Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #149: Stolen Joy (2/2/98)

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Jelana comes up the front steps of the Center

Jelana goes into the Center looking around with barely concealed distaste

Jelana is a third order Donor

Jirelle comes out into the lobby and sees Jelana

Eliza walks into the lobby yawning

Mostan decides he's old enough to go get breakfast himself.

<Jirelle> Hello! [smiles at Jelana]

Eliza pretends to be reading the donor schedules

<Jelana> Good morning.

Jelana schools her features.

Jelana proffers a file.

Jirelle takes the file curiously

<Jelana> I'm a new Donor, assigned here

Jirelle is a young, extremely friendly looking channel

Mostan dresses slowly and tastefully for a change.

<Jirelle> That's great! [smiles genuinely] We're so glad you're here. I'm Jirelle.

Jelana is a young, somewhat reserved Third order Donor

<Jirelle> Would you like to come with me and we can go find Briel or Veraik? They're in charge here.

Jirelle smiles again just in case

Eliza watches Jirelle and Jelana curiously out of the corner of her eye while appearing to take a great interest in the chart

Jelana looks around the lobby again, curiously

<Jelana> And I am Jelana

Jelana slowly smiles

<Jelana> That would be nice.

<Jirelle> Wow, what a beautiful name. [a touch enviously]

Jelana smiles

Jirelle leads Jelana out of the lobby and down the hall to Briel's office, signals at the door

<Jelana> Thank you. However, I think Jirelle is very artistic.

Mostan goes out and locks the door behind him.

wisesnake and Rapol are bringing B'cal back to the Sime Center at the end of a shift.

<Jelana> Have you been here long?

Eliza decides that any more looking at the schedule would probably be overdoing things and walks past, smiling a "hello" to the two young women as she passes

<Jirelle> Artistic? Really? [surprised, since she likes art but isn't very artistic herself] Wow!

<Jirelle> Me? No. Only a few months. I just love it here though and I'm sure you will too.

Rapol has been Floating in the Sea that is Not all night, and is sure his fingers are all wrinkly.

<Jirelle> Bender Cove is such an interesting town and the people are so nice here!

Eliza wonders where Mostan is and decides she is DEFINITELY not going to his room today!

<Jelana> I'm sure.

Jelana nods to Eliza

wisesnake hopes Rapol is okay since he has been in a daze ever since the lesson about relaxation.

<Jelana> Hello. I'm Jelana.

Mostan comes down the stairs, carefully zlinning the way ahead.

<Jirelle> Hi! [to Eliza]

Eliza turns "Hello, I'm Eliza - pleased to meet you" looks at Jirelle

<Jirelle> I'm Jirelle. [since she and Eliza haven't been introduced yet]

Jirelle is a young, sort of plain but very pleasant mannered channel who smells distinctly like incense.

<Jelana> Have you been here long?

Eliza doesn't know if shaking hands is done or not... so she doesn't offer hers

Jelana ~~ curious ~~

Mostan zlins a channel and two Gens.

<Eliza> Hi Jirelle - we haven't met yet have we?

<Jirelle> Not that I know of... I hope I'm not forgetting anything important! [smiles at Eliza]

<Eliza> ~~ curious ~~

<Jirelle> Jelana is a new Donor here, just like you, Eliza.

<Jelana> Are there any people that aren't new here?

Jelana ~~ perplexed ~~

<Eliza> oh yes! you will have to meet Alea - I think she is sort of in charge of taking care of new people....

Jirelle thinks, well, not exactly like Eliza. She hopes her wording doesn't cause any misunderstandings. She then decides both Jelana and Eliza are way too nice of people to ever misunderstand anything, or be unhappy about it if they did

wisesnake walks into the Sime Center

Jirelle smiles in relief at her conclusion

<wisesnake> Hey all, what's happening.

wisesnake walks through the lobby and disappears into the hallway to the stairs

Jirelle points a tentacle after the departing Snake

<Jirelle> Well, she's not new... not really.

Mostan steps to the side seeing Snake and two Donors coming.

Jelana turns and sees the Donor and his channel

Jirelle notices Rapol and her eyes widen with sudden interest

<Jirelle> HE's new.

Jelana smiles at the Channel

Eliza gazes after wisesnake and wonders if she was included in that greeting

wisesnake fails to smile at Jelana because she's too busy checking to make sure B'cal doesn't glare, sneer, or snarl at her

Bcal sneers at all the nice going around

Rapol is dreamy eyed, noticing people but not looking at them...

Eliza sees the sneer and sneers back

<Jelana> Hello, I'm Jelana. I've just arrived at the Center

wisesnake finally notices the strange Gen and stops, just before leaving the lobby

wisesnake returns curiously

Mostan zlins the negative waves below and flees back to his room.

<wisesnake> Hello.

Bcal curls her lip at the little Donor who sneered.

Jelana looks at the sneer in surpise and looks back at the Channel

Eliza sees Mostan and decides he would be better company... where did he go?

<Jirelle> oh, hello B'cal!

Jelana dabs at her forehead before nodding

<Eliza> errr well - nice meeting you - I have to go find someone - see you later maybe

Jirelle hurries over to greet her almost favorite Donor.

Bcal loses her sneer and actually gives a short smile to Jirelle

Eliza heads towards the stairs and calls up them "Mostan - you there?"

Bcal ~~ wary ~~

Jirelle feels guilty about thinking of B'cal as "almost" anything and decides that B'cal IS her favorite Donor

Mostan is fumbling for his keys when he hears a familiar voice...

Eliza slowly climbs the stairs

<Bcal> Have you healed completely from your accident a few weeks ago?

Bcal stiffly

Jirelle smiles even brighter at seeing B'cal's smile

<Jirelle> How are you feeling? Are you all recovered now? I hope so. I wouldn't want you to have to work feeling bad or anything... not that you look bad at all... in fact you look wonderful!

Eliza sees Mostan at his door "Oh, I thought you were coming down, I'll go then" ~~ disapointed ~~

Mostan stands irresolute...

<Bcal> I'm fine, fine.

<Mostan> No! Wait...

Eliza turns...

<Jirelle> Oh! You mean when I was talking to that poor, sad woman who got so angry? 1

Eliza turns again

<Eliza> ~~ happy ~~

<Bcal> Yes.

<wisesnake> Well, B'cal, I'll see you tonight... okay?

Bcal looks at Snake, nods

<Bcal> Excuse me, Jirelle

Bcal goes up the stairs to her room

You are now known as Alea

<Mostan> I was coming down, but I ... didn't like the zlin of the nager down there.

<Jirelle> Oh, yes, I didn't even really get hurt that badly, fortunately, I was mostly kind of surprised, I mean I don't know what got into me making her so angry like that, I must not have been paying attention to what I was saying.. but I have been fine for several days now.

Eliza tries to understand, fails completely and just smiles

Jirelle is thrilled that B'cal cares how she's been

<Eliza> oh ~~ calm confident promise of safety ~~

Jirelle notices B'cal has already left

Jirelle hopes she didn't bore B'cal by talking about herself too much

Jirelle decides B'cal is way too nice to ever be bored by her friends and then feels happy that B'cal respects her enough to nod goodbye

wisesnake wonders how somebody this happy can possibly be normal, and zlins Jirelle for chemical imbalances

<Jelana`> Are you the one I report to? [to Snake]

wisesnake turns to Jelana

<wisesnake> Um, chances are, no. You will probably be reporting to Briel or Veraik, or both.

Jelana` is a third order Donor just a bit reserved and rather... different

<Eliza> [to Mostan] there is a new Donor downstairs

<Eliza> she seems very nice

<Jelana`> I see.

Rapol reorients to let Snake zlin Jelana and shields against Jirelle.

<Jelana`> Well, would it be possible for one of you to point me in the direction of a Controller

wisesnake is a small, scrawny channel with a black cape, tangled black hair and weird pale eyes

<Jirelle> Actually, that's just where I was on the way to take you, Jelana.

Mostan nods, but is privately unsure...

Jirelle hopes that didn't sound too offensive

<Jelana`> Ah.

<Jelana`> I see.

<Jelana`> Well, then...

wisesnake is wearing a Zeor ring

Jelana` sees the Zeor ring and her eyes freeze on it.

<Eliza> [to Mostan] well lets go down then shall we [smiles] ~~ supportive ~~

wisesnake starts to turn away and pauses at Jelana's sudden shift of attention

Mostan moves in close to Eliza. "All Right."

Jelana` looks up at Snake then away to Rapol and finally to Jirelle

<Jirelle> Is anything the matter? [concerned]

<Jelana`> If you'll show me to their office.

<Jelana`> Not at all.

Rapol` watches Jelana while supporting Snake...

Jirelle looks at Snake, since the channel makes HER a little nervous and she knows a newcomer might feel the same way

Jelana` 's eyes dart back to Rapol then Snake.

