Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #150: A Scheduling of Lives (2/3/98)

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Tormer tramps up the Sime Center's front stairs.

Alea walks into the lobby still on her torture devices

Eliza wakes up screaming

Eliza sits up in bed wondering if she had screamed out loud or only in her dream

Eliza waits... well - no one is coming running - so it must have been in her sleep

Tormer opens the door and enters, clumping loudly as usual.

Tormer looks around and sees Alea.

Alea sees Tormer

<Alea> Good morning.

<Tormer> Good morning. I would like to speak to Hajene Lanyi.

Eliza gets up and goes to have a shower - shaking still from the nightmare

Alea shrugs

<Alea> Check her office.

<Tormer> I will do so.

Tormer tramps down the hall, doing a quick inspection as he goes.

JonDrake is coming up the walk from his morning walk.

Tormer pulls out a notebook and scribbles down a few observations.

Alea goes over to the boards, slips a key from her pocket and climbs up into the chair to make some changes

Eliza gets dressed and stops - for some reason she is reluctant to work with Lanyi taking donations today - the transfer between Alea and Veraik yesterday made a big impression - all negative

Tormer can't find a directory, so he starts reading names on the offices.

Briel is in the cafeteria taking a break with a cup of tea

JonDrake walks up the step to the front door.

Turrie walks into the cafeteria, pours a glass of water and walks over to where Briel is sitting "mind if I join you Controller Briel?"

Briel looks up, surprised

<Briel> Not at all

Tormer finally finds the correct office, but no one is there.

Turrie smiles and sits down

Tormer heads back to the lobby to check the duty board, although it seems to him that from his observations, few channels actually are present during their assigned shifts.

<Turrie> I have been looking over the building - I must say I am surprised at the fact you have one entry for both donors and renSimes

Alea finishes making the changes to the board and climbs down from the chair.

<Briel> We bought the building used, in a pinch. It was the only one we could find... It only had the one entrance

<Briel> There are plans for the future to separate them out.

JonDrake sees Tormer coming down the hallway and wonders what's up now.

Tormer sees JonDrake.

<Turrie> I see. I believe that you had some trouble with the original building here?

<Tormer> I am looking for Hajene Lanyi. Would you know where she could be found?

<Briel> It burned to the ground.

<Turrie> So I read - that was most unfortunate

<JonDrake> Good Morning, sir. Let me see.

<Turrie> I was wondering if you had any assignment drawn up for me as yet?

JonDrake looks at the duty roster to see if she's listed.

<Briel> Up until a few weeks ago we had donations and transfers in the same wing.

<Briel> They've now been safely separated.

<Briel> In my office.

Lanyi rubs at reddened eyes with the dorsals and takes another folder from the pile on the left side of the conference room table.

<Turrie> I'm relieved to hear that [small smile at Briel] Did you have any problems during that time?

<Briel> None at all

Briel thinks like she would admit that to anyone.

<JonDrake> Ok. Let me see what I can do.

Turrie thinks that was probably more luck then planning but doesn't say so

Tormer nods, glad that somebody in this madhouse is willing to accept some responsibility.

JonDrake points to the board.

<JonDrake> There she is. Conference room. Let me get her.

<Tormer> Thank you.

<JonDrake> If you'll be seated, we'll be right back.

Eliza decides to stay in her room and listen to language tapes. If anyone wants her she is sure they will find her

Tormer sits on a couch and waits with the patience of a middle-aged predator.

JonDrake glances back to see if Tormer actually sat down, then continues to the conference room.

<Turrie> So, Controller Briel, now that I am here please let me know where I can be of most service to you

<Briel> We'll put you on a regular schedule like the other channels with infirmary, donations and transfers.

<Briel> In addition you will have another list of duties. Perhaps you would consider teaching some of the classes the Center offers

<Turrie> I am keen to get started. After travelling for 2 weeks it will be good to work again

<Turrie> of course - any way I can be of service.

<Briel> Entran?

Briel zlins Turrie, curious.

<Turrie> no - not at all - just boredom [smile]

Turrie would bury herself in cement before admitting to a weakness

Alea picks up her crutches against the lobby desk and decides to go for some tea

Turrie is amused that Controller Briel would zlin her without asking - but she has become use to bad manners and of course doesn't comment

<Briel> Good. Then perhaps you'll enjoy some of the classes on changeover and donations that we go out to different areas in the city and teach.

<Briel> Since you have spent so much time out-Territory, the high population of Gens here might respond better to you, than others.

Tormer taps his foot impatiently as the wait lengthens.

Eliza repeats after the tape "I will be pleased to help you as soon as my companion arrives...."

Alea goes into the cafeteria for some tea

Turrie drinks her water

<Turrie> Well Controller, if you have nothing that you wish for me to do immediately, I'll continue to familiarize myself with the Center.

JonDrake hurries to the conference room to find Lanyi.

<Briel> Please, call me Briel

<Turrie> Thank you - Briel [smile]

JonDrake signals at the conference room door.

<Turrie> [looks over at Alea] I see you have a Farris Donor - with a broken leg....

Alea pours her a cup of tea.

Briel sighs

<Briel> Yes.

<Lanyi> Come In.

<Briel> Have you met her yet?

Briel feels she has to be polite.

<Turrie> no I haven't had that pleasure

<JonDrake> Lanyi, sorry to interrupt, but Tormer is out in the lobby and wants to see you.

Briel signals to Alea

<Lanyi> Oh. Please show him in here.

* Alea leaves her tea for someone else to carry and goes over to the table

<Alea> Yes, Hajene?

<Briel> Turrie, may I present Alea Farris ambrov Zeor. Alea, this is Turrie, a new channel who will be working with us.

<Turrie> I'm most pleased to meet you Alea - will you join us?

* Turrie looks at Briel to check that is ok

* Alea glances at Briel, then nods

<Alea> Sure.

* Briel gestures her permission with a tentacle

* Alea sits down

* JonDrake goes back to the lobby.

<Alea> So, Turrie. Where are you from?

<Turrie> How is your leg Alea?

* Alea accepts her cup of tea from the renSime, nodding her thanks.

<Alea> My leg?

* Alea looks down.

<Alea> Healing.

<Turrie> Actually I move around a lot - I hope that this assignment will be more permanent

<Alea> I hope to be rid of the crutches in another day or two.

<JonDrake> Right this way...

<Alea> We could certainly use a good First order Channel here.

* Tormer gets up and follows JonDrake.

<Turrie> That's good. It's most limiting to be tied down by an injury like that

<Alea> Yes, it is.

* Alea frowns

* JonDrake shows him to the conference room.

* Briel finally gulps the last of her tea.

<Briel> If you'll excuse me...

<Turrie> You have a problem? [to Alea]

* Turrie looks at Briel wondering why she is so quiet

<Tormer> Ah, Hajene Lanyi, it's good of you to see me. I have news.

<Turrie> of course - perhaps I could see you in your office later to go over my assignment?

<Briel> Of course.

<Lanyi> Inspector Tormer. I'm almost done. [gestures at piles of folders]

<Tormer> Of course.

* Tormer sits down and waits for Lanyi to finish.

* Briel stands and leaves

* Briel goes down the hall toward her office

* JonDrake leaves the two of them to talk.

<Turrie> [turns her attention back to Alea] have you worked here long Alea?

<Alea> Since the Center has been in this building.

<Alea> And you?

<Lanyi> Here, this is what I have so far. [hands sheaf of papers to Tormer]

<Alea> Have you been assigned to many other Centers?

<Tormer> Ah, then perhaps I can save you the trouble of finishing.

<Turrie> I arrived yesterday. I have yet to receive any assignment and I must admit I'm impatient to get started

<Turrie> most recently I was working in Gen Territory

* Alea looks surprised, then responds coolly

<Alea> Well then, why don't you go get your assignments

<Tormer> The stolen object was returned last night, through an intermediary, and although the thieves haven't been discovered, the investigation has been effectively halted.

* Alea does not like something that sounded like a slur against the Center

<Alea> I'm sure Hajene Briel or Hajene Veraik would more than willingly put you to work immediately if you made your position clear.

* Alea smiles

<Tormer> This means, among other things, that I have my full staff back. I will be able to assign an officer to your lobby for about six hours a day, starting this afternoon.

<Alea> And in Gen Territory you were at different Sime Centers?

* wisesnake climbs the front steps of the Sime Center and holds the door for B'cal

* Lanyi sits back surprised.

* wisesnake feels rather guilty for working B'cal to death that night and hopes to make up for it by being nice to the Donor

<Lanyi> I'm very glad to hear that.

* Briel strides into the lobby, sees the changes have already been made to the boards, then gathers her infirmary reports for the day.

<Lanyi> Your officer is most welcome.

* B`Cal marches into the lobby, feeling ornery due to lack of decent rest

* Briel strides into the lobby, sees the changes have already been made to the boards, then gathers her infirmary reports for the day.

<Lanyi> Has there been any more reports on Avaleia? Is she seeing her doctor?

<Tormer> I wish I could say that I don't think she'll be required, but I have little hope of that.

* B`Cal sees Briel, who she doesn't think of as a real Controller, and snorts

* Briel looks up from the files and smiles thinly

<Turrie> [to Alea] yes, as well as local government departments

<Briel> Good morning, Snake, Bcal, Rapol...

* Briel zlins Rapol

<B`Cal> I see you're busy pretending to be in control of something, your Controllersh -

<wisesnake> Uh.... B'cal... please.

* wisesnake winces

* Briel smiles

<Tormer> She has selected an out-Territory physician, and he will not provide information to the Bender Cove police.

<Briel> As a matter of fact, I am...

* Briel turns and pulls out a card and strides forward

<Briel> Here is your transfer assignment for the month.

* Briel slaps it in her hand

* B`Cal sneers at Briel and is surprised when the channel approaches her

<Tormer> Reading through the lines, I suspect that he doesn't feel her feelings towards Simes are particularly aberrant.

