away. They'll help you learn.

Eliza: How do I pay Zethraim for his help?

Wise Snake thanks the stars she found Rapol first or she might have been training this Gen herself.

Wise Snake considers.

Wise Snake: Zethraim is a very dignified, gentle old man. Sometimes people are too impatient to spend time with him, and he gets left by the wayside.

Wise Snake: His wife died recently, and he has nobody at home to talk to.

Wise Snake: I think he will appreciate the company enough that he will not require any other payment.

Alea goes with Tarsh, upstairs, ignoring Sumulo's last words, thinking she will eventually have the last laugh with him.

Eliza: I see.

Eliza: Thats sad.

Eliza: I'm sure I can do that - I hope he will help.

Wise Snake: Now, you really shouldn't be wandering in this neighborhood alone. Would you like to be escorted back to the Sime Center?

Eliza: Thank you snake - I'm sure I can make it by myself - I wouldn't want to put you out any further.

Wise Snake: Uh.. sure.

Eliza gets up and realizes that she owes snake for lunch.

Eliza: Thank you for feeding me again snake [smile]

Wise Snake: No problem.

Eliza smiles goodbye to Rapol and leaves.

Wise Snake looks at Rapol.

Wise Snake: Much as sleep appeals at the moment, we had really ought to follow her back and make sure she makes it there.

Eliza heads back to the center thinking about what snake said and wondering if she appeared too much of a fool.

Wise Snake gets up and leaves the cafe, following Eliza at a discreet distance (with Rapol)

Rapol goes along.

Briel realizes she has been sitting and staring at her tea.

Briel glances up at Frutata.

Frutata smiles.

Frutata: Are you sure you're all right?

Frutata has been supporting her gently.

Briel smiles.

Briel: Much much better.

Eliza is walking very slowly - she has been given alot to think about.

Briel: I'm not any more sure what I'm going to do, but at least I feel as if I can face it now.

Briel: Thank you, Frutata.

Briel stands and stretches.

Frutata stands also.

Eliza stops to watch some kids playing.

Wise Snake and Rapol wait.

Wise Snake: Shen... I'm not going to get any sleep at all. [under her breath]

Eliza is in no hurry to return if the truth is to be known.

Wise Snake thinks that lack of sleep will leave her open to being taken advantage of by some sleepy Donor tomorrow.

Eliza wishes she were still a kid and could play so carefreely like that.

Eliza sighs and walks on until the center comes into view.

Eliza turns around and waves in the direction she know snake and Rapol must be.

Eliza giggles and bounds up the steps.

Eliza is still giggling as she enters the lobby.

Eliza takes off her coat.

Sumulo enters the lobby and sees Eliza.

Wise Snake: [to Rapol] Come on, we may as well see if B'Cal wants to start early.

Eliza recognizes Sumulo and stops giggling.

Eliza: Hey! I want a word with you.

Sumulo runs a tentacle down her arm.

Eliza: Get that off me.

Sumulo: Oh really. [smooth talking]

Eliza: Listen here you - if I see you so much as look sideways at Alea again...

Eliza: ~~ outrage ~~

Eliza: I'll ...I'll...[oh shen what would I do?]

Sumulo raises tentacles and laughs. "You will what?"

Eliza: I'll tell Veraik!

Briel motions to Frutata. "Let's go to the cafeteria. I'm hungry."

Eliza: Actually - I'll be telling him about this morning anyway.

Wise Snake and Rapol trudge up the Sime Center's walk.

Eliza is getting louder.

Sumulo: Veraik? He is nothing.

Eliza is slightly taken back.

Frutata brightens.

Eliza: Well - just leave her alone ok?

Frutata: Good. I would be happy to accompany you.

Eliza suddenly realizes that she probably shouldn't be doing this.

Frutata smiles.

Briel nods and goes to the door.

Briel: Great.

Sumulo: Or you will what? ~ mocking ~

Eliza: ~~ hatred and anger ~~

Eliza: I have no idea.

Wise Snake starts to open the door for Rapol, zlins what is going on in there and bolts inside, forgetting about Rapol.

Sumulo steps back.

Eliza steps forward.

Eliza: ~~ disgust ~~

Wise Snake: ~~ fury ~~

Sumulo goes hypo and lurges for the little whimp.