<Jirelle> Oh, good!

Jirelle relieved

Jirelle shows Jelana to Briel's office

Jelana` turns waiting for Jirelle to lead her to the controller

wisesnake gestures to Rapol and the two leave the Sime Center

NickR sits in a cafe near the Sime Center, waiting to meet Snake.

Eliza walks with Mostan back down the stairs concentrating on being supportive

Rapol follows Snake.

NickR is taking advantage of the wait to have some hot tea, figuring it will be the closest to warm he's going to be in a LONG time.

Eliza chats to Mostan about the transfer between Alea and Veraik that she will be observing today

<Mostan> I appreciate all your help Eliza.

wisesnake starts walking in the direction of Rapol's apartment

<wisesnake> Let's get you home so you can get some sleep, Rapol.

Rapol nods. "Certainly."

<Eliza> it's no problem at all Mostan. I'm a bit nervous about the transfer actually because Alea isn't happy about it. But she is, as she keeps telling me, a Farris and so I figure everything will be swell. What do you think?

<Mostan> Farrises are very competent. Even Alea.

Eliza giggles at his wording

<Eliza> ~~ happy excitement ~~

<Rapol> Where are we meeting Nick?

wisesnake looks curious

Eliza notices that the lobby is now empty of new Donors, Snakes, and misc other peoples and is quite happy about it

<Mostan> And she overmatches Veraik.

<wisesnake> I was going to take you home, and meet him back at the Ferry Building. But you could come home with me, if you like. [surprised]

<Eliza> so you think everything will be fine?

Eliza wonders if Mostan would like to walk outside today - they could even remember coats!

<Eliza> [to Mostan] well everyone seems to be gone. How about we grab some cloaks and go for a walk

Kadi wanders down the hall, looking for mischief.

<Mostan> Yes. That sounds nice.

Kadi sees Eliza and Mostan, and decides that they might be fun.

Kadi crosses right in front of them.

Eliza looks in the cupboard for the purple cloak she borrowed the other day - not there - that's strange

<Kadi> Mrroooow?

Eliza smiles at the cat "you looking for Alea Kadi?"

Kadi flirts with her tail.

<Eliza> [to Mostan] do you have a cloak down here?

Jelana exits the office

Eliza picks up the kitten and hands it to Mostan

Mostan picks out a gray cloak with tentacle motif embroidery along the edges.

<Eliza> ~~ uncertainty ~~

Kadi squawks indignantly at the loss of dignity engendered by this.

Mostan holds the kitten up, a hand under her belly.

<Kadi> Mrrooww!

Kadi finds the belly hold uncomfortable, and begins to scramble for a more secure hold on Mostan's arm.

Eliza looks at the remaining warm clothing uncertainly

Eliza wonders if Mostan would believe her if she just said that she wasn't cold

Mostan carefully moves Kadi to his two hands.

<Kadi> purrrr, purrrr

Mostan considers how to address this diplomatically.

Kadi begins kneading Mostan with sharp little kitten-claws.

<Mostan> Yours out being cleaned?

<Mostan> I have a another upstairs.

<Eliza> errr I don't actually have one. I borrowed a purple one the other day - but it isn't here now.

Eliza smiles thankfully at Mostan

Mostan carefully watches to make sure that Kadi's claws stay away from his laterals, and rubs at her head with a dorsal.

<Eliza> how about I take the kitten and feed it while you get... or would you rather I come with you?

<Mostan> Let's go get one of mine then.

Kadi is going into ecstacies at Mostan's petting.

Mostan considers. "I should be ok. Here."

Mostan tries to detach Kadi and hand her to Eliza.

Eliza takes the kitten [who is indignant over it] "ok back here in a minute or two

Eliza runs to the kitchen, grabs a bowl, sloshes some milk into it, throws the kitten in front of it, and bolts back to the lobby. [quote: she ran like an augmenting Sime...:unquote]

Mostan goes upstairs and looks through his closet for something that suits Eliza...

<Rapol> I would prefer to stay with you until you have Nick to support you.

wisesnake smiles

<wisesnake> Well... okay.

wisesnake changes course, away from Rapol's apartment and toward the Ferry Building

<wisesnake> Um, Rapol, out of curiousity...

NickRe looks out of the cafe window, sees Snake and Rapol, and leaves the last of his tea.

<wisesnake> And I don't mean to pry, but....

<Rapol> Yes?

NickRe struggles into his coat as he heads for the door.

<wisesnake> Where on earth did you get that zebra couch with the elephant-tusk arm rests?

<wisesnake> And how did you manage to get it down here from Norwest Territory?

<wisesnake> ~~genuinely curious~~

Rapol considers his answer carefully.

NickRe hurries after Snake and Rapol.

<NickRe> Snake! Rapol!

wisesnake turns

NickRe smiles.

<wisesnake> Ah, Nick. We were just going to meet you.

<NickRe> I thought I'd save you walking alone all the way back to the Ferry Building.

NickRe nods at Rapol.

Eliza reaches the lobby again and waits

Mostan selects one that is least inappropriate and goes out to the hall again.

<NickRe> I see Rapol already thought of that, however.

NickRe is pleased that Rapol is showing such responsibility.

wisesnake has asked Nick several times not to walk around the city alone, but it's obvious he is always going to ignore that request

wisesnake sighs

<wisesnake> Yes. Thanks, both of you.

Rapol nods in acknowledgement.

Eliza sees Mostan approach and her nager beams in pleasure to see him

NickRe looks at Snake to let her make the call as to whether this is officially the end of Rapol's shift, or the beginning of his own, and thus who should be supporting her.

Rapol turns to see who is calling.

Mostan comes downstairs with another cloak.

<wisesnake> Let's drop you off then, Rapol. You'll require your rest.

wisesnake turns around and starts back in the direction of Rapol's house

Rapol watches Snake for the same reason.

wisesnake has a strange sense of deja vu and wonders how many times a channel can take her Donor home in one day

NickRe sees Snake walk off without making the call, raises an eyebrow at Rapol, and follows.

<Rapol> Certainly.

wisesnake knows both Donors understand the rule about the 10 hour shifts and whose time is when, and hopes they will do the right thing without her prompting.

Rapol gestures to Nick to be ready to take over.

NickRe sees Rapol is tired, nods, and falls into step beside Snake.

Rapol carefully relinquishes Snake to Nick.

NickRe takes over as Rapol relinquishes, so smoothly that it doesn't cause a ripple in the ambient.

<Mostan> Here you are, Eliza. I hope you like it.

wisesnake notes that Nick is rather impressed with himself over the transition

Rapol is glad to take a break from all that relaxing.

NickRe grins at Rapol in pleasure at the collegiality he had once hoped to find with B'cal.

<NickRe> How did the night go?

Eliza takes the soft warm cloak with pleasure "thanks Mostan [smile] is there any place you would particularly like to go?' [Eliza hopes he doesn't want to go to Fast Eddies]

<Mostan> No, Just for a walk. Maybe over towards the shops.

Eliza and Mostan leave the Center

NickRe can tell that Rapol had quite a workout, but isn't sure if that means that Snake did, as well, or if she just spent a lot of time on training.

wisesnake waits, and when the friendliness between the two Donors obviously doesn't extend to conversation, says, "It was okay. We were working on some training things so we didn't get a lot done, but progress was definitely made."

<wisesnake> Rapol did a good job.

<NickRe> I'm glad to hear that.

Rapol lets himself drop back about 5 steps to leave Nick space to work.

<wisesnake> Rapol, you were going to tell me about that hide sofa?

NickRe suspects that it's going to be a very busy day, if Snake didn't do much working.

<Rapol> Good to know I did well.

Rapol had hoped she'd forgotten that.

<Rapol> Didn't bring with me.

NickRe wonders about Snake's sudden interest in furniture.

<wisesnake> Ah.

<Rapol> Got it here in town, off some ship captain.

wisesnake notes Rapol's reluctance to discuss it and decides it isn't important, really

<wisesnake> I see.

<Rapol> Wanted something to fit the local decor.

wisesnake thinks, if the stuff is stolen and Rapol gets caught and thrown in the slammer, THAT would be a big deal.

wisesnake winces

<wisesnake> You wanted something to FIT the local decor?

<Rapol> Yes. Doesn't it?

Rapol thinks that it would fit right in at some of the 'establishments' Snake contracts with.

<wisesnake> Um, well,

<wisesnake> To be honest I haven't been in too many houses of well-to-do or even middle class families. So, maybe it does.

Rapol trys to decide if that is a polite no or not.

NickRe is starting to get curious about the couch.

<Rapol> Told that exotic couches were very large here.

Rapol worries that it may not have been the great investment he was promised.

NickRe wonders if Rapol is making a mistake, and that what he was really told was that "large couches are very exotic".

Alea crawls out of bed and showers and dresses for the day.