* Rapol follows in at short distance, as B'cal is covering Snake at the moment.

<Briel> Lanyi will be glad, I'm sure, to find out she has such a .... competent Donor to take transfer with.

<B`Cal> What's this? Did you find somebody even more unwanted than...?

* B`Cal doesn't say "Veraik"

<Briel> Unwanted?

* B`Cal hides the emotions she actually feels about the whole Veraik thing, which are not anything she'd want anybody to know about

* Turrie stands "Well it has been nice meeting you Alea. I look forward to working with you. If you will excuse me?"

* Briel smiles

* B`Cal looks at the card

<Alea> That's nice

<Alea> Then perhaps you'll be helping in the administration here?

* wisesnake tries to smile at Briel though deeply embarrassed by B'cal's behavior

<Turrie> I will, of course, do whatever is required of me

<Alea> Of course.

<Alea> Would you like to go on a tour of the city?

<Alea> I'd be remiss if I didn't offer to show you around

* B`Cal sees Lanyi's name on the card

<B`Cal> ~~surprise~~

<B`Cal> You gave me Lanyi?

* Briel smirks then zlins Rapol again

<Turrie> why thank you Alea - but I certainly wouldn't want to put you to any trouble with that leg.

<Briel> I gave you to Lanyi

* Alea sighs, thinking she had almost escaped

<Turrie> Has it been treated lately? Would you like me to? [gestures with hands and tentacles]

* wisesnake is appalled by Briel's actions but hides it in an attempt to be polite

<Alea> Ah, well, then...

* wisesnake steps between to make it harder for Briel to zlin the Donor

* Briel looks surprised at Snake

* wisesnake thinks if Rapol, too, starts embarrassing her with outrageous behavior, she'll have to crawl from the Center with a bag over her head

<Rapol> ~~ pulls field in tight and blank ~~

* B`Cal suspiciously "What's the catch?"

<Briel> I hope you don't mind, that since Bcal cannot serve you, that we allow her to have transfer with our Channels since she still is assigned here. It's best, for her health, and helps us out too.

<Tormer> Well, I have work to do, and I'm sure you do, too. Your guard will arrive some time this afternoon. Good day.

* B`Cal looks at the back of the card, to see if there are any nasty little tricks... post assignment with Veraik or something

<Lanyi> Ok. Did you want the information I've gathered already?

* Tormer gets up and tramps back to the lobby.

* wisesnake looks uneasy

<Lanyi> Thank You Inspector. For Everything.

<Alea> Perhaps then, you might want to walk in the garden, or just get on to work.

<Briel> Post assignment with Veraik, would be nice...

<wisesnake> I guess it's okay for transfer, but she isn't going to have a lot of time for working during the day. I already work her hard at night.

<Briel> Of course you do.

<wisesnake> What will Lanyi do for daily support?

* B`Cal gives Briel a withering look, knowing the "co-Controller" wouldn't dare

<Briel> We are training a Donor so she has been working with her. I imagine too, that we can pull one of the other Donors to assist part time.

<wisesnake> Ah... good.

* Briel smiles blandly at B'cal, thinking it might just be worth it... to take care of one problem and irritate B'cal further

* Tormer sees the catfight in the lobby and decides not to get involved, since no legal violations are in evidence.

* B`Cal thinks if that's what Briel has in mind, she can't have read B'cal's file and seen what happened to the last guy she had a mandatory post assignment to

* B`Cal gives Briel a thin-lipped smile and slips the card into her pocket, strides over to the schedule board to see when she is supposed to work with Lanyi.

* Tormer courteously refuses to acknowledge Snake more than the others until she indicates a desire for conversation.

* Eliza repeats after the tape "please hand me the ronaplin cream"

* Turrie picks up Alea's crutches and hands them to her

* wisesnake nods at Tormer but figures if he has anything to say to her, he'll contact her another way.

<Briel> Well, then. If you'll excuse me, I'm due in the infirmary.

* wisesnake nods at Briel as well

<Turrie> That is very kind of you Alea

* wisesnake turns to Rapol

* Alea accepts her crutches and stands

<wisesnake> Well, I guess we aren't required here.

* Rapol extends his field to take over from B'cal.

* wisesnake turns and leaves the Center

* Tormer leaves the Sime Center.

<Turrie> I hope I'm not keeping you from any work?

* Briel goes down the hall...stopping in the conference room to talk with Lanyi before Bcal gets a chance

<Alea> Not at all.

<Alea> I have a short time off right now.

* B`Cal sees how much time they have scheduled and is angry

* Turrie holds steady to see if Alea needs any assistance with the crutches

<B`Cal> What do they think I am, a shenned nager machine?

* JonDrake is in his office doing some paperwork before he begins his work assignment.

<Briel> Lanyi, may I have a moment of your time?

<B`Cal> Am I supposed to sleep while walking down the streets now?

* Alea turns and deftly makes her way out of the cafeteria

<Alea> The garden is quite lovely during the summer.

* Eliza repeats after the tape: "I zlin that you are angry - can I help?"

<Lanyi> Sure, Briel.

<Alea> Right now it's just rather cold and... brown, though that has has a type of beauty all to itself

* Lanyi is stacking up folders.

<Turrie> I rather like the cold myself

* Briel goes in and leans against the table, tapping her tentacles against her fingers in a nervous gesture.

<Turrie> Do you require warmer clothing if we are to go outside Alea?

<Briel> It's about transfer assignments. I'm done with the list and have assigned you to... B'cal.

* Alea shakes her head

<Alea> I'll just grab a cloak from the rack near the back door.

* Lanyi sits back. "B'Cal? Ok. "

* wisesnake walks towards Rapol's apartment

* Eliza repeats after the tape : "Please don't get so excited around him - he is disjunct"

* Briel ~~ relief ~~

<Briel> You have no problems with the assignment?

* Turrie nods "I must say that the quick look I had of Bender Cove on my way in was that it is quite a pleasant little township"

<Briel> I've been trying to find a first order she matches and no one wants her.

<Lanyi> Not the transfer. But isn't she working nights with wisesnake?

<Briel> Yes, she is.

<Briel> She could spend a couple of hours with you each day, so the two of you can get to know each other.

<Briel> And the rest of the time, you would be assigned a temporary Donor.

<Lanyi> Will she be working with me, or just riding by for transfer?

* Eliza repeats after the tape : "would you like some more porstan?" "I think you have had enough porstan" "I would like some porstan please."

* B`Cal stumps up the stairs to her room and slams the door

<Alea> You haven't seen much of it. The town is quite large. Of course, this Center only services this section of Bender Cove

* Eliza repeats after the tape: "Shen! Would you look at the nager on that Gen!"

<Lanyi> She's very professional. I've got no problem with her.

<Turrie> so there is another Center? [surprised]

<Turrie> I wasn't aware of that

* Briel gapes at Lanyi

<Briel> Well, good then.

<Alea> Yes. The uptown Center. In the richer part of town.

* wisesnake drops Rapol off at his place

<Turrie> I see. And, being close to Gen Territory you get a lot of people moving over?

<wisesnake> See you tonight... I think it went better this shift, don't you?

<Alea> Quite a few. The population here is a larger than normal Gen population.

* Eliza repeats after the language tape: "why doesn't anyone believe me... I'm gonna be SIME"

<Alea> Eastcove is just across the border.

* Alea stops and grabs a cape and slips it on before going out the back door and down the ice free steps

* wisesnake leaves Rapol's house and trudges towards the Ferry Building where Nick is presumably waiting

* Eliza repeats after the language tape : "I am injured. Please call a channel."

<Lanyi> There are a couple of other things I did want to discuss with you though...

* NickR is sorting boxes, putting the most vital things in the heated area and storing the rest in the unheated office next door. Unfortunately, summer clothes fall into the second category just now...

* Eliza gets sick of the tape and turns it off

* Briel is relieved that the discussion of B'cal is over

<Briel> Really?

* Turrie is impressed by Alea's dexterity on the crutches

<Lanyi> I have learned that Avaleia has been released.

* Turrie looks around at the stark garden - she catches sight of the Gnome and pulls up short

<Turrie> Interesting gnome....

* NickR doesn't remember having this much stuff the last time be moved.

* Briel drops down into the chair, shocked

<Briel> She...WHAT!

* Alea sees the Gnome and realizes she hasn't repainted it yet.

* custodial fellow exits the front door of the Center, heaves a bucket of dirty floor washing water out onto the front steps, and comes back in

<Alea> Ah, welll...

* custodial guy ignores the dirty look some renSime gives him, and saunters back into the rear of the Center

<Briel> Why in the world would they release her?

* Eliza wanders through the lobby trying to look innocent

<Alea> Yes, it is rather colorful.

* Turrie follows Alea down the stairs, past the ghastly gnome and out into the garden - trying to imagine what it would look like in bloom

* wisesnake eventually shows up at the Ferry building and lets herself in, carefully locks the door behind her, and bounds up the stairs to the 3rd floor

* Eliza opens the door and slips out - glad no one stopped her

<Lanyi> On promise to seek psychiatric care. From a out-T doctor who doesn't like Simes either.

<Lanyi> I reacted the same way.

* wisesnake enters the hot, dry office and Nick's nager, and sighs

* Briel rubs at her neck

<wisesnake> Hello, Nick.

* wisesnake closes the door and looks around

<wisesnake> Didn't you use to have less stuff?

<Briel> Shen.

* Eliza wonders where Snake is today.... and decides to not walk towards the "Fast Eddie" Building

<NickR> Hello, Snake.

* NickR 's nager links comfortably with Snake's in a warm greeting.

<Briel> So, we should be expecting the nut to wander back in here I suppose... Does anyone know if she is actually following through with the treatment?

<Briel> If she's not, is there anyway we can get her dragged back to jail?

* wisesnake removes her cape and goes to warm her hands and tentacles at the fire

* Alea feels her toes getting cold since she forgot to wrap them.

<NickR> I suppose I did. Either that, or I've lived in much larger places for the past five years or so. Maybe both.