Wise Snake: Eliza, you'd do well to stay away from him. [firmly]

Eliza turns at snakes voice, feels Sumulo grab her and gets very mad.

Eliza: ~~ very mad ~~

Wise Snake absolutely can't stand it when people ignore her.

Sumulo stops.

Eliza: Snake - do you know this person?

Eliza: Do you know what he did to Alea?

Wise Snake: Eliza, shut up.

Eliza shuts up.

Wise Snake: Sumulo, let her go.

Wise Snake: Now.

Sumulo: You're next Snake.

Sumulo: Or What?

Sumulo sneers.

Wise Snake: Or you will regret it for the rest of your life.

B'cal finishes pulling on her jacket and straightening it.

Eliza tries to take her arms back off Sumulo so she can get out of snakes way.

Wise Snake: ~~ very serious ~~

Sumulo zlins Snake and decides that she is definitely a threat.

Eliza is rather anxious to get out of snakes way NOW.

Eliza: Let go of me NOW please!

B'cal smoothes her hair, then her skirt, thinking to go eat before Snake shows up.

Eliza: Your touch isn't something I desire.

Sumulo thinks that he is going to have to do something to Snake without her knowledge that it was him that did it.

Eliza glares at snake.

Wise Snake: Let her go so she can leave.

Eliza: I thank you for your advice before but I don't belong to you snake.

Wise Snake: Oh, is that how it is?

Sumulo wraps a tentacle around Eliza's arm, pulls her in, and gives her a quick kiss before releasing her.

Wise Snake: I see.

Wise Snake: In that case, forget I interfered.

Wise Snake: But Sumulo, you stay away from Alea.

Wise Snake: I mean it.

Eliza wipes her mouth in disgust and steps back.

Wise Snake leaves the lobby.

Wise Snake heads upstairs to find B'Cal.

Eliza looks after snake, a bit sorry that she spoke to her that way.

Sumulo: [under breath] We'll see.

Eliza turns her back on Sumulo and walks off.

Sumulo augments to Eliza and takes her into his arms.

Eliza yells in surprise.

Sumulo: No one is here to protect you now, are they?

Eliza: Let go of me!

Eliza: I don't need anyone to protect me!

B'cal comes out of her room and starts toward the stairs.

Eliza struggles to loosen his grip.

Sumulo: Don' you like the feel of my strong arms and tentacles?

B'cal starts in surprise.

B'cal: Snake.

Eliza: Not really - NO.

Eliza: Get them off me you creep.

Sumulo: This is none of your business, Leave us.

Eliza is starting to panic - remembering a certain past incident she had repressed.

Wise Snake: Hello, B'Cal.

Wise Snake notes that B'Cal is hungry.

Wise Snake: Would you like to share your breakfast with Rapol and I?

Eliza struggles to get a hand free.

Wise Snake: [Rapol is coming up the stairs behind Snake]

B'cal nods.

Sumulo kisses Eliza. "Oh baby. You are so..."

B'cal: Sounds good.

Eliza: ~~ disgust ~~

Wise Snake turns around and goes back down the stairs.

Eliza: ~~ hate and disgust ~~

B'cal follows Snake down the stairs.

Sumulo suddenly releases her again.

Eliza stumbles.

Eliza wipes her mouth then rubs her arms.

Eliza: Don't you EVER touch me again!

Sumulo backs up. Post is going to be great this month.

Eliza turns and runs to her room.

Wise Snake passes through the lobby on the way to the cafeteria.

Eliza leans back on the door shaking.

Sumulo decides to have himself assigned to Eliza for post since she felt so good in his arms.

B'cal is carrying on a low level conversation with Ropal.

Eliza locks the door - then goes to have a shower to wash the feel of him off her.

Sumulo goes to the lobby looking for a donation to take or a transfer to give.

Eliza gets dress [third set of clothing today!] and goes out to see if Alea is ok and tell her what snake said.

Eliza checks to see that Sumulo is no where in sight and takes the stairs 3 at a time.

Wise Snake, B'Cal and Rapol go to the cafeteria.

B'cal: Well Snake are you ready to work?

Eliza wonders if Alea is in her room - or in Tarsh's room...