<wisesnake> Well... I have to admit I've never seen anything quite like it myself. It is fairly exotic, especially when seen in the same room with the carousel horse.

NickRe can, at least, recall more local couches which are small than exotic.

wisesnake wonders if the decorating theme she was having so much difficulty discovering in the Donor's living room, is, in fact, "exotic things to sit on"

NickRe hopes Rapol doesn't have any ambition to furnish the Ferry Building, when it is theirs.

<Rapol> Horse is authentic Ancient manufacture. Frihill markings.

<wisesnake> Really? [suddenly intrigued]

<NickRe> Where are the Frihill markings?

Jirelle shrugs at Jelana

<Jirelle> Well Briel doesn't seem to be here. Let's try Veraik's office.

<Jirelle> They're co-Controllers, I think.

Jirelle realizes that sounded odd

<Rapol> Inside left hind leg.

<Jirelle> Well, things have been rather busy lately... last I heard.

NickRe shakes his head sadly.

Jirelle leads Jelana a short distance down the hall

wisesnake slows as they approach Rapol's place

<NickRe> Frihill marks artifacts on the bottom. If it were authentic, it would be on the bottom of a hoof.

<NickRe> I'm sorry.

wisesnake thinks that seems like an exceedingly general statement

<wisesnake> What if the beast doesn't have any hooves flat to the ground, would there be a "bottom" to mark then?

Jirelle realizes Jelana has walked off and left her, and Veraik isn't in his office anyway

Jirelle sighs and walks away

Rapol slows ~~ worry ~~ "Really?"

Rapol looks towards the apartment.

<NickRe> It would be on the belly then, tucked as far between the front legs as possible, so it wouldn't be visible.

<NickRe> There was an exhibit at the local museum when I was a child, and I got one of those childish obsessions.

Rapol brightens as he recalls the difficulty bracing it upright.

Alea sits down, and brushes her hair before pulling it back in a clip

wisesnake is not convinced Nick has any idea what he's talking about

<wisesnake> Don't worry about it, Rapol. I'm sure it's a fine piece.

<NickRe> Read everything I could find on the subject.

<NickRe> Actually, some of the more modern carvings are artistically better than the Ancient ones. In better condition, too.

Rapol is antsy to get in and look.

<wisesnake> I'll see you tonight, Rapol. Be sure to get a good day's sleep.

NickRe sees Rapol's anxiety and slightly increases his shielding of Snake to keep it from annoying her.

<Rapol> Certainly.

<Rapol> Good Morning.

<NickRe> Good morning. Sleep well.

Alea stands and brushes at her skirt and then exits her room

Rapol hustles up the steps, digging for his key.

Alea shoves her hair over her shoulder

Tarsh comes looking for Alea.

Eliza and Mostan return from the walk and separate - Mostan to get something to eat and Eliza to find Alea

Alea starts down the stairs

wisesnake looks after Rapol thoughtfully

Veraik augments in the woods, feeling the wind and air surround and caress his skin.

Alea ~~ worried anxious ~~

<NickRe> I hope he didn't get cheated too badly.

<Veraik> Realizes his time was near but wanting to know if his package had arrived, Veraik runs towards the Center and goes directly to the mail room.

<Tarsh> Alea!

Alea glances up ~~ relief ~~

<Alea> Hello Tarsh.

<wisesnake> You don't know if he got cheated at all yet, [points out]

Alea goes on down the stairs

<wisesnake> I haven't had a good look at any of it yet, but if the zebra hide and elephant tusk on that sofa are real, that thing is worth a bundle.

wisesnake makes no evaluations of its tastefulness, however

Veraik thanks the mail clerk for the package then heads to his room for a quick shower.

<NickRe> Oh, if it's a nice piece of sculpture, it's worth something, whether or not it's Ancient manufacture.

wisesnake thinks, duh

<wisesnake> Yes, true.

<Alea> I was just on my way, uh, would you like to walk with me?

Tarsh hugs Alea.

Alea hugs Tarsh back, absorbing strength from him.

<NickRe> So, where are we working tonight?

<Tarsh> I'm so sorry about this Alea.

<wisesnake> Well, lets get to the hospital. I want to see how Fise and Loylic are getting along.

wisesnake pauses

Veraik enters his room and tosses the package on the bed, stripping in record time. ~ need ~

<wisesnake> The hospital, I think.

Alea averts her gaze

<Alea> It's not a big deal.

<Alea> I'm a Donor. He's a um... Channel.

<Veraik> [After the shower, Veraik sits on the bed and carefully, reverently opens the package.]

<NickRe> Are your "retainers" in the satchel?

Eliza wanders from the hall outside Alea's office to the hall outside the donation rooms and back again

<wisesnake> Yes.

<Tarsh> Yes, but....

Alea pauses

<Alea> What?

Alea reaches out and grabs a tentacle, stroking it absently

Loylic thinks this is the easiest gig he's ever had

Veraik pulls out the folds of Liorie cape and touches the material with a tentacle.

Loylic lounges in a chair watching fumble-tentacles do all the work

<Veraik> Now I have my cape for the burial.

Alea ~~ anxious ~~

Fise carefully zlins the youngster.

<Tarsh> If it were any other channel... but him...

Veraik pulls a new Liorie uniform from the package as well then gently lays the cape across the bed so that they will find it without trouble.

Alea looks at Tarsh in disbelief

<Alea> You would rather me have gone with Sumulo?

Eliza sees Alea and Tarsh "Alea! there you are!" [smile]

Loylic stretches out his gum, examines it in front of his nose, then pokes it back into his cheek and starts chewing again (smacking lips)

Fise argues with the boy about making a lateral contact.

<Tarsh> No, of course not.

Alea sighs

<Tarsh> But this isn't much better.

<Alea> Agreed

Tarsh turns to zlin Eliza.

Alea turns and nods to Eliza

Loylic wonders why the guy puts so much effort into it...

<Alea> Have you met Eliza yet, Tarsh?

<Alea> [English] She is the new Donor.

Loylic yawns, and considers opening the comic book the kid left lying nearby, then figures he ought to keep his attention on Fise, or something

NickRe stops in the usual place by the border and waits for Snake to dig her fake retainers out of the satchel.

Loylic does so, in a lackluster fashion

<NickRe> Would you like me to help you on with those?

Eliza smiles at Tarsh and turns to Alea, more important things on her mind

wisesnake produces the retainers

Veraik leaves his room and heads for assigned transfer suite.

<wisesnake> Yes.

wisesnake hands them to Nick

<Eliza> shouldn't you be with Veraik Alea? Isn't it getting close? Is there anything you want me to do?

Alea stiffens

Alea thinks she does NOT want to be with Veraik

<Alea> I will go there when it's time Eliza.

<Tarsh> No. I'm pleased to meet you. [distracted]

<Veraik> ~ need ~

<Alea> Veraik is able to take care of himself until transfer

NickRe opens one retainer and carefully slips it on, making sure his own distaste for the objects doesn't make Snake even more miserable than she already is.

Veraik takes the back way to get to the transfer suite, but not wanting to see or zlin anyone. ~ control ~

NickRe makes sure that it doesn't pinch, then starts on the other.

wisesnake holds her arms steady so nothing will get pinched, jabbed, poked, rolled over, bent backwards, bruised, compressed, or scuffed any more than absolutely necessary

<Alea> [Simelan] I really don't want to do this. I'm afraid I'm going to end up ruining this...

NickRe carefully checks the fit, then snaps the second retainer closed.

<NickRe> Cheer up, Snake. They could be regulation style.

Alea continues to hold onto the tentacle like it's a lifeline

Veraik enters the transfer suite.

<Veraik> ~ need ~

wisesnake wriggles her tentacles experimentally

<wisesnake> I guess so.

wisesnake thinks if they were regulation style, she simply wouldn't wear them.

Fise finally gets the lateral contact examination.

Fise informs the boy that he is not in changeover, that he has been eating something that resented it.

<Tarsh> [tentacle curls around finger]

Loylic belches loudly, and thinks fondly of the onion burger with extra cheese he had earlier

NickRe and Snake head for the hospital.

<Loylic> Ummmm....

<Alea> Look, Tarsh, I have to go. Will you be here when it's over?

<Tarsh> Yes. Whereever you want me.

<Alea> Thank you.

Loylic reminds himself to concentrate on Fise, and does so with a bleary sort of pseudointerest

Loylic wonders where Fise buys his clothes

Alea releases Tarsh reluctantly.

<Alea> Eliza. Are you ready?

<Eliza> yes! ~~ excitement ~~

Alea ~~ doom gloom ~~

<Alea> Fine. Let's go.

NickRe pulls open the heavy side door and holds it, so that Snake won't have to manage the handle and the weight, and possibly pinch a tentacle in so doing.