<Lanyi> I don't know. I gather that the scant physical evidence was a factor. Something to remember for future reference.

<wisesnake> You can have one of the other offices if you like.

* wisesnake thinks if Nick has enough space, he won't risk his neck (and hers) by wandering around in the city alone.

<Lanyi> She apparently is seeing this out-T doctor, to the best of my knowledge.

<Lanyi> I have arranged to have a police officer stationed in the lobby for six hours a day.

* Turrie looks around and casually says "I'm sure the garden is lovely in Spring - for one who sees all" 1

<Lanyi> I hope I haven't stepped on your toes by doing so.

<NickR> I'll do that when we've remodeled.

<Briel> Wait a minute... We had two people who were in the hospital, a Donor walking around with a black and blue face... and that's scant evidence?

* wisesnake tenses up at the word "remodeled", then decides it was meant harmlessly

<wisesnake> Umm.. yeah

<Briel> No, no... I suppose not, as long as he keeps a low profile. We don't want him scaring off the donors... or scaring the donors at all.

<NickR> When you're here all the time, you won't want a Donor having nightmares in your office.

* Eliza walks along the path - enjoying the first outing by herself for awhile

* Alea looks startled, pausing by the Gnome

<Gnome`> To see all, one must see the beauty in all things.

<Alea> You'd have to hear all the comments made to be assured if it's beauty.

<wisesnake> Um

* Turrie turns back to Alea, "I see you have a gazebo - would you like to sit there and talk for awhile?"

* NickR thinks two donors with nightmares would make things even more interesting, and besides, he can't sleep well with lamps on in the room.

<wisesnake> Well this isn't where my office will likely be once this place is functioning.

<Lanyi> so it would seem. I was advised not to touch her weapons or anything else she touched next time.

<wisesnake> I only picked this one because it was the smallest one with its own fireplace.

<Briel> Oh, I see. We're to simply allow her to hack us to bits?

* Briel shakes her head ~~ disgust ~~

* NickR shrugs.

<Lanyi> I agree. I don't like it either.

<Briel> I'm surprised, since she attacked those police officers, that she wasn't able to be held on that.

<Briel> Too many people in danger with someone like that running around.

<NickR> There will be plenty of time to figure out room assignments.

<Lanyi> I've wondered if we could get her barred from Sime territory, but I don't know the legalities.

<Briel> I would imagine Tecton officials would have to be contacted about that

<Briel> And then there is no guarantee that she wouldn't slip past

<Lanyi> Worth a try. Another thing to charge her with, anyway.

* Turrie takes one of Alea's arms and guides her to the gazebo

<Alea> I can walk fine, Turrie. That throws my balance off.

* NickR puts a last sock into his dresser, flattens the box, and puts it in a stack of similar packing material.

* Alea ~~ hesitates ~~

* Turrie resists the temptation to just pick her up and carry her

<NickR> That's all the important stuff.

* Alea finally sighs and nods and slowly makes her way to the gazebo

<Briel> You said there was something else you wanted to speak about?

* Briel mentally makes a note to check into getting Avaleia barred.

* NickR turns his attention to the day ahead.

<NickR> How did your night with B'cal and Rapol go?

* Lanyi considers telling Briel about the arrangements she has made with Tamlen, but decides not to burden Briel with the responsibility.

* NickR looks at Snake for clues to her condition.

<Lanyi> I was going to ask you about Mostan's transfer, and try to meddle. [smiles]

<Briel> Ah.

* Briel smiles

<Briel> Meddle away. I greatly respect your opinion.

* Alea pushes open the door to the gazebo and goes inside

* wisesnake looks reasonably okay, considering how bad her last transfer had been and the time training Fise and the new Donor has taken from her own work

<Lanyi> I'm worried about him. He may have transfer phobia.

* wisesnake looks at Nick curiously

<wisesnake> What?

<Briel> Yes. I realize that.

* Briel rubs her forehead, frowning.

* Turrie follows Alea, being careful not to help her too much as she obviously dislikes being treated as an invalid

<Briel> I've been considering what to do.

<Briel> I had thought, perhaps the new Gen... they seem to get along well... I've also considered Channel's transfer... but I don't know that we could get that in him either.

<Lanyi> Alea made a good move the other day, using a donor to push him into Eliza's arms, as it were.

* NickR reflects that it will be easier to do his job properly when he can get a proper report from Rapol each morning, instead of trying to get information out of an uncooperative channel.

<Lanyi> yes. Either Eliza or Keli would be my recommendation.

<Briel> I say Eliza simply because he seems so comfortable with her. Keli, of course, has more experience....

* Briel shakes her head.

<Briel> and Keli is a Second....

* NickR tries again.

<NickR> You seem in better condition today than you were yesterday.

<Briel> I don't know, Lanyi. You've worked close...what do you think?

<wisesnake> Oh. Well, there have been less surprises, that's for certain. And I received a bit of good news yesterday that has been rather uplifting.

* Alea moves over and drops down onto one of the cushioned benches

* Eliza gets to the park and RUNS thrilled at the freedom and room

<NickR> Oh?

<Lanyi> Eliza would be better I think. Keli won't be fully satisfied by a 3rd now.

<Briel> Good. I'm glad you feel that way.

* Turrie sits a few paces away and waits for the question that must be coming

<wisesnake> Tormer is going to help me get past some of the hurdles to getting my hands on this building.

<Alea> What do you want?

* Alea studies Turrie warily

<NickR> That's marvelous!

<Lanyi> Eliza is promising. She could use more stability, but that can be trained.

<Lanyi> I was just trying to give you options.

<Briel> True.

<Turrie> I have been asked to make sure of several things. Firstly that you are well. Secondly that you are still prepared to continue in your work as promised

<Briel> I appreciate your input.

* Alea pales

<Alea> No.

<Turrie> I can see you have had a slight setback [indicates leg]

<Alea> Yes, I am well. No, I am not going to continue my work.

<Alea> How many times do I have to tell them that.

<Lanyi> The other thing I was thinking was we should consider asking Snake to monitor.

* Eliza gets out of breath and collapses on a park bench

* Turrie raises an eyebrow

<Briel> Snake?

* Briel is surprised.

<Briel> Why Snake?

<NickR> Will we be going over to the park today? The sun today will have brought out the skaters, and there will be sprained ankles in plenty.

* wisesnake looks at Nick in amazement

<Lanyi> She's a Farris. They have capabilities no one else can match.

* Alea stands and takes up her crutches and moves across the gazebo

<Turrie> It may be better for you to return to Zeor for a time

<Briel> We have Tramila here. And you're a Tigue.

<Lanyi> And her arrogant self confidence might be catching to Mostan, who could use some.

* Alea turns and stares at Turrie in amazement.

<Alea> No!

* NickR checks the supplies in the satchel, replacing those which were used during the night shift.

<Briel> If that's what you want. Then fine. I'll ask her to monitor.

<Lanyi> Is Tramila as capable as snake? I don't really have much information about Snake's stats.

<Briel> Yes, she is. Moreso since she has finished first year. However, I'll be glad to ask Snake to monitor.

* Turrie looks surprised "you object that strongly?

* Alea flushes and looks away.

<Alea> Yes. I do.

<Turrie> I see

<wisesnake> Sure... I guess we could go through the park.

<Turrie> Alea - I am here to work not to keep tabs on you. I was working in Gen Territory too long and have to get away from wearing retainers for awhile

<Turrie> when it was heard that I was coming here I was asked to confidentially seek you

<Lanyi> If things don't go well, we may have to force channel's transfer on him.

<Turrie> I do not want you to feel in any way threatened by my being here

* Eliza watches the skaters go around and around and around - and is glad that Alea isn't out there

<Briel> And I suppose none of the Firsts here are good enough?

* Briel stands.

<Briel> I'll send a note to Snake immediately. I'll let you make all the arrangements..

<Alea> I don't feel threatened. But Turrie, do not ever approach me again about this.

<Alea> I've given up that way. I am trying to make a life for myself here.

<Alea> I don't want the old ways to interfere, so the less I talk of them, the better.

<Briel> Was that all you wanted then?

<Turrie> then you will of course keep this conversation confidential - as will I?

* Alea turns and looks Turrie over carefully. She turns for the door, without answering.

<Lanyi> Yes. Thanks for letting me meddle.

* Briel nods and leaves

* NickR closes the satchel carefully and slings it over his back.

* Alea slips out the door and heads for the back door of the Center

* wisesnake gets her cape, which is still cold, and puts it back on with a shiver

* Turrie follows her to the door and stops to have another look at the Gnome "how strange"

<NickR> If you're still chilled, we could wait a few minutes.

* Gnome` 's eyes seem to follow Turrie.

* Eliza gets bored just sitting - not to mention cold - so decides to try to circumnavigate the lake

<wisesnake> That's okay. It's not like I'm a Gen or anything.

* wisesnake goes down the stairs

* NickR follows Snake down the stairs.

* wisesnake locks the door behind them and starts away from the Ferry building

<wisesnake> Okay, which park did you have in mind? The river flats? The tree park by the Sime Center?

* Eliza is pleased that there are so few people walking. The area is really very beautiful with the snow still fairly firm on the ground

<NickR> Let's try the tree park. I understand that several of the City Council members are fond of skating -- and this is the first good day for it in a while.

* NickR trusts that Snake understands the value of advertising.

* wisesnake grimaces

<wisesnake> Do you think being there to see City Council members fall on their ass will endear me to them?

* wisesnake appreciates the spirit of Nick's intentions, however

* wisesnake turns in the direction of the park

* Lanyi packs up the personnel folders.

* Lanyi comes across Jon's and pauses.

<NickR> If there's work there, and they see you, fine. If not, we can go elsewhere.

* Eliza considers what happened the day before with Alea and Veraik

* Eliza remembers her dream and shudders

* NickR follows, carefully managing the fields to keep Snake comfortable.