Wise Snake: Yes.

Eliza thinks probably the later.

B'cal: Where do we have to go tonight?

Eliza heads for Tarsh's room and knocks on the door.

Eliza: Alea?? Alea! you there?

B'cal goes through the line and gets her double amounts so as to tempt snake.

Alea jumps, hearing the noise.

Alea slips from bed, grabs her robe and slips it on, doing her best to mask her pain and get to the door.

Wise Snake: House visits for the first few hours, then the hospital.

Alea ~~ ouch ~~ step ~~ ouch ~~ step ~~ ouch~~

Alea opens the door and slips out.

Alea: Eliza.

Eliza hears the thumping.

Alea: Never, ever knock on the door.

Eliza: Oh Alea - I'm sorry - I never thought..

Eliza: Ok - so I just walk in?

Alea looks tired, swollen eyes, mussed hair.

Eliza: I'm sorry to wake you.

Eliza: I thought maybe you might have been worried about where I was....

Alea: No, the little metal thing there, on the door.

Eliza: Oh.

Alea: You drop it and it makes a light noise, without sending every Sime in the area running for cover.

Eliza: Well - I see that you weren't.

Alea rubs her eyes.

Alea: Where you have .... You WENT somewhere?

Eliza: I found snake [doesn't mention where] and had a talk to her.

B'cal eats her food, encouraging Snake to eat, noting that Rapol is eating too.

Alea ~~ pain ~~

Alea: So, you went to Snake.

Wise Snake is glad to be surrounded by good Gens.

Alea ~~ sad, weary, defeat ~~

Wise Snake eats also.

Eliza doesn't see what the problem is with going somewhere - bad thing only happen INSIDE the center.

Alea: And what did she say?

Eliza: She said I should stay here.

Eliza: She suggested I speak to Zethrium?

Eliza: She is here by the way - if you want to talk to her.

Alea is surprised.

Eliza: I saw her before down stairs.

Eliza: Unless she left...

Alea looks down at her lack of dress and thinks of the pain she is in.

Alea: I don't think that's a good idea.

Eliza: How is your leg?

Alea: Sore. I overdid it today. But it'll be fine.

Eliza: Maybe you should sit down...[looks for chair in hallway - there is none]

Alea shakes her head.

Alea: I'll be fine.

Eliza: Then I'll let you get back to bed - just wanted to tell you that.

Mousee peeks out from behind a door then runs between the feet on the one with the white leg.

Alea: So, are you going to stay with us?

Eliza: I guess I am.

Alea nods.

Alea: Good.

Eliza wonders if Alea is pleased or not.

Alea: You have great potential as a Donor..

Eliza: I'm just heading down to get something hot to drink.

Alea gasps as she sees the mouse.

Eliza blushes.

Eliza: What's the matter?

Mousee likes white and decides to run up the strange white surface.

Eliza sees the mouse and makes a grab for it.

Alea reaches down and slaps at her leg.

Eliza: Don't you like mice?

Eliza holds the mouse and show it to Alea.

Mousee runs down the white stuff, avoiding the obstacles.

Alea smiles

Alea: That's nice.

Eliza drops the mouse again.

Mousee looks then squeaks and runs off as soon as he hits the floor.

Alea leans wearily against the door.

Alea: Do me a favor then, Eliza.

Eliza: Sure.

Mousee stops at the door and looks back, squeaking and screaming its displeasure at being held.

Alea: Please don't leave the center without informing the desk clerk. I'd like to know where you are in case you get lost.

Alea: And study those tapes.

Eliza: Oh ok.

Eliza thinks that she doesn't really want to study the "joy of post" tape just now.

Alea: Then we'll be ready to start work again tomorrow.

Eliza still feels Sumulo hands and tentacles on her but she isn't going to tell Alea about that.

Alea yawns, hears Tarsh stir in the other room and steps back toward the door.

Eliza: Night then Alea.

Alea: Good night.

Alea hobbles back into the room, yawning.

Eliza makes sure Alea doesn't fall through the doorway then heads to get a drink.

Alea slips off her robe and carefully slips back into bed, fuzzily wishing she hadn't woken up and had to think about tomorrow, which would bring her one day closer to transfer.

Alea drifts off.

Go on to Episode #146

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