Eliza watches Alea hobble towards the transfer suites

Fise curls his lip. "Like my friend over there was eating. Dead animals."

Alea swings her way slowly to the Transfer room

wisesnake enters the hospital

<Alea> Eliza, there will be a chair set up for you to observe from

Fise tries to get the boy to drink some medicine.

<Eliza> ok

<Alea> You will sit there, and stay there. I'm afraid this transfer may not be an easy one.

NickRe follows Snake down the stairs to their basement room.

Eliza carefully doesn't bounce seeing that Alea isn't in the mood for it

<Alea> I don't want you moving from that chair during the transfer, okay?

<Eliza> ok - I won't

Tarsh paces in the lobby, wringing his tentacles.

<Eliza> anything else I shouldn't or should do?

<Alea> No, that's it.

Alea gets to the room and pulls open the door.

Loylic picks his nose and studies the results

Veraik zlins

Alea enters the room and sees Veraik

Veraik steps back.

<Alea> Hello, Controller.

wisesnake sees Fise is working with a patient and waits in the hallway outside so as not to alarm the kid

<Veraik> Alea.

Alea ~~ field offering support ~~

<wisesnake> Ah, Nick, Fise is working with a temporary Donor I found for him.

<Alea> I'm sorry if I'm running a bit late.

<NickRe> Oh?

Alea goes over to the counter and pulls out the med kit

<wisesnake> A natural 3rd order with no training whatsoever. He's not really what I had in mind, but Fise hasn't refused to work with him... yet.

Eliza moves over to the chair in the corner and tries to sit as quietly and as still as possible

<Alea> Eliza, please prepare three cups of tea and set water out to be boiled later.

<Alea> Eliza will be in here today to observe.

<Alea> Is that acceptable with you, Hajene?

<wisesnake> I am looking for somebody better though.

NickRe hadn't realized that Snake regarded any potential Donor as expendable, but that "temporary" sounded very pessimistic.

<Veraik> ~ need ~ [tightly] I have no problem with that.

Eliza jumps up and goes to the sink

Fise gets the boy to drink it.

<NickRe> You don't think this Donor will do?

Loylic notes his shirt is riding up over his belly and tries to pull it down, with little success

Eliza tries not to rattle the cups

wisesnake frowns

Veraik goes to the sink to help Eliza.

Alea methodically lays out the meds

<Veraik> ~ tight control ~ "Yes."

Fise goes to call upstairs.

Eliza smiles nervously at Veraik - careful to keep herself calm on the outside as much as possible

<wisesnake> Well, I suppose if Fise liked him, and the two of them became a long-term team I could count on to hold down a good 10 or 12 hour hospital shift every day... [even more pessimistically than before]

<NickRe> Does Fise like him?

<Fise> "No, he's not in changeover. Food poisoning."

Alea checks to make everything is just so, then wheels about to check the room out.

<wisesnake> He hasn't said anything definite yet. I think he was relieved to have anybody, at first.

<wisesnake> I think the... er... differences in upbringing might be a fatal mismatch.

<Fise> "Bacterial, yeah. He's over the hump."

Veraik uses Eliza's nager, trying not to disturb Alea.

<NickRe> That's unfortunate.

Alea sees everything is in order

<Alea> Well, Controller, have you changed your mind and want Eliza instead or are we doing this transfer?

<wisesnake> Well, the ugly facts are, the majority of unexploited natural Donors are like Loylic... too shiftless to make it in the Tecton or even realize it's a real option.

<Fise> "Just send his folks down, ok? They have not lost their son. In any sense."

Eliza looks startled

<Alea> I was your choice so stop hiding behind her please

Veraik looks at Alea and heads for the door.

Alea watches Veraik

Alea ~~ desire to give ~~

NickRe is beginning to realize why Snake approached Linn about the position, unsuitable as she was.

Eliza stands very still

Veraik stops and turns.

Alea motions Eliza to go sit down

<Veraik> Perhaps I should take transfer from Tramila this month.

<Alea> And who would I be put with?

Veraik just looks at her.

Alea goes over to the sofa and sits down, laying her crutches beside her

<Veraik> We can always have your field taken down.

<Alea> Whatever.

<Fise> "All right."

<NickRe> Is the current patient a changeover?

<wisesnake> I don't think so.

Eliza stands by the sink feeling miserable

wisesnake is pleased at how difficult it is to zlin through the insulated walls and door

Eliza isn't game to move until Veraik has moved to Alea

Alea reaches down for her crutches, deciding Veraik is dismissing her

<NickRe> The shielding's good enough that you can't tell for sure?

NickRe is impressed, since adding shielding is expensive.

Alea slips the crutches back under her arms.

<Alea> I didn't know you enjoyed games so much Veraik

<Alea> I'll leave then.

Veraik steps in front of the door, blocking Alea.

Fise is impatient and goes over to the door.

<wisesnake> Well, through the walls it's hard. I'm not going to go lurk right in front of the window and make him nervous.

Fise opens it and looks out.

Alea stops

<wisesnake> Ah, hello Fise.

Eliza is mentally wringing her hands

<Fise> Well that was... Oh. Hello Snake.

<Fise> Nick.

<Veraik> I didn't realize that transfer with me was so very distasteful to you.

NickRe nods a polite greeting.

<wisesnake> How is your patient?

Alea turns back to the couch and sits down, dropping her crutches

Alea drops her head, and closes her eyes

Alea takes a deep breath.

Alea tries to think... good, happy, wonderful thoughts, with a desire to give...

Loylic pulls a lollypop out of his pocket and waves it alluringly at the kid, who promptly turns a bright shade of green

Alea can't pull those up with him in mind

<Fise> Food poisoning. But he's on the uptrend.

Veraik waits and wonders what she is doing. ~ tight control ~

<wisesnake> His parents will be relieved.

<wisesnake> I hope they stuck around...?

<Fise> They thought he was a changeover. [ rolls eyes ]

Alea digs deep inside and finds an image...

wisesnake knows many of them don't, assuming their kid is done for and they don't want to know

Alea slowly relaxes

Alea ~~ desire ~~

Alea finally looks at Veraik.

<Fise> They weren't sure. Having an orderly look.

Veraik 's systems relax with Alea's

wisesnake glances inside

<wisesnake> How is Loylic working out?

Alea closes her eyes again, projecting her desire to give.

Eliza doesn't think moving right now is a good idea so stays standing at the sink

Veraik responds to Alea's desire.

wisesnake offers her hands to Nick to remove the retainers while they talk

NickRe busies himself with the clamps, careful not to let the torture devices pinch.

<Fise> better than nothing....

Alea imagines herself offering and giving everything to see need met.

<Fise> ~~ barely ~~

wisesnake zlins Fise

<wisesnake> Ah... I see. Well, I am working on finding someone a little more interested in training.

Veraik walks towards Alea.

Loylic scratches himself as he sticks the lollypop in his own mouth

<Fise> ~~ tired, but he usually is, irritated ~~

Loylic drools on his tee shirt

<Fise> Come on in.

Alea readjusts on the transfer lounge. ~~ need desire to give ~~

Veraik zlins the dual nagers in the room.

wisesnake rubs her freed tentacles, wriggling them

wisesnake enters the room, supporting Fise automatically

<Veraik> [whispers] Eliza. Sit over there.

NickRe looks at Loylic unhappily: unprofessionalism is perhaps forgivable, under the circumstances, but not total slobbery.

Eliza tiptoes to the chair and sits

<Fise> [Simelan] Anything to do for food poisoning besides vomiting and neutralizer?

<wisesnake> ~~soothing/supportive~~

Veraik turns to the rich nager and walks to the transfer couch.

NickRe wonders what Linn could do with Loylic.

Loylic catches Nick staring at him and stares rudely back, his tongue blue

Alea feels the transfer couch give and smiles slightly

Loylic pulls up his pants to hide what his shirt cannot, leaving his waistband almost under his armpits

Eliza watches - fascinated

Veraik zlins Alea. ~ need ~

Alea ~~ willingness to give~~

Alea ~~ desire to give ~~

NickRe shakes his head in dismissal and ignores Loylic.

Fise whispers to Nick "Don't look at him. I've found that's best."

NickRe nods agreement.

<wisesnake> Well, I usually try recommend rest and sticking to tea and crackers for a day or so, not that people usually listen.

Veraik closes his mind to the questions and only zlins in the need-fulfilling field.

Alea holds her arms, out, reaching for Sime arms.

wisesnake isn't about to suggest that Fise try what she usually does, a deep zlin poking around in the person's bodily systems to see if there is anything else she can dig up general-health-wise

<Fise> Can't push the immune system on a kid.

NickRe wonders if Snake will want to examine the kid herself.

Alea slides her hands up the Sime arms. ~~ offering ~~

<Fise> There was a real changeover earlier, but only stage 3, so they sent him to the Center.

Veraik takes her arms and looks at them.