* Eliza realises that she has been gone from the Center for quite along time now and really should be getting back in case someone misses her [fat chance of that happening]

* wisesnake continues walking until she reaches the park

* wisesnake glances at Nick and then turns on to the path that leads to the ice skating pond

* Eliza sees Snake and errr her companion [what's his name?] and hesitates.

* Eliza thinks that if anyone could explain the situation Snake could - if she was even willing to talk to her after the other day

* Eliza heads towards Snake

* wisesnake notes Eliza approaching them and stops

* wisesnake appreciate's Nick's attention to detail as he rearranges himself to help Snake deal with the kid better

* Eliza smiles and waves... hoping that Snake will have forgiven her and be willing to talk for a bit

* Eliza keeps her nager to herself remembering Snake's lecture on THAT point

* wisesnake remembers Alea's request for her to maintain basic politeness around Eliza

<wisesnake> Hello, Eliza. [reserved]

<Eliza> hello Snake. I'm glad to see you [realises that it is true - she is glad to see her]

<Eliza> may I walk with you and umm your companion [smiles at Nick] for a bit?

* wisesnake looks a little bit nervous, glances at Nick, then tells herself nothing could possibly happen.

<wisesnake> Umm... sure.

* wisesnake starts walking again, carefully arranging things so Nick is between her and Eliza

* wisesnake remembers to be polite

<wisesnake> How are your studies going at the Sime Center?

<Eliza> Very good thanks Snake - you were right!

* Mostan is looking for Eliza.

* wisesnake is always right, of course

* wisesnake nods

<wisesnake> good.

<Eliza> I've been helping Lanyi and working a bit with Mostan and learning more simelan...

<Mostan> [difficult when you dodge all the other Gens...]

<Eliza> actually there is one thing puzzling me I'd like your opinion

<wisesnake> Oh?

<wisesnake> And what is that?

<Eliza> well [glance up at Nick]

<Eliza> yesterday I observed a transfer between Alea and Veraik

<Eliza> it didn't go as I had been led to expect transfers generally go... [pales]

<Eliza> actually I had the most dreadful nightmare about it

<wisesnake> Not surprising.

<wisesnake> No, that would be an unusual transfer.

* Eliza relaxes as Snake seems to be aware of the situation

<Eliza> they actually seem to hate one another

<wisesnake> It's something like that.

* wisesnake doesn't see any reason to go into the gory details of exactly what they seem to feel

* Turrie walks slowly and rather aimlessly through the center

* Mostan decides to check the garden.

* Turrie sees Mostan approaching and smiles in greeting

* Arcadia hurries out of a transfer room, calling over her shoulder, "just 10 minutes this time! I promise."

<Eliza> it made the transfer awfully hard on Veraik

<Eliza> it looked like he wasn't going to take it for awhile

<Mostan> Hello.

<wisesnake> Huhm.

<wisesnake> Veraik requires therapy he is not getting.

<Turrie> hello, I'm Turrie Foxness - you seem to have lost something?

<Eliza> what sort of therapy? He is the controller there - shouldn't he be looking after himself better?

<Mostan> Yes I was looking for m- a Donor.

<Turrie> I see. Well the place seems to be well attended with Donors!

<wisesnake> Well yes, he should, but when you are in bad shape you can't always take care of yourself the way you should.

* Jelana wanders the halls of the Center, searching for the cafeteria

<Eliza> I see

<Mostan> Sosu Eliza. A short woman with long dark hair. Doesn't speak Simelan well. Wonderful nager.

* Arcadia hurries down the hallways toward the cafeteria

* Jelana sees the woman hurrying down the hall.

<Turrie> I'm sorry I can't help you - I'm new here myself. And you are?

<Eliza> Do you think there is anything I can to help?

<Jelana> Uh, excuse me, could you possibly direct me to the cafeteria

* Arcadia pulls a book out of her purse: "Pink"

* Arcadia jumps in surprise

<Arcadia> Oh!

<Arcadia> I didn't see you there!

<Arcadia> Hi.

* Jelana smiles

* Arcadia studies Jelana curiously, then smiles back

<Arcadia> I'm Arcadia... I'm new here.

<Mostan> Oh. Hajene Mostan. QN-3

* wisesnake considers the question

<Jelana> Really? I'm Jelana. Just arrived yesterday.

<wisesnake> Well... your position is a little difficult, being so new and all.

<Jelana> I was looking for the cafeteria.

<Turrie> Well Hajene, I'm at loose ends at the moment, perhaps I can help you look [smile]

<Eliza> yes but I hate seeing them suffer ~~ miserable ~~

* wisesnake zlins Eliza's misery and sighs

<wisesnake> All right... look.

<Arcadia> I was just going there myself!

<Arcadia> I'll show you the way.

* Arcadia smiles brightly

<Jelana> Oh, thank you.

* Jelana returns the smile

* Jelana follows Arcadia

* Arcadia heads toward the cafeteria, trying to stick to a sedate walk instead of the scurry that thinking about the ending of "Pink" usually drives her to

<Mostan> Certainly.

* NickR sees Eliza's misery and increases his support just enough to prevent Snake from becoming miserable as well.

<Turrie> then where shall we start looking...

<wisesnake> I have a private theory about Veraik's problem.

* Turrie notices Mostan's nervousness

<wisesnake> I don't know if it's right or if it's wrong, because my expertise is in fields, not in personal lives.

<Mostan> The cafeteria. She's a growing Gen...

<wisesnake> But I think that the root of Veraik's problem is that he's fixated on... [considers Eliza's age]... er.. something that isn't transfer.

<Jelana> I'm a third order... new to the Tecton actually. And you. Have you been here long? In the Tecton long?

<Turrie> the cafeteria it is then - there is a theory that goes "sooner or later every animal goes to the watering hole"

* Eliza gazes at Wisesnake "yes?"

<Arcadia> I've been here at the Center less than a month. I'm a Second Order, and I'm assigned to Jirelle.

* Arcadia adds, "She's really REALLY nice but sometimes I think she doesn't understand a word I'm saying."

<Mostan> Yeah. It's over this way.

* Turrie politely doesn't let Mostan know that she knows where it is and allows him to lead

* Mostan is glad to have another Sime along ... in case.

<Jelana> I met Jirelle yesterday.

<wisesnake> I've said this before, and it was pooh poohed at the time, but... I wonder if what Veraik really requires is a wife to keep him company every night and make sure he does the things he should.

<Jelana> She seems very nice. I really liked her.

* wisesnake thinks, ALL of the things

<Eliza> oh I see

* Eliza thinks "well I can't help with that one"

<Mostan> Have you been transferred here?

* NickR agrees with Snake's assessment, although he wouldn't nominate a friend for the position.

<Eliza> so basically he is lonely and needs female companionship. or perhaps sex

<wisesnake> Well yes, but not just once or twice... that just makes it worse.

<Turrie> Yes - I arrived last night

<Eliza> and he wants more from Alea then she is willing to give....

* Eliza thinks she understand the situation better now...

* wisesnake looks at Eliza sharply

<Eliza> That explains a lot thanks Snake

<Mostan> Did you have a nice trip?

* Jelana follows Arcadia into the cafeteria.

<Turrie> it was long - and uneventful. I suppose that makes it a nice trip

* wisesnake is resentful that Eliza jumped to a conclusion, then ended it before Snake could explain the truth

<Mostan> Where were you before.

<Turrie> Well - here we are - do you see her here?

* NickR wonders just what Eliza thinks she understands.

* wisesnake mutters to herself, then to satisfy Alea's rules, says, "Yeah. You're welcome."

<wisesnake> Come on, Nick.

* Mostan wonders what other Sime centers are like to work at.

* Jelana looks around at the different people in the cafeteria.

* Mostan zlins around. "No."

<Eliza> Thanks again Snake - you made it all seem very clear

* wisesnake is hard put to curb her annoyance

<wisesnake> Yes, yes. You're welcome.

* Eliza smiles a thank you at Snake

* wisesnake turns toward the lake and walks that way quickly

* NickR follows Snake, keeping a sharp eye out for the injured, the sick, and other prospective clients.

<Eliza> well - I guess I should head back before they - err bye!

<Jelana> Thank you, Arcadia for showing me the way. I appreciate it.

<Turrie> well then - shall we continue looking or would you like to get some refreshment first?

* wisesnake is upset that she was tricked into revealing any private information about Veraik at all to that Eliza, when obviously that person did not care enough to do more than grab a quick bit of gossip and run

<Turrie> perhaps she is working?

* Jelana moves over to get her a cup of tea and then takes a seat at a table.

<Mostan> I haven't had breakfast, and Donors are always nagging us, aren't they?

<Turrie> sounds good to me!

* Arcadia gets a big Gen breakfast and sits down at the other end of Jelana's table

* Arcadia whips out her book and it falls open to her favorite passage

* Eliza turns and heads slowly back to the Center thinking about what Snake said

* NickR has to stretch his legs to keep up with Snake.

<NickR> Snake, slow down. It isn't only the ice that's slippery.

* Eliza is impressed with Snakes ability to get to the heart of the matter and sort out what is really wrong

* JonDrake decides to take a break for lunch. He initially heads for the kitchen, then goes on to cafeteria to have a more relaxing lunch.

* wisesnake forces herself to slow down, wearing a terrible scowl

* Arcadia glances up at Jelana, and smiles again, impishly, before beginning to read in earnest

* Mostan goes through the line, making himself get the steamed vegetables and soup.

* Eliza drags herself up the steps of the center, feeling a little cold

* Jelana takes a sip of tea and realizes she is hungry too.

* Lanyi is reading Jon's file and comparing it to her memories of the transfer...

* Turrie has a glass of water

* Turrie thinks that the cafeteria is quiet well supported by the staff, if the number in there is any indication

* Ola is watching the skaters, remembering the days when she joined them.

* Eliza puts her coat in the cupboard at the door and decides that she needs a hot drink

* Mostan looks for an empty table, or at least one without Gens...

* Ola 's heart beats faster as she sees a boy almost trip three adults in a row.

* Ola feels a familiar twinge.

* Turrie notices Mostan's reluctance to take several of the available tables and wonders what is wrong

<Ola> Shen, I thought that was under control.

* Turrie is once again tempted to do a quick zlin of the situation and has to admonish herself strongly

* Ola looks around for a place to sit down, suddenly sweating despite the cold.

* Jelana wonders if she should get up and get something to eat

* Ola makes it to a bench, then huddles, hugging herself against the stabbing pain.

* Eliza changes her mind about the cloak and takes it to her room to put away. If you leave it in a public closet - goodness knows what will happen to it!

* Mostan reluctantly goes over to Arcadia and Jelana's table.

* wisesnake zlins Gen pain and starts heading in that direction

* NickR notes the change in direction.

* Turrie follows Mostan - giving him room to make the choice

<NickR> Do you zlin some business?

<wisesnake> Ah.. it's Ola.

* wisesnake points her out on the bench in the distance and heads in that direction

<Mostan> Excuse me, are these seats taken?

* Jelana glances up and sees two Simes.

<Jelana> No, not at all.

* Jelana looks to Arcadia for confirmation

* NickR glances around at the crowd, wishing that better working conditions were available.

* Mostan sits down carefully, trying not to get too near either of them.

* Eliza heads towards the cafeteria - it sounds crowded in there and she really doesn't feel up to company - but she DOES want a hot drink!

<Mostan> Thank you.

* Jelana realizes Arcadia is reading.

<Jelana> Hello, I'm Jelana. I just got in yesterday.

* Arcadia is not only reading, she's panting

* Jelana nods to turrie and Mostan

<Arcadia> ~~~ intrigued/pleased~~~

* Arcadia 's forearms are sweating

* Lanyi tries to decide what is so familiar about Jon's statistics...

* Ola is beginning to get seriously worried as the pain fails to subside.

* Jelana ~~ hunger~~ ~~ interest ~~

<Mostan> Welcome to Bender Cove. Mostan, QN-3

<Jelana> Thank you.

* Jelana looks quizzically at Turrie

* Mostan forces himself hypo to avoid the... appetites in the ambient.

<Turrie> Turrie Foxness - I arrived last night

* NickR shrugs slightly, knowing that wishing won't change the conditions.

* Jelana smiles

<Jelana> Nice to meet you both.

<Turrie> so we are both new here [smiles at them]

* Turrie looks at amusement at Arcadia

* Eliza goes into the cafeteria and heads to get a cup of hot tea

<Jelana> I'm still acclimating myself. Mostan, have you been here long?

* Jelana ~~ curious ~~

<Mostan> About three months...

* Arcadia moans

<Arcadia> [excited little moan, with a squeal at the end]

* Turrie looks at Arcadia "are you in pain?"

* Jelana looks startled at Arcadia

* Turrie wonders if to zlin

* Mostan looks over at Arcadia.

* Arcadia snaps the book shut and stands upright abruptly

<Arcadia> Oh!

* Mostan is not zlinning, and so misses Eliza behind him.

* Eliza looks around for a clear table

* Arcadia collapses down into her chair and slides halfway under the table, wearing a wide grin

* Turrie snaps upright at Arcadia's jump and following antics

* Jelana sits her tea down, worried

* Turrie is sure that this person is mentally unbalanced

* Mostan jumps up and dances backwards at the strange actions of this Gen!

* Turrie zlins to see what the trouble is [damn manners - this is an emergency!]

* Jelana looks at Mostan, half standing at his actions

* Arcadia looks at her watch and jumps up again

* Eliza sees Mostan and drops her tea

<Arcadia> Uh-oh! Ten and a half minutes!

* Arcadia runs away, accidentally leaving "Pink" behind

* Jelana looks back at Arcadia...

* Turrie places an arm on Mostan's shoulder - it's all right

* Jelana looks back at Turrie and Mostan. ~~ concern ~~

* Mostan is breathing hard. ~~ fear ~~

* Mostan thinks that all Gens *are* crazy.

* Eliza quickly steps through the tables towards Mostan "Mostan! are you ok?" ~support~

* Eliza notices that the tall Sime standing next to Mostan has her hand on his shoulder and is uncertain to offer support or not

* Jelana moves to go around the table, sees Eliza and pauses when she sees Arcadia's book

* Mostan turns and zlins "Eliza!"

* Jelana picks it up curiously, reading where it had fallen open to. Gapes, shuts the book.

* Jelana lays it back down, cheeks turning pink.

* Turrie quietly removes her hand "I see you have found who you were looking for - see everyone does eventually meet at the water hole"

<Mostan> Yes. thank you.

* Mostan goes over to Eliza.

* Ola 's fingers twitch feebly as she tries to flag down a passerby and ask for help.

* Jelana moves back over and takes her seat

* wisesnake approaches Ola, schooling her expression to something a little less frightening

<wisesnake> Ola... can I help you?

<Eliza> I'm afraid I dropped my cup Mostan - I should go back and clean it up.... will you wait here for me?

<Eliza> or... [wonders what to do]

* Jelana wonders if the girl's reaction had anything to do with the book she was reading.

* Ola looks up and struggles to focus: is it an angry rat, a disgruntled snake, or a concerned weasel?

* Jelana tries to remember the name... Acadia... Acradia... Arcadia... yes, Arcadia

* wisesnake zlins Ola's condition and sits down beside her on the bench

<Mostan> I'll come with you.

<wisesnake> Ola, it's Snake. Let me help you.

* Jelana wonders if she should return the book, then decides she'll just leave it there

* NickR puts his hand on Snake's shoulder to form a bubble of nageric privacy, blocking the crowd.

* Turrie smiles and resumes her seat "and I'll wait here with Jelana shall I?"

* Jelana smiles

* wisesnake 's unbuttons Ola's coat

<Ola> Oh. Snake. It hasn't been this bad for a long time.

<Mostan> Oh. Eliza, this is Turrie. A new channel

* Lanyi takes the files back, still trying to place it...

<wisesnake> Have you been getting your rest, Ola? Have you been going into the Sime Center to donate?

* Eliza smiles up at Turrie "I'm pleased to meet you [fumbles to get her mouth around the name] Turrie

* Ola feels the cold wind, but it seems insignificant against the heart pain.

* wisesnake places her hand over Ola's heart slipping into healing mode

<Turrie> Likewise Eliza - please come back and join us [points to Arcadia's vacant seat] when you are ready

* Eliza heads back to pick up the broken cup - only to find that the kitchen staff are already taking care of it

* NickR struggles to adjust his nager compensate for the crowd, then finds the trick.

* Jelana finishes her tea.

<Jelana> Well, it was nice meeting you Turrie. I suppose I should get back to work now.

<Ola> I've been to donate several times, though it's hard to get that far when it's snowing.

<Turrie> [to Jelana] are you going to return the book to her Jelana?

* wisesnake concentrates on easing Ola's pain and trying to detect and repair the damage

<Jelana> Oh, um, I'm sure she'll come back for it.

* Jelana stands and picks up her tea cup.

<Mostan> I'm glad to see you Eliza.

* Ola takes a deep breath as the stabbing pain begins to diminish.

<Turrie> I see

* Eliza gets a new cup of tea and smiles at Mostan "I'm glad to see you too - shall we rejoin umm Turrie and.... [wracks brain for the other girl's name]

<Turrie> Well then - perhaps we shall see each other later

<Turrie> [to Jelana]

<Jelana> Actually, I am a bit hungry. Let me get a bowl of soup and I'll return.

* Eliza feels guilty about going out without telling anyone

* Turrie considers food - and rejects the idea

* Jelana goes over and gets a bowl of soup and another cup of tea and returns.

* NickR finds the trick gets easier with practice, and he is able to cut the nageric noise more and more completely.

* Eliza and Mostan return to the table where Jelana has now returned to

* wisesnake wishes Nick would cut it out with the distracting changes

<Ola> I think the worst has passed.

* Mostan is comfortable going back to the table with Eliza and that strange Gen gone....

* wisesnake slips her hands inside Ola's coat sleeves, feeling for bare skin

* Turrie is interested in the interaction between Mostan and the Donor and decides to find out more about what is troubling Mostan as soon as is possible

* Eliza sits close to Mostan offering support

<wisesnake> Nick, get her something to take home for pain.

* Mostan relaxes on Eliza's field.

* wisesnake pulls Ola forward and deep zlins her, trying to gauge her state of general health

* NickR digs through the satchel, maintaining his bubble of quiet as he does so.

* wisesnake finds Ola is old, tired, and freezing her patuckus off

* wisesnake releases Ola

* Jelana eats her soup

* Jirelle enters the cafeteria zlinning all around

* Jirelle appears to be rather puzzled.

* Jirelle spots the book lying on the table and goes over to it, picks it up looking at the cover, then looks around frowning slightly

* NickR hands Snake a bottle of pills.

<Jelana> Arcadia left that here earlier

<wisesnake> Uh... sorry. You can button up now if you like.

* wisesnake takes the pills

<Turrie> Yes - I believe that was her name

<Turrie> you are going to take it for her? [thinks that's a relief]

* Ola gladly buttons her coat, since she is beginning to shiver.

<Mostan> Eliza, I'm going to go try giving some transfers. Could you help me with them?

<wisesnake> These are for the pain. If it keeps acting up, please go to the Sime Center and ask them to heal you again.

<wisesnake> Or, if you like, I can make your house one of my regular stops... check on you every week or so.

<wisesnake> I could take your transfer too.

* Ola brightens.

<Eliza> sure Mostan!

<Ola> Could you? That would be so much easier.

<Jirelle> Excuse me [to the other people at the table]

<Ola> The streets have been so icy, and I can't afford to fall and break a bone.

<Jirelle> Did you see where the woman with this book went?

<Eliza> [turns to the others sitting at the table] Looks like we are off - nice meeting you - [ and turns to Jelana] again

<Mostan> Ok. As soon as we finish here?