Loylic pleased to be out of the conversational topic once again, leans back to enjoy his posh gig

Alea looks at the arms...

<Fise> ~~ slight regret ~~

<wisesnake> That's great, Fise! You did a good thing in identifying him and getting him packed off.

Veraik tries to raise his intil but is having a hard time of it.

wisesnake zlins the regret

<wisesnake> Would you liked to have served him yourself? [gently]

<Fise> Well, maybe.

<Tarsh> Was a nice kid and...

Alea thinks of the beauty of transfer, of giving

<Fise> [quickly] Just to keep the entran at bay, of course.

wisesnake looks at Fise curiously

<wisesnake> Of course.

<wisesnake> Well, you will get more chances, and plenty of them, the more days you spend here.

Veraik zlins a new flavor of Alea's nager.

<wisesnake> And remember, you are doing a good thing, even if you cannot serve them yourself.

NickRe sees Fise's wistfulness, and reinforces Snake's remarks with his own conviction.

<wisesnake> And I really appreciate your putting in the time. I can't be here always and the kids need somebody.

<Fise> Any idea why we get more of them in the mornings?

Alea ~~ aching to satisfy the unfullfilled needs~~

<NickRe> It's easier for the kids to hide their symptoms at night.

wisesnake thinks of Linn's refusal to train as Fise's Donor and hides the downturn in her nager

Veraik remembers his needmares and decides to simply take the transfer then die in peace for there was nothing else to do.

Veraik wraps tentacles around her arms and makes fifth contact.

Veraik takes his draw at a pace as high as he could create.

Alea ~~ excitement, desire, love, deep fullfillment ~~

Veraik [Alea's field hits him and he draws in earnest.]

Alea ~~ joy, sharing, completion ~~

Eliza thinks this is alot different from watching Lanyi work

NickRe turns his head as an orderly knocks smartly on the door.

Veraik takes the joy, using it to fulfill himself and his depleted systems.

Alea ~~ life ~~

<Fise`> Hiding? But if they think they're in changeover, they should want to get in-T as soon as possible. Why hide it?

Veraik reaches his peak and starts to slow the flow to its conclusion.

Alea ~~ joy, love, peace, contentment ~~

<wisesnake> They don't know any better... they have not been trained or educated in what's happening to them.

<NickRe> Perhaps they're afraid that their parents will murder them instead of helping them -- and hoping that it will just turn out to be food poisoning?

<wisesnake> All they know is that many people, including their own parents, will shoot down any changeover victim they can identify.

Fise` shivers.

wisesnake reaches out and opens the door to let the orderly in to retrieve the kid

wisesnake is pleased that the orderly is too busy to be worried about Simes

Veraik uses the joy then closes the transfer.

<Fise`> That's why they know shen-all about handling it. Even I knew about breathing....

NickRe sees the kid looking awfully relieved to be going, and sighs.

Alea sits still, still clinging to the Sime

<wisesnake> There has been a small school installed by the Tecton, for the purpose of teaching changeover information.

<wisesnake> But the fact of the matter is, those kids who do receive changeover training are more likely to be taken directly to the Sime Center than here.

Veraik finally sits back and withdraws his tentacles.

Alea sighs and slowly opens her eyes

Eliza relaxes slightly glad that it is all over and everyone is well

<Veraik> Thank you Naztehr.

<wisesnake> The educated parents will realize how dangerous the hospital has been for changeover victims in the past, and not want to risk them here.

<wisesnake> At least until the obvious changes in their track record our presence here is causing becomes more well known.

Alea focuses on Veraik and is glad he can't zlin what she is suddenly feeling

Fise` turns to the boy. "Tell your parents to keep you home in bed for the next two days. Try to drink a lot of fluids. Eat simple stuff, crackers and soup. You'll be fine."

Alea averts her gaze and motions to Eliza for tea

Eliza gets up quietly and finishes making the tea

Alea reaches for her crutches, then stops and waits.

Eliza carefully carries a mug each over to Alea and Veraik

Alea shakes her head, not accepting the mug

Veraik sees Alea go for her crutches.

Alea crosses her hands nervously in her lap, waiting.

<Veraik> Go on Alea. Go to Tarsh. I'll be fine.

<Alea> I'm sure you will be.

Alea looks angrily at Veraik and snatches up her crutches

Fise` turns back to Snake "Does the General public know we're here?" 2

Alea stands and slips them under her arms.

Tarsh paces up and down the hall.

Alea looks at him, and glares.

Eliza hesitates at Alea's refusal then goes to hand Veraik his tea

Eliza looks at Alea for direction - not sure what is happening

Veraik watches her but says nothing.

Eliza puts down the two teas and looks from Alea to Veraik

Veraik takes the tea. "Thank you Eliza."

<Alea> You are a cold bastard. Do you know that?

Alea turns and makes her way slowly to the door.

<Veraik> Why Alea. I didn't know that you cared. ~ sarcasm ~

Alea wrenches the door open.

NickRe watches the boy leave, shaking his head at the obvious relief he shows to be leaving Fise and Snake behind.

Alea gets out the door and leaves it open, going down the hall

Eliza watches Alea leave then looks at Veraik ~~ support ~~ "would you like me to stay?"

Alea ~~ anger disgust sick at heart ~~

Fise` goes over to the couch and sits down next to, but not touching, Loylic.

Veraik goes to the door to close it then hesitates. "Only if you would like to stay Eliza."

<Fise`> Please focus on me a bit tighter Loylic.

Eliza is uncertain whether she should comfort Alea or Veraik - but then thinks that Alea has Tarsh and Veraik has no one

<Eliza> I'd like to stay Veraik

Loylic looks at Fise making an effort to pay attention

<Tarsh> Alea!

Tarsh runs up to her.

Alea refuses to meet Tarsh's eyes.

Loylic ignores the huge fart that he feels attempting to creep into position

<Alea> It's over.

Veraik closes the door.

Fise` leans back and closes his eyes. "ahh. Thank you."

Eliza wonders what to say

<Fise`> Alea? What is it?

<Veraik> Let's have some tea and you can ask me questions.

Eliza picks up Veraik's tea and hands it to him [ouch that was hot - use the handle next time] then takes a sip of her own

wisesnake notices Fise would rather the Gen's support than hers, and figures Loylic can't be as bad as Fise claims

wisesnake finds this encouraging

Alea shudders

Loylic congratulates himself once again on stumbling over this amazingly easy gig

Eliza ~~ offers support ~~

Veraik sips his tea.

Loylic enjoys pleasurable thoughts of how he will spend his large payment, beginning with a trip to the steak house and a beer store

Tarsh hugs Alea.

<Alea> I hate him [whispers]

<Alea> Oh shen how I hate him.

Eliza wonders where all the pent up emotions she heard about were....

Veraik 's systems respond to Eliza's support but he can not zlin her doing it.

<Eliza> Are you alright Veraik?

Veraik stares at Eliza. "Yes." [half truth]

<Tarsh> Me too.

NickRe 's nose wrinkles as Loylic's beans of the night before announce their presence.

<Tarsh> It's over now.

Loylic smiles as a silent-but-deadly eases out

<Alea> I gave him everything inside me. I offered him... I didn't know how else to do it, Tarsh. I offered him... and the lorsh purposely held himself back, refusing to respond.

Fise` sniffs and scowls, but keeps his eyes closed.

<Loylic> ~~pleasure and enjoyment~~

wisesnake raises an eyebrow, then shrugs at Nick

Eliza takes a deep breath

<Tarsh> He... wouldn't that ruin it for him too?

NickRe spreads his hands, disclaiming responsibility.

Eliza looks at Veraik ~~ sorrow ~~

<Alea> He purposely ruined it, Tarsh. I have no idea why.

Veraik finally puts his tea cup down and starts to cry.

<Eliza> ~~ desire to help ~~

Eliza gets up and sits next to Veraik, putting her arm around his shoulder

<Eliza> ~~ support ~~ there there - it's ok

Eliza looks around for a towel - sees they are out of reach and leaves them be

<Alea> I... know it wasn't right of me. But I thought of you. I thought if I pretended it was you that I gave my selyn to, I could give him what he wanted.

Veraik leans his head on her shoulder and cries silently.

Alea shudders

Eliza pats Veraik's head then lays her head on top of it and pats him on the back

Eliza mumbles soothingly

NickRe puts his hand on the retainer in his pocket and raises an eyebrow to ask Snake if she wants to leave now or stay a little longer.

Tarsh shivers at the though of transfer with Alea...

Veraik sobs, instinctively using her support.

<wisesnake> Well, Fise, do you require anything from me while I'm here?

Eliza wraps herself around Veraik and lets him cry all he wants to

Fise` thinks. "No, not that I can think of right now. I'll manage."

<wisesnake> Great. You're doing a fine job.

wisesnake turns to Nick

Eliza feels angry at Alea for whatever it was that just went wrong

NickRe pulls out the first retainer.