* Mostan looks up hello Jirelle.

* Jirelle smiles at Mostan

<Jirelle> Oh, hello, Mostan.

<Jirelle> I was looking for Arcadia... did you see where she went?

<Jirelle> This must be her book.

* Ola has seen more than one of her contemporaries become bedridden and die after such a fall.

* Jirelle looks at the title again

<Mostan> She ran out. something about 10 and a half minutes.

<Jirelle> you're kidding me.

<Jirelle> That was about 12 minutes ago, right?

<Eliza> I guess about that

<Mostan> yeah, about...

* Jirelle waves her tentacles forlornly

<Jirelle> Oh, I must be doing something wrong!

<Jirelle> She always runs off and I can never find her.

<Eliza> well - if we see her shall we tell her you are looking for her?

<Jirelle> I know it must be because I am so new, and inexperienced.. of course she is probably trying to find ME, since I have now left the treatment room...

<Jirelle> Of course, that must be it.

<Jirelle> How silly of me!

<Jirelle> [blushes]

<Jirelle> Oh.. no.... well okay, if you see her, let her know I am back in the treatment room, and I am terribly sorry for missing her.

* Jirelle blushes again

<Eliza> sure!

<Mostan> I will.

* Jirelle sees Jelana and smiles

<Jirelle> How is it going, Jelana? Didn't I tell you you'd love it here?

* Jirelle smiles brilliantly

<Turrie> Well if you will excuse me - I shall go see if there are any changes to the schedules yet

* Turrie stands and leaves

* Eliza and Mostan likewise say goodbye and leave

<wisesnake> Of course. nothing would be easier.

* wisesnake thinks she'll give Ola the whole protection package, since an old woman living alone is a likely candidate for break ins and the like

<Ola> Thank you, dear.

* Jirelle stands there wondering why everybody left her

* Jirelle sighs

* Jirelle then thinks, well, they must all be extremely important and have many heady duties to attend to

* Jirelle thinks that actually she should be honored to have been spoken to by all of them, during their busy day

* Ola thinks Snake is such a nice child, really, pity about the rat-face, but that can't be helped, and the nice young man with her doesn't seem to mind.

* Jirelle brightens

* Ola stands carefully, a bit unsteady on her feet.

* Jirelle returns to her treatment room in the hopes of finding Arcadia there

* Ola tries an experimental step or two.

<Ola> I think I can get home now.

<wisesnake> Let us call you a cab.

<wisesnake> Please... you shouldn't walk that far in your condition

* Ola can't afford a cab, but she's very tired and cold.

<Ola> Well, maybe just this once.

* wisesnake reaches for Ola's arm to help her navigate the snow to the path

* Ola steps carefully, watching the ground for icy patches.

* wisesnake leads Ola slowly to the nearest edge of the park

* NickR follows Snake and Ola, keeping a steady support, although not with the intensity which would keep Snake from zlinning their surroundings.

* wisesnake sees one cab coming but it's the guy who drives like a maniac... definitely NOT the right cabbie for an old lady with a heart condition

<wisesnake> Ah... there's one.

* wisesnake hails the other cab

* othercab pulls up for the fare

* othercab driver gets down to help the elderly lady into the cab

* Ola feels like a rich lady being helped into the cab, and smiles at the drive, determined to enjoy the luxury.

* wisesnake pulls out money for the cab driver

<Ola> Oh, my dear, that's not necessary.

* othercab looks at the old lady who looks poor to the skinny kid with the money and takes the money

<wisesnake> Here, she's going to her house on Plum, off Vine. It's the tiny purple house way back from the street.

<wisesnake> And please drive carefully. She isn't feeling well.

* wisesnake pats Ola's knee

<wisesnake> You just take care of yourself, you hear? I'll be by around this time next week to check up on you.

<Ola> All right. I'll see you then.

* wisesnake stands back from the cab

* othercab driver leaps back up and clicks the horses to a slow and steady trot

* wisesnake turns to Nick

* wisesnake looks at him closely, for the first time

<wisesnake> Nick... what do you have all over you?

* wisesnake fingers Nick's hair, which seems a bit stiff and discolored

<wisesnake> And... you smell like the bottom of a beer barrel!

* wisesnake thinks... last week's beer barrel

<NickR> Err--One of the patrons of the refreshment stand over there tripped and spilled his beer on me while you were working on Ola.

<wisesnake> You're kidding me.

* wisesnake examines Nick more closely

<wisesnake> We'd better get you inside quick before you get frostbite.

* NickR is beginning to be a bit chilled.

* wisesnake thinks, no wonder Nick was so shenned uneven during that healing session

* wisesnake realizes he was actually doing a pretty good job under the newly revealed circumstances

<wisesnake> Come on... [points to the cafe up at the top of the hill, at the park's edge] Let's go.

* NickR picks up the pace, warmed by the thought of a cup of trin.

* wisesnake and Nick adjourn to the cafe

* wisesnake sends Nick to the washroom to get de-beered and sits in a booth near the hearth

* Waitres walks over with her pen and order book "yeah wannya want to order"

* wisesnake looks slowly at the loud mouthed, gum-snapping waitress, starting at her shoes and working her way up to the waitress's face

* Waitres waits with a blank look on her face

* wisesnake attempts to retain a little dignity as she says, "I'd like a pot of trin tea with two cups, and a plate of the onion and garlic wedges please."

* Waitres takes the pen in a tentacle and scratches her nose

<Waitres> sure sure [writes and walks off]

* wisesnake wonders if the place is under new ownership

* wisesnake looks at the back of the menu

<wisesnake> huh.

* Waitres returns to Snake and dumps the plate in front of her - then returns with the tea

* wisesnake looks up as half the food falls in her lap

<wisesnake> Thanks [drily]

<Waitres> no problemo

<Waitres> [hands wisesnake the bill]

* wisesnake takes the bill without looking at it and begins disgustedly fishing bits of onion and garlic out of her lap

* Frog wanders into the warmth of the cafe

* Frog pulls up a chair and tries to get the waitress' attention

* Waitres ignores the dirty looking Sime who just pulled up a chair

<Frog> ~~ approaching need - fear ~~

* wisesnake wonders what's keeping Nick

* wisesnake happens to notice the price on the bill and is flabbergasted to see that the price has gone up 1000x. Either that, or somebody doesn't know how to add.

* Waitres wonders if the kid is going to pay her or what

* wisesnake estimates what the correct price would be and rounds down

* Frog gestures to the waitress again

* Frog is just about in tears

* wisesnake digs in her pockets and finds exact change, puts it on the edge of the table and promptly ignores the waitress in favor of trying to retrieve the rest of the wedges from the booth seating

* Waitres takes the money without counting and proceeds to the counter

* Waitres counts

<Waitres> hey kid!

<Waitres> that's not what was on the bill!

* wisesnake looks up with a half-lidded stare

* Waitres walks back over - ignoring the pleas of the Frog

<wisesnake> Well, I unless I bought a coach and four, or maybe a half pound of Bug Weed, your numbers stink.

<Waitres> come on come on - that's two bucks short! What you think this is - a food shelter?

<Waitres> thems the prices kid

* wisesnake reaches out for the bill

<Waitres> [turns to frog] oh wait your turn!

<wisesnake> let's have a look, shall we?

* Frog slinks back

* wisesnake tugs it from her hand and points at the number... 134000

<wisesnake> Now that just seems a little high to me.

<Waitres> yeah well we got 20% markup it being a holiday and all

<wisesnake> Is that the only way you can get tips?

* wisesnake glances at Frog wondering what the guy's story is

* wisesnake thinks he has no idea how lucky he is that the waitress is ignoring him

* Frog looks pathetic and feels ill

* Frog also smells

<Waitres> come on kid - 20% holiday tax

<wisesnake> Just what in sh--- just what holiday is this, if I may ask?

* wisesnake thinks some mob heavy must have started squeezing this place

<Waitres> in New Washington its Providers Day

<wisesnake> And why do you keep calling me "Kid"?

<Waitres> bah - just pay the bill

<wisesnake> I'd like to speak to your manager, please.

<Waitres> you don't want me to call you kid - fine "your ladyship"

<wisesnake> That's better.

* Waitres steps back

<Waitres> look I don't want no trouble

* wisesnake rolls her eyes

<Waitres> you an't going to pay the bill - maybe you'd like to talk to the police

<wisesnake> The chief of police thinks I'm God right now. Don't push your luck.

* Waitres doubts this

<wisesnake> Maybe you'd like the police investigating your little markup scheme here.

* Waitres doubts that even more

<Waitres> just eat and get out then

* wisesnake 's white eyes sparkle maliciously

* Waitres turns and walks over to the Frog "yeah wancha want"

<Frog> I'll just have some hot tea please

* Waitres writes and leaves

* wisesnake decides she would like nothing more than to speak to Waitres's manager

* Frog lays his head on the table

<wisesnake> Hey.... are you all right?

* Frog looks up "Yeah - no"

* wisesnake zlins him

<wisesnake> Yeah no?

<wisesnake> Do you want any help?

<Frog> ~~~ approaching need - despair ~~

<wisesnake> What's the matter?

<Frog> Miss - I don't think anyone can help me

<wisesnake> Oh.

* Frog takes another look at Snake

* Frog zlins WiseSnake

<Frog> maybe....

* wisesnake is a high order channel

<Frog> you work at the Center down there? ~~ nervous ~~

<wisesnake> No.

<wisesnake> Sort of. [amends]

<Frog> you work at the uptown one?

<Frog> oh

<wisesnake> No. I don't really work at a Center. But I can do anything the Centers can.

* Frog moves closer to Snake giving her a nosefull of old unwashed body and a nager full of despair

* wisesnake is very used to both and doesn't even notice

<wisesnake> ~~soothing/promise~~

<Frog> I got a problem

<wisesnake> What is it?

<Frog> ~~ drawn to her ~~

<Frog> well - can't go there - to the Center - this month - maybe not ever

<wisesnake> Do you need transfer from me?