<Eliza> shuuuush there - it's ok - everything is fine

<Alea> I need to get away. I think I'll go for a walk. If you'll excuse me, Tarsh?

Veraik finally stops and breathes, refusing to think or to remember anything.

<Tarsh> Alone?

Eliza just holds him

Alea shrugs

<Alea> I don't think you really want to be with me. I can only imagine what my field is doing to you at this moment.

NickRe helps Snake on with the retainers.

<wisesnake> Thanks.

<Tarsh> I should share that with you too. Support you for once.

<wisesnake> See you Fise... Loylic.

Eliza rubs Veraik's shoulders akwardly

Loylic mops his nose with his sleeve and fails to particularly take note of their leaving

<Fise`> Good day Snake.

<Fise`> And... Thanks.

<Fise`> bye Nick.

<NickRe> Goodbye, Fise.

NickRe holds the door for Snake.

<Alea> I don't know what I want, Tarsh. I just feel sick at what happened in that transfer room.

wisesnake leaves the room and then the hospital

<Tarsh> let's just walk then.

Alea nods

<Eliza> ~~ desire to help ~~

Veraik stands. "Are you hungry? I can escort you to the cafeteria, if you would like?"

<NickRe> My things should be delivered to the Ferry Building this afternoon.

<Eliza> ~~ sympathy ~~

Tarsh guides Alea to the lobby to get their cloaks.

Eliza looks up in suprise - "err no thank you Hajene - I'm not hungry."

NickRe will be glad to sleep on a full-sized bed again.

<Eliza> [to Veraik] would you like to eat?

Veraik nods. "I would like to go for a walk. Would you like to come along?"

<Tarsh> Loylic.

<wisesnake> Ah.

<Loylic> Huh?

Eliza thinks she is getting extremely good at walking with Channels "of course Hajene"

Eliza ~~supports~~ Veraik

Loylic looks at the snooty Sime with the awkward tentacles

Alea gets her cloak and slips it on, buttoning it up

<Veraik> We can stop by your room for your cloak.

Alea slips her hair out of the back of her cloak and then wraps a scarf around her head and cheeks

Alea finally grabs her gloves and slips them both on.

<Eliza> oh I don't have a cloak.

<Fise`> You should at least get up and say hello when Snake is here.

Tarsh throws his cloak on.

Loylic rubs his bristly chin and considers that thought

<Loylic> Uhhh maybe.

<Veraik> Then what do you have so you can go out.

<NickRe> I couldn't find a carter who'd work at night, but Linn said she'd go along and make sure nothing was harmed.

Loylic thinks there's not much point in kissing butt on somebody who is going to think you're scum no matter what

<Eliza> Mostan lent me one this morning - but I think he is resting

<wisesnake> I see.

<Alea> Which way?

<Fise`> She *is* paying us after all.

wisesnake sees that Nick will have to be trained out of giving the key to people

<Veraik> I see.

Loylic thinks of it in that light

<Loylic> Oh... okay, that's different

<Eliza> I'm sure I could get one [doesn't want to leave Veraik like that..]

<Veraik> Has anyone ordered you a Tecton cloak yet?

Loylic figures between lying around here all day and maybe standing up and saying "hello" when Snake comes in, it's still not that much work

<Eliza> I don't know Hajene [blushes]

Loylic 's nager relaxes again into idle contentment

<wisesnake> Is she going to stay in that apartment, or move somewhere cheaper?

<Tarsh> South. Away from downtown.

<Fise`> Thank you. [ironically]

<Alea> that's about where I feel like I belong right now [sarcastically]. however, if you want South, then South it is.

<NickRe> She's going to stay, for a while at least, and see if she can find a roommate.

<Veraik> Come. We'll go to the Center stores and get you a cloak then I will order you one after we return from our walk.

Loylic grunts, his nager unchanging.

Eliza smiles at Veraik "thank you Veraik!"

Loylic closes his eyes

wisesnake walks toward Sime Territory and the edge of Bender Cove

Eliza follows Veraik to the storeroom

Veraik orders a cloak from the clerk.

<NickRe> Alice has left for her home town, so Linn doesn't have two rents to pay.

NickRe stops just across the border to help Snake off with her retainers.

Fise` leans back and closes his eyes, trying *not* to think about the similarity to Loylic.

<wisesnake> Good. That means I can finally start giving Ola checkups again.

wisesnake waits through the process

Veraik thanks the clerk then eyes the size. "It may be a bit big, but it will do for the moment."

Eliza accepts the cloak, and thanks Veraik

<Tarsh> You belong somewhere else. Somewhere out of a tale of the Ancients...

NickRe finishes and puts the retainers away.

wisesnake continues on restlessly

Alea moves carefully toward the door.

Alea begins to cry.

<Veraik> Let's go to my room to pick up my cloak then we can go.

<Alea> I don't feel like it. I just want to get gone right now

Eliza ~~supports~~ Veraik

<Eliza> ok [they move towards his room]

<Tarsh> Lets go then.

Alea nods

NickRe follows, increasing his support an increment to calm the restlessness.

Veraik opens the door to his room and let's her in.

Alea looks up at Tarsh.

Eliza walks in ahead of Veraik and sees the cloak spread out on the bed

<Alea> I suppose ice skating is out, isn't it?

Eliza realises that the one she got all wet the other day was Veraik's

<Eliza> ~~ panic ~~

<Tarsh> weellll. We can watch it if you like.

Alea smiles

Eliza looks back at Veraik in shocked surprise "is that your cloak?"

<Alea> I'd like that.

Alea hobbles over to the door and waits for Tarsh to open it.

Veraik goes to his bed and swoops the cape from it and settles it over over his shoulders.

Eliza feels faint

Tarsh opens the door.

Alea swings out onto the porch

Veraik looks at Eliza, wishing he could zlin. "Yes. It is."

Tarsh helps Alea down the stairs.

Alea looks at how well the steps and sidewalk is cleaned.

<Alea> I see that renSime took me seriously when I threatened him if he let this ice over again.

Alea smiles

Tarsh smiles. "You've helped us all then."

<Alea> Better than having hurt donors and nervous Simes.

Eliza sits down on the bed "oh"

Eliza wonders whether to say anything.

Veraik looks at Eliza.

Eliza looks up at Veraik "I think it might have been your cloak I borrowed the other day when Alea broke her leg"

<Eliza> I'm sorry

Alea goes off down the street with Tarsh to watch the ice skaters

Eliza cringes away

Veraik looks hard at Eliza, then forces his face into neutrality.

Eliza shuts her eyes and waits for the slap

<Veraik> [whispers] My cloak.

<Eliza> [small voice] yes

Veraik turns. "Come. Let's walk."

Eliza knows explanations are useless so doesn't volunteer one

Eliza opens one eye

<Eliza> you aren't going to hit me?

<Veraik> Why would I hit you? [curious]

Eliza opens the other eye and looks at Veraik in surprise "I ruined your cloak"

Veraik is unable to keep a tear from dripping from one corner of an eye.

<Veraik> I don't understand. Why would I hit you?

<Eliza> Oh I'm sorry! I didn't mean to ruin it! I just grabbed the first one when I saw Alea heading out by herself!

Eliza stops thinking maybe Veraik is hard of hearing

<Eliza> [louder] Cause I ruined your cloak

<Veraik> [blanches] Alea.

<Veraik> Eliza

<Eliza> ~~ nervous ~~ Yes

<Veraik> I AM upset that my cloak is ruined but that is no excuse for hitting you. In fact, there is no excuse for hitting other people.

NickRe notices that Snake's restlessness doesn't really go away, even though she's no longer wearing retainers.

Eliza gapes at Veraik

<Veraik> You're saying that you've been hit.

Eliza realises that although Veraik is the Controller for the Center and as such her boss she has yet to formally report to him

<Veraik> Who hit you Eliza?

Eliza's heart starts beating faster as she comes to the conclusion that she is going to have to tell him everything - and then they will probably throw her out

Eliza just stands with her mouth a little open and can't reply

Veraik walks to her and picks up a hand.

Eliza cringes back

<Veraik> Eliza. What is it? No one is going to hurt you.

Eliza doubts that

wisesnake turns in the direction of the Ferry Building

<Eliza> hajene, sir, there is something I should probably tell you

NickRe can guess the cause by the direction of Snake's gaze.

<NickRe> Snake, if you're that worried about having the carter in the Ferry Building when you're away, we can always go by and check. It's not too far from Cannery Row.

<wisesnake> Umh.

Veraik waits patiently, holding her hand.

wisesnake moves faster

NickRe stretches his own legs.