<wisesnake> I can do that.

<Frog> you can? you would I mean?

* Frog licks his lips

* Waitres returns with his tea

* Waitres puts it down in front of him and seeing that he is with Snake charges the right price

* wisesnake gets out money and pays it

* Frog starts going through his pockets looking for some coins

<Frog> errr - gee thanks

* wisesnake does not remove her attention from Frog

<wisesnake> no problem.

* Waitres takes it without comment and heads back

* Frog picks up the cup and savours the warmth

<Frog> why would someone like you help someone like me?

<wisesnake> It's what I do. For a living. Help people.

<Frog> ah ~~ depressed ~~

* wisesnake thinks, among doing other things to people... doesn't think it's the time to expound on that though

<Frog> I doubt if I could afford you miss

<Frog> I'm a bit - on - hard times - at the moment...

<wisesnake> Would you take a transfer on charity?

* Frog looks hopeful

<Frog> would you give me one on charity?

<wisesnake> Yes. One.

* Frog licks his lips again

<Frog> that is very very kind of you

<wisesnake> Are you planning on staying in Bender Cove or just passing through?

* Frog goes to take her hands and kiss them but stops short of physical contact

* Frog lowers his eyes

<Frog> I live here - was born here - will probably die here

* wisesnake watches his movements closely

* wisesnake 's eyes narrow

<wisesnake> And you don't know who I am?

<Frog> but things haven't been too good

* Frog licks his lips again

<Frog> well - I would imagine that you are the Snake that they talk of... I thought of looking for you - but with no money and all...

<wisesnake> I see.

<Frog> not now - not anymore

<Frog> I had a wife and a kid - the kid died - the wife left with this other guy

<Frog> what with the weather and all I haven't been able to get any money

<wisesnake> I see. What do you do for a living?

<Frog> I'm a - I was a - I've been a lot of things

<wisesnake> Uh-huh.

<Frog> a success was never among em

<wisesnake> Do you have a place to stay?

<Frog> I been camping at the Hammer and Naismith place

<wisesnake> In this weather? Have you tried the shelters?

<Frog> ~ nervous ~

* wisesnake picks up on Frog's nervousness

<wisesnake> Are you on the run?

* Frog shuts his eyes "it ain't that I did anything wrong you see'

<Frog> it's just consequences sorta thing

<wisesnake> Ok... do you want to talk about it?

* wisesnake automatically zlins to make sure nobody's attention is on them

* Frog thinks it's the last thing he wants to do

<Frog> err - not really - it might make you - you mightn't - ummm not really

* wisesnake looks curious

* Frog thinks that Snake deserves some sort of explanation

<wisesnake> Do you really think you've done something I haven't heard of before?

* Frog looks at Snake curiously "it's not a matter of that - it's a matter of - pride." tries to sit up and be straighter

<Frog> you see - I wasn't always as you see me now - I had a good job at Amalgamated Fisheries - I wasn't a worker - I was a manager there at one time even... sorta

<Frog> had a whole section to manage

* wisesnake manages to suppress a grimace

<wisesnake> Go on...

<Frog> then - I got offered some [whispers really close in Snake's face] extra work you could say

<Frog> after hours - good money - easy work

<Frog> but then - it all fell to pieces....

* wisesnake tries to guess... either a murder or a product theft

<Frog> the boss found out - gave me the sack

<Frog> wife left me

<wisesnake> I see.

<wisesnake> And how long ago was that?

<Frog> couldn't get other work - seems no one wants me [tear falls down cheek]

<Frog> well - lost the job bout 3 months ago

<Frog> wife left just one week after that - one lousy week

<wisesnake> Yes.

<Frog> couldn't even give a fella a chance to make good again - one week

* Frog is now openly sobbing

<wisesnake> ~~soothing support~~

* Waitres comes out and stare distastefully wondering how to get rid of them

<wisesnake> There, there. Things will get better. It always looks terrible when you're in need.

* wisesnake darts a hellish look at the waitress

* Frog leans against snakes support "oh that's nice'

* Waitres backs back into the kitchen

* Frog sighs deeply

<wisesnake> We'll get you all fixed up again.

<Frog> well that's about it really

<Frog> can't get a job

<Frog> without a job - can't go to the Center

<wisesnake> You're due two days from now?

<Frog> yeah

<Frog> was at my wits end

<wisesnake> We'll see what we can do about raising your morale. That will do wonders for your interviewing skills.

<wisesnake> Now... about housing. Is there any reason why you can't go to the shelters?

<wisesnake> You really shouldn't be staying in the shells. You don't feel the cold like you should because you're in need, but you can still get sick.

<Frog> haven't tried

<Frog> ah it's fine for the likes of me

<Frog> honest - if I can just get rid of this damn need things will be ok

* wisesnake has heard that a million times

<wisesnake> Yeah... sure.

* Waitres walks back over "anything else?"

* Frog shudders

<wisesnake> No, thank you.

<Waitres> you'll be leaving then?

<Waitres> this isn't a hostel you know

* wisesnake gives Waitress an icy stare

<Waitres> this is a business - you eat or you go

* Waitres backs up a step

<wisesnake> I've been here for all of about 8 minutes now.

<Waitres> only doing my job

<wisesnake> True....

<wisesnake> Okay, since you're just doing your job, why don't you send your manager on out here to discuss this instead.

* Frog gets up

<wisesnake> [to Frog] Sit down. You don't have to leave.

* Waitres backs up another step "he isn't here today - it's his day off - cause of the holiday!"

* wisesnake pushes Nick's food over in Frog's direction

<wisesnake> Well then, you'd better trust that you don't annoy me enough to actually go to the trouble to find him at home to place my complaint.

* Frog looks at it without hunger

<wisesnake> ~~hunger~~

* Waitres figures that Snake is bluffing

* Frog picks up a piece of the onion and garlic pie [he almost drowns out the smell] and takes a lack luster bite

* Waitres puts her nose in the air and wiggles back to the kitchen

* wisesnake takes a bite with considerable more enjoyment

<wisesnake> ~~yum~~

* Frog takes another bite

<wisesnake> Now... as I was saying...

<Frog> yeah

* Frog takes another bite

<wisesnake> In order to get a job, you'll have to let them know where you are staying. Giving the name of a shelter would look a lot better than saying nothing at all.

<Frog> sure

<wisesnake> Plus, you would be able to freshen up and get ready for important appointments better if you were in a warm place with running water.

* wisesnake knows this from recent personal experience

* Frog takes another bite

* Frog finishes one of the slices

* Frog belches

* wisesnake lets the hungry nager back off to simple ~~support~~

* Frog wipes his mouth on the back of dirty sleeve - leaving the sleeve slightly less dirty

<Frog> where will I find you when it's time?

<wisesnake> So, I'll make you a deal. You go to one of the shelters and stay there for the next two days. I know them all... I'll find you when your time is due.

<Frog> you will find me? ~ nervous ~ what if you don't come? what if you are late? I don't think I can wait - I'm not as strong as I have been!

<wisesnake> After I give you transfer, I'll give you a little cash to buy an outfit to interview in. Then you have to try your hardest to get a job. Because I can't give it to you on charity again, okay?

<wisesnake> ~~promise/soothing~~

<Frog> you will give me money?

<Frog> and a transfer?

<wisesnake> You're fine. I am very reliable in these matters.

* Frog looks at Snake suspiciously for a moment "what you get out of this - no one does nothing for nobody for nothing"

* wisesnake is pretty sure she has never missed an appointment except in cases of mental black outs, random physical disappearances, or being out of it

<wisesnake> True.

* Frog thinks "ah there is a catch"

* Frog gets ready for the kick in the teeth

<wisesnake> I get two things out of it.

<wisesnake> First, I consider anything that takes a down-and-out person and sets them on their feet again, in this town, benefits me personally.

<Frog> yeah?

<wisesnake> I think of this as... my town. And all of the people who live here as mine.

<wisesnake> And I don't want one of mine, to be in trouble.

* Frog looks at Snake as if she is mad

<Frog> yeah sure sure right....

<Frog> ok

* Frog wonders about the "BOSS" and if he has heard about this person

* Frog wonders if the "BOSS" is this person!

* Frog decides to be very very careful

<Frog> ok - I'll go to a shelter - see if one will take me in

<Frog> then - I'll wait

<Frog> you'll come to me

<wisesnake> Yes.

* wisesnake thinks that the guy has already forgotten there are TWO things she gets out of this... smiles sadly to herself

<wisesnake> I'll come to you.

* Waitres sticks her head out

* Waitres wonders when they are going - she wants to disinfect the booth

<Frog> ok

* Frog thinks for a moment was that one thing or two

* Frog looks at Snake "was there another thing?"

* wisesnake looks at him

<wisesnake> The other thing I get out of our deal?

* Waitres looks at them both

* Katryn comes up the hill, her skates over her shoulder, cheeks rosy, her tentacles waving with delight as she augments slightly toward the cafe

<Frog> yeah - you said two things right?

<wisesnake> Yes.

<wisesnake> You will owe me.

* Katryn goes in the door and zlins around

<wisesnake> I might not ever ask anything of you [lowering voice when she zlins Katryn entering and waitress looming]

* Frog nods "of course"

* Katryn is a third order channel with short red hair and freckles

<wisesnake> but.... when I pass you in the street, I expect to see you remember.

<wisesnake> And I WILL expect you to make an honest effort with the reprieve I will have given you.

<Frog> I will I will - believe me if you can get me through this

* Katryn zlins a familiar presence and doesn't wait to be seated

* wisesnake nods

<Katryn> Hajene Farris!

* wisesnake looks up

* Katryn hurries over to where she is

* Katryn is smiling broadly

<wisesnake> Ah, er, Katryn.

* Frog sees the new person and cringes out

<Katryn> It's me, Katryn, from the Center...

<Katryn> Oh.