Eliza takes a deep breath and tells Veraik about her father - and how she shot him when he attacked John when John was going through changeover

wisesnake realizes a Donor with a broken leg would be next to worthless, and makes herself slow down

Eliza starts sobbing "so you see - I murdered him and now I won't be able to stay and they will lock me up or hang me or something"

Veraik listens then holds her.

<Veraik> No Eliza. No.

NickRe moves at the maximum rate consistent with avoiding gross bodily injury.

<Veraik> No one will send you away.

Eliza is sobbing too much

<Eliza> [hysterical crying]

Veraik holds her, gently rubbing her shoulders in support and understanding.

NickRe is panting by the time they reach the Ferry Building, but the wagon and boot tracks on the snow show that the carter has been and gone.

Eliza leans agains Veraik, tears running down his new cloak

wisesnake is disgusted, supposes she will have to get different locks now

NickRe trusts Linn to have overseen things without surrendering the key, but Snake obviously does not.

wisesnake looks and zlins around carefully before entering the building

NickRe sees that nothing on the first floor has been disturbed, although the path between door and stairs is damp in spots.

wisesnake locks the door behind them and checks the building carefully for intruders, starting at the bottom and working her way to the top

Veraik wraps tentacles around Eliza so she can feel as much touch and understanding as possible.

wisesnake mutters to herself about loose cannons and security

Eliza presses in close to Veraik

Veraik caresses her as she cries.

NickRe allows Snake her paranoia, confident that the worst she will encounter is possibly the stray cat.

Eliza stops crying and looks up at Veraik - her face is all wet

Veraik smiles at Eliza.

<Eliza> I'm sorry Veraik

<Veraik> That's all right. I understand. Life can be very difficult.

wisesnake swears at the cat and it runs away

wisesnake finally reaches the top floor and checks all the offices

NickRe notices without suprise that all the tracks lead to the office which Snake has taken over for living quarters, and the room next door where he had told Linn to park the overflow.

Eliza thinks that it was certainly difficult before she got to the Center

<Eliza> These past few days have been the best in my whole life Veraik - I would really hate to have to go

<Eliza> But I don't want to cause the Center any problems

NickRe opens the door to their quarters and smells the unexpected odor of Farris-safe floor wax and furniture polish.

wisesnake enters the office with trepidation

<Veraik> You won't.

Eliza wonders if Veraik heard what she said

<Eliza> but I killed a man! my father!

LinnH is just putting a finishing polish on the woodwork.

<LinnH> Oh, Snake, hello!

<Veraik> But you were trying to save your brother. Your body responds as a Donor and therefore your responded as a Donor.

<Eliza> Cousin

<Veraik> Eliza. The Tecton will always welcome you.

LinnH surveys the clean floor and neatly arranged furniture with satisfaction.

<Veraik> Cousin. [Veraik nods.]

LinnH has long since gotten used to ignoring the mess on Snake's desk.

Eliza wiggles a little to get out of Veraik's hold

wisesnake rushes to her desk and is relieved to see nothing has been touched

<wisesnake> ~~relief~~

<wisesnake> Ah. Hello, Linn.

<LinnH> Nick, I hope I got the furniture where you wanted it. And since you're here...

LinnH fishes the key out of her pocket and hands it to Nick.

Veraik lets Eliza go.

LinnH looks at Snake's actions with a slight bewilderment, wondering why Snake would think that she would mess with the desk when she never did before.

<LinnH> I also brought you two a housewarming gift, to hang on one of those big empty walls downstairs, when the time comes.

<wisesnake> Oh. Really?

<wisesnake> ~~nervously~~

wisesnake is feeling a bit defensive about her actions regarding the desk, but also mostly justified

LinnH indicates a fairly large box sitting on a coffee table near the desk.

<LinnH> I saw it at a flea market in Eastcove. It's nothing much, but there was something about it that made me think of you.

<wisesnake> You have been going into Eastcove?

wisesnake thinks that's progress

<LinnH> I had to see Alice off -- the only direct train to Halim's Glen leaves from the Eastcove station.

wisesnake pokes at the box, then opens it tentatively

LinnH holds her breath, hoping that Snake will like the sculpture.

LinnH thinks that, after all, a similarity to a pattern on a seldom-worn piece of jewelery isn't much to go on.

wisesnake faints

NickR rushes to Snake's side, offering maximum support to stabilize her fluctuating fields and blood pressure.

Briel is in her office doing paperwork.

Turrie walks through the town of Bender Cove carrying the two bags that contain everything she owns

Turrie is a tall channel in her late 30's who walks with a freeness and confidence that belies the fact she is alone without a Companion

LinnH looks at the unconscious channel in bewilderment.

wisesnake blinks and stirs groggily

Turrie sniffs the slightly fishy air

LinnH hadn't expected such a response to a cheap bit of copper, aesthetically pleasing or not.

wisesnake opens her eyes

<wisesnake> Oh... ouch

NickR takes Snake's hands, to get his nager closer to her laterals for best effect.

<NickR> Did you hit your head, Snake?

<NickR> ~~concern~~

<wisesnake> I hit everything.

wisesnake gets up, so he won't have to worry as much

<wisesnake> I'm fine, I'm fine. Just... thanks, Nick. There's no problem.

Turrie swung into the center pathway and up the steps in a fluid movement

NickR continues to watch Snake for signs of a relapse.

<LinnH> What is the matter, Snake? I didn't think it was _that_ ugly.

<wisesnake> This is very nice Linn. Now I want you to forget that you have ever seen this, or that I have ever seen it, and Nick will never see it.

wisesnake closes the box and puts it in a closet

Turrie goes up to the desk clerk and introduces herself and asks to speak to Controller Briel or Controller Veraik

<wisesnake> Where did you say you found that?

<wisesnake> No - don't tell me.

<wisesnake> I don't want to know.

<wisesnake> I just want you to forget you ever bought it.

wisesnake goes and sits down at her desk, leans on it rubbing her forehead

LinnH blinks, slightly hurt by this response to her gift.

wisesnake zlins Linn's hurt and her headache intensifies rapidly

<wisesnake> Linn... honestly, I really appreciate the gift.

<Turrie> [the desk clerk seats Turrie and goes to get Controller Briel]

Briel hears the door and answers it, listening to what is said.

<LinnH> Why does it scare you so much?

<wisesnake> Because half the Tecton and the entire local police force are looking for that thing right now.

Briel nods and goes to the lobby

<LinnH> What?

<wisesnake> And I swore I knew nothing of it's whereabouts.

<wisesnake> Repeatedly.

Turrie sees Briel approaching and stands to greet her "Controller"

Briel nods

<Briel> Briel ambrov R'lea

<Briel> How may I help you?

<Turrie> I'm Turrie Foxness - I believe you were notified of my coming?

<Briel> Ah, yes. We were.

<LinnH> I was told that it belonged to some kid who went off to college and lost interest in it. What would the Tecton want with it? And the police?

<Turrie> Well - I'm here now [small amused smile]

<Briel> Won't you come to my office, and we can talk.

Briel motions with a tentacle.

<Turrie> of course

<wisesnake> Suffice it to say that you don't have firsthand knowledge of what it really is, and leave it at that.

Turrie picks up her two bags and follows Briel back to her office

<Turrie> I was hoping that Controller Veraik could be here as well - there are something I have to tell you that I would like both of you to hear at the same time

LinnH is very confused, but she is starting to understand that she has accidentally handed Snake another problem instead of a cheap but pleasant decoration.

<Briel> One moment, please Turrie.

Briel turns and sends a renSime up to Veraik's room.

<Turrie> of course Controller

<LinnH> I didn't mean to hand you another problem. You've got enough worries, trying to buy and restore this building.

Briel has already heard the scuttlebutt about his transfer so she knows she's not interrupting

<wisesnake> Look, Linn... don't worry about it. It's okay. Thank you for the present.

<wisesnake> I shouldn't have... reacted... like that. In front of you.

Briel goes on to her office and offers Turrie a seat.

<Briel> Would you like some trin while we wait?

<Briel> It's rather chilly out today.

LinnH decides that "reacted" must be a Simelan euphemism for "fainted dead away from shock".

<Turrie> Thank you yes, I would

Veraik answers the signal at his door.

wisesnake grips her forehead as she tries to think who she should bring this to: Tormer? Veraik? Tramila? To Zeor directly?

Briel crosses her large office over to a hot plate and pours three cups of trin

Veraik looks back and offers a tentacle to Eliza. "Come. I believe that you should be there as well since you witnessed the transfer."

Briel returns and sits one down for Veraik, and proffers one to Turrie while keeping one for herself

NickR sees the symptoms of a giant-sized Responsibility Headache, and puts a hand on the back of Snake's neck, thinking soothing thoughts.

Turrie puts her bags down - opens one and pulls out some files which she hands to Briel

Veraik and Eliza go to Briel's office then he pauses at the door.

<wisesnake> Ahh...

wisesnake relaxes a little

<Turrie> There are my files. You will find everything in order

Briel zlins

<Briel> Come.

<Briel> [to Veraik]

wisesnake 's back of her neck is as tense as cables

Briel accepts the files and opens one to scan it.

<Veraik> Why don't you go check on Mostan instead. Briel can talk to you later if she wants your story.

Turrie stands to greet Veraik

NickR massages gently, imagining the tension and pain flowing out.

Veraik waits until she has left then signals.

Veraik walks in and stops when he sees Briel and a new Channel.

wisesnake feels the immediacy of the firey headache fade

<Briel> Turrie, I'd like you to meet Veraik ambrov Liorie. He is co-Controller here

<Turrie> Controller Veraik - I'm Turrie Foxness

NickR feels the tension ease and hopes that this time drugs won't be necessary.

Briel reads down through the file nodding, impressed

<Veraik> Turrie. Welcome to our Center.

<Turrie> Thank you for freeing yourself to be here Controller Veraik. I would like to make as full a report to you both at the same time

<Turrie> Thank you [smiles]

wisesnake gets up and goes to the closet, gets out the box

Turrie hands Veraik a file

Turrie sits down once again and crosses her long legs

wisesnake removes the copper Zeor dagger and wraps it in a blanket

Briel hands the file she scanned to Veraik and then takes her seat

Veraik takes the file and looks through it.

wisesnake experiences some delay in this process as she must hunt for the blanket which is now neatly folded in a completely different location than she expected

Briel crosses her hands over her stomach and intertwines tentacles

<Briel> Why don't you tell us a bit about yourself, Turrie.

wisesnake wraps up the sculpture carefully and replaces it in the box

<Turrie> As you can see from the file I have spent the last 5 years almost entirely in Gen territory where I worked both through politics and education to see that the Tecton was understood and accepting and to improve the chances of Simes going through changeover surviving

wisesnake closes the box and folds the lid so it is tightly shut

LinnH decides that this object must have a personal, long-term meaning for Snake, or she'd have easily found the blanket on the end of the bed.

<Briel> About your... injury?

Turrie takes a sip of tea

Briel zlins Turrie's arms.

<wisesnake> Will you two excuse me for just a minute?

<Turrie> no Controller - I have not been injured

<wisesnake> Actually this will probably take a few hours.

<Briel> Really?

wisesnake is still wearing the headache in her expression

<LinnH> Of course.

<Turrie> It was only fear of the damage by prolonged use of the retainers that propted me to seek a position here

<Briel> I had been told that wearing the retainers had caused you some problems.

<Veraik> Impressive.

<Briel> ah, I see.

Briel leans forward, zlinning Turrie's arms closer.

wisesnake hurries out the door and down the stairs, with the box

<Veraik> And you have been assigned to this Center.

Briel satisfied, leans back in her chair again.

wisesnake pauses at the bottom of the stairs to hork some painkillers

Turrie holds out her arms and extends her tentacles for Briel's examination

<Turrie> as you can see - no damage

Briel nods

LinnH looks sadly at Nick.

wisesnake exits the building and hurries down the street

<Briel> Yes. Yes.

<LinnH> I didn't mean to cause her more worry.

<NickR> I know.

<Turrie> however - the use of the retainers was actually more a political move then a necessary one

<Briel> It's the law.

<Turrie> yes - it is of course the law

Veraik finishes the file, holds it and slides it over to Briel.

<Turrie> if you would look at my file you will find that there are several reports on tests and examinations

wisesnake hurries uphill, ignoring all around her

<Turrie> I do not, to put a fine point on it, suffer too strongly from Gen reaction - emotional or physical

Briel accepts it, opening the second file to read

<Turrie> Although I feel it - I can quite happily ignore it

<Turrie> I also have an extreme tolerance to need and entran

<Veraik> You are one of the very lucky ones then.

<Turrie> At one time several years ago I took part in a test from which this scientific paper is based [points]

wisesnake doesn't stop until she has reached the Police Station

Briel looks to where Turrie's tentacle is pointing, then resumes reading the file

<Turrie> They allowed me to go over 5 days after the due time without transfer

<Turrie> it would have been longer but the testers were unnerved

Briel shudders, tentacles curling

Veraik blanches with the news.

<Veraik> [Veraik zlins sickly.]

wisesnake arrives panting and skips the desk sergeant process, hurrying down hallways and up stairs until she reaches Tormer's office

<Turrie> I did not suffer from need immediately after changeover - it has been decided that it is an heredity rather then learned response

<Turrie> although as I have neither family or children it cannot be said for sure

Tormer looks up as Snake barges into his office with a large box.

wisesnake zlins to make sure nobody is in there, then looks and zlins both ways in the hallway, before barging inside

wisesnake kicks the door shut and bangs the box down on Tormer's desk

<Tormer> Snake!

<wisesnake> There! Now it's your problem.

wisesnake collapses into a chair

Turrie stops and looks at the two

<Briel> We can certainly use your help.

<Tormer> What?

<Briel> Uh, well..

Briel glances at Veraik

<Veraik> Yes. I agree.

<Turrie> yes - I am happy to help

Tormer looks down at the box, which is large enough to hold a reasonably sized gunpowder bomb, in some alarm.

<Tormer> What is it?

Veraik looks away from Briel.

<Turrie> it will be very relaxing after some of the assignments I have had lately

wisesnake checks her pockets for something to chase away the tail end of the Responsibility Headache

<wisesnake> It is Somebody Else's Problem.

<Briel> I see you are a low First Order.

Turrie looks in amusement at the tension between the two channels

<wisesnake> Go ahead, open it.

Briel looks down the file, continuing to read.

Veraik thinks that she is in for either a very big surprise or a very rude awakening.

<Briel> Nonjunct.

Tormer looks at Snake a bit skeptically, then opens the box.

wisesnake slyly pops the pills while Tormer's attention is elsewhere

<Veraik> I believe I read that she is a mid First Briel.

Tormer sees the blanket and wonders if it's a dead cat or some other practical joke, but the smell is wrong, and Snake looks too serious to be playing pranks.

<Turrie> high low to mid - it doesn't matter

Briel slides the file over there pointing.

Tormer slowly unwraps the blanket, and whistles when he sees the sculpture.

<Briel> That is my rating... she is right at the same rating as me.

<Tormer> Is this...?

<wisesnake> Yes. It is.

Turrie raises an eyebrow

Briel looks at Turrie in question

Tormer is briefly entertained by visions of a promotion, or at least a substantial raise.

Briel shrugs

<Briel> This doesn't seem to be working out.

<Briel> Why don't you question her Veraik.

<Tormer> Where did it turn up?

<Turrie> I fail to see the problem

<Briel> I am due in the infirmary anyway

<Briel> If you'll excuse me.

<wisesnake> I'll never, ever tell.

<Briel> Please feel free to use my office.

<Turrie> you are unwell Controller Briel?

Briel gets up and leaves.

<wisesnake> In Eastcove [adds] but you'll hear no more than that.

Tormer shrugs.

<Tormer> You can't blame me for asking. I have a thing about allowing crooks to go free.

<Tormer> However, I'm sure the owners of this will be glad to get it back, regardless.

<wisesnake> I imagine so.

* Briel goes to do her duties in the infirmary

* wisesnake finds it easier to be calm without the head ache

* Tormer looks more closely at Snake, realizing that she must actually know some of those exalted individuals.

* wisesnake avoids his look, then makes herself meet it

* wisesnake wants to ask him if he will use his influence to help her now, but knows she shouldn't

<wisesnake> Well. There is is.

<wisesnake> I wish you luck with it.

* Tormer sees that Snake is actually embarassed by her connections, and decides a change of topic is in order.

<Tormer> Snake, you have done me a great service today. You can be sure that I will do my best to see that your goals are reached as successfully.

<wisesnake> ~~relief~~

<wisesnake> Oh... good. Thank you.

<Tormer> The dock area could use the stabilizing influence your project would bring.

* wisesnake smiles somewhat

<wisesnake> I think so.

* wisesnake rises

<wisesnake> Let me know what happens. I have to go back to work now.

<Tormer> Thank you again for bringing this to me. I will see that it gets back to its owners with a minimum of delay.

* wisesnake nods

<wisesnake> Good bye.

<Tormer> Goodbye, Snake.

* wisesnake leaves the police station and hurries back to home and Nick so they can start their day.

* Tormer reaches for the phone, hesitates, then dials Zeor directly rather than the Tecton police.

<Tormer> No sense sharing the credit, after all.

Notes:

1) The "poor, sad woman" in question was Avaleia who attacked Jirelle with a meat cleaver. [return]

2) Wise Snake and Nick's players evidently did not notice this question. The answer is that while the channels' presence is not advertised, there really isn't any way of keeping it a secret once enough people's kids have been through there and diagnosed by them. [return]

Go on to Episode #150: A Scheduling of Lives

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