* Katryn zlins Frog and becomes all professional

* wisesnake waves her hand

<wisesnake> Don't worry. He was just leaving anyway.

* Frog nods to them both and gets out of there

<Katryn> I suppose we'll be meeting again [to Frog]

* Waitres scowls at the Frog's retreating back

<Katryn> When you come to the Center in a day or two

* Katryn smiles

* Frog leaves quicker

* Katryn turns back to Snake

<Katryn> What an odd creature

<wisesnake> He's desperate.

<Katryn> You would have thought I made him... desperate?

* Katryn sinks down on a seat.

<Katryn> How is that

* Waitres comes over with her pad

<Waitres> yeah wanna want

* Katryn imagines his entire family being killed by some secret sect and he is now looking for help... or possibly....

<Katryn> Uh, well... trin please

<Waitres> that all?

* Waitres thinks that at this rate the place will go broke

<Katryn> And a donut

* Katryn doesn't want the waitress to think her bad only coming in for tea

* wisesnake flicks her tentacles impatiently and looks up at the Waitress warningly

* Katryn looks back at Snake

* Waitres sighs and walks back to the kitchen

<Katryn> Desperate? What happened? Is he on the run?

<wisesnake> Yeah

<Katryn> Really?

* Katryn wide-eyed

<Katryn> Oh, that poor man.

* wisesnake takes a closer look at Katryn

<wisesnake> ...yeah.

<Katryn> From gangsters... or, he killed someone important.

* Katryn realizes what she is doing and blushes

<Katryn> I'm sorry. It's none of my business

* Katryn ~~ burning curiosity ~~

* wisesnake thinks channel-client privilege comes into this somewhere

<wisesnake> Yeah... well... life's rough.

<Katryn> I was just out skating and thought I'd come in here for some tea.

* wisesnake sips hers

<Katryn> Oh, yes, it is. Some of the cases I have seen since being at this Center.

* Katryn sighs

* Katryn reaches up and slips the skates off her shoulder

<wisesnake> The tea here is acceptable, although the service is abominable.

<Katryn> Alea let me borrow her skates. I haven't been skating in ages.

* Katryn looks around and notices the waitress hasn't been back yet.

<wisesnake> I should be charging them, for training their waitress. She can't even add.

<Katryn> I see that.

* Waitres brings the tea and donut

<Katryn> Oh, well, then I'll check my bill very carefully

* Waitres hands Snake the bill automatically

* Katryn zlins the waitress

* Katryn reaches out and takes it.

* Waitres glares at Katryn

<Katryn> Oh, that's mine.

* Katryn looks wide-eyed

* wisesnake aborts her gesture to reach for money

<Katryn> What'd I do?

<Waitres> yeah well keep your fancy zlins to yourself

<Katryn> oh.

* Katryn blushes a bit.

* wisesnake 's nager takes on a distinctly ominous overtone

<Katryn> It was like deep zlinning... I apologize if I offended you.

* Katryn looks back at Snake

* Waitres is getting just a little bit tired of these particular customers

<Katryn> In first year school, a zlin like that didn't offend others.

* Waitres waits to get paid

* Katryn wonders why waitress is still there and looks up in question

<Katryn> Thank you?

* wisesnake pulls the bill out of Katryn's fingers, gets the money and hands it to the waitress

<wisesnake> Go away.

<Waitres> you going to pay for that? or is it a charity house we have become

<Katryn> You have to pay first here?

<Waitres> fine - thank you very much

<Katryn> How interesting.

<Katryn> I found out you don't work at the Center anymore.

* Waitres leaves again

* Waitres thinks of quitting

* wisesnake pushes the first bill over toward Katryn.. the one where it adds up to 134000 for tea and bread

* Katryn takes the ticket and looks at it.

<wisesnake> I wonder why somebody who hates their job so much bothers to keep at it?

<Katryn> Can I take her out on the ice for an hour, do you suppose?

* Katryn still staring at the ticket

* wisesnake pauses

<wisesnake> What?!

<Katryn> The cold might numb that brain of hers enough so that she would charge the right prices next time.

* Katryn looks up

* Katryn smiles

<wisesnake> oh.

* wisesnake relieved... had been afraid Katryn was serious

<Katryn> What did you think I meant?

<wisesnake> Never mind.

<Katryn> Anyway, I heard you aren't at the Center.

* wisesnake drinks her tea, nervously

<Katryn> That first day I met you, I thought you worked here.

<wisesnake> Um, well, I used to.

<Katryn> I don't get to see the other Farrises much, just Alea.

<Katryn> Oh. I see.

<Waitres> [yelling and pots and pan noises from the kitchen]

<Katryn> That's how I got these skates. She said she wasn't using them, and I could use them as much as I wanted, but that they were a special gift so to be careful. She's a nice lady

<wisesnake> Do you keep them in your own room? [hopefully]

<Katryn> Oh, I wouldn't do that. She has these hanging on her wall where she can see them.

* Katryn giggles

* wisesnake shakes her head

<Katryn> I think it was some sort of romantic gift or something

* Waitres walks quickly out with her head in the air and her bag over her shoulder

* cook runs out after her yelling something indistinguishable

<Katryn> She really cares for the skates.

<wisesnake> Someday ask her to tell you the story of how she took her renSime friend out onto that lake in thin ice weather and he went in.... he was in need and she was panicking and shrieking and... well, it's her story.

<Katryn> Anyway, I thought it was really nice...

* Katryn eyes widen

<Katryn> Oh, I will.

* cook comes back in muttering loudly in some strange language [probably American] 2

<Katryn> That sounds like a delightful story.

* wisesnake grimaces

<wisesnake> It's not my favorite.

<Katryn> Oh.

* Katryn tries to look sober

* Katryn takes a bite of her donut and then a sip of her tea.

<wisesnake> Although I prefer it to the one where she flew downhill on a sled and went through the ice on the bay, had to be rescued by a channel who nearly froze to death jumping in after her...

<cook> [loud voice and slamming of cupboards from the kitchen]

<wisesnake> That was a week or two before [adds]

* Katryn chuckles

<Katryn> She sounds like fun.

<wisesnake> If you can't zlin, maybe

<Katryn> Not the channel nearly freezing herself to death, mind you...

<wisesnake> No. That part was not fun.

<Katryn> It was you?

<wisesnake> Yes.

* Katryn ~~ enthralled ~~

* wisesnake squirms

<Katryn> What a nice friend you must be.

<wisesnake> It was extremely unglamorous.

<Katryn> Oh, of course.

* Katryn nods

* Katryn takes another bite of her donut and then another sip of tea to wash it down.

<Katryn> I've always wanted to go sledding.

<Katryn> I've never been though.

<Katryn> Hearing that story, I doubt I will.

<wisesnake> Take my advice... don't sled with Gens.

<Katryn> really?

* cook slams out of the kitchen and through the shop still yelling and gesturing widely

* cook exits the shop

* wisesnake winces at the clamor

<Katryn> But back at first year school I did everything with a Gen. We ate, slept, drank, played... everything together

* cook slams the door

<Katryn> You know, that might be dangerous for a renSime in need, the way that cook is acting.

* wisesnake thinks Katryn still has a few lessons left to learn

<wisesnake> I thought this place had its shid more together than this.

<Katryn> obviously not.

<Katryn> I imagine with the pond so close, they can do anything they want.. and still get business.

* Katryn finishes the donut and smiles, licking her tentacles

* Katryn licks her fingers next then wipes them on a napkin

<Katryn> Great food here.

<Katryn> So, what do you do now if you don't work at the Center?

* wisesnake thinks grimly, what don't I do?

* Katryn pulls out her wallet and leaves some money with the ticket

* Katryn grabs a pen, scratches out what they charged and puts what she thinks she owes in the space

<wisesnake> Healing, donations, transfers... the usual.

<wisesnake> Some unusual variations.

<Katryn> Just not at the Center?

<wisesnake> Right.

<Katryn> unusual variations?

* wisesnake is mystified by Katryn's actions since she already paid the waitress who has now quit anyway

<wisesnake> Having to pick up all the business I can forces me to cater to the peculiar at times.

* Katryn looks up and crosses her tentacles

<wisesnake> People who can't, or won't, use the Sime Center for whatever reason are more likely to require... special handling... than the average.

* Katryn just being out of first year school and abysmally innocent has no idea what Snake could mean

<Katryn> I thought everyone had to go to Centers.

<Katryn> This is really interesting.

<wisesnake> Well, most people do.

<Katryn> Wow.

<wisesnake> I pick up the... left over people.

<Katryn> Well, I'm finished here. Do you come by the Center often. I'd love to hear more about what you do.

<wisesnake> Good bye.

* Katryn picks the skates up and slings them over her shoulders.

<Katryn> Will I see you at the Center ever?

<wisesnake> Probably.

<Katryn> That'd be so cool to hear how they set up miniature Centers and what kind of people you help at them.

* NickR finally leaves the restroom, looking a bit harried

* Katryn sees Nick and zlins him... thinking how cute he is and what a wonderful field he has.

<wisesnake> Umm... [wonder where Katryn gets her ideas] Sure.

<Katryn> Is that your Donor [whispers]

* NickR goes over by Snake and falls into a support position

* Katryn ~~ starry eyed ~~ but trying to look professional and not show it

<wisesnake> Yes [frankly]

<wisesnake> He's mine.

* Katryn looks anywhere but at him.

* wisesnake darts a look at Nick

<Katryn> That's nice. Oh, well... I hope to talk to you again.

* Katryn stands

* Katryn ~~ embarrassed ~~

* NickR makes a "I couldn't help it" expression

<wisesnake> Goodbye. [dryly]

<Katryn> Bye

* Katryn hurries off, relieved to be gone, and wondering if she made a complete cake of herself.

<wisesnake> Where in shen were you????

<wisesnake> [to Nick]

* NickR holds up his hands for mercy

<NickR> I can explain.

<NickR> Just as I finished washing up, this guy came in... a waiter here.

* cafe` has an empty feel

<NickR> He said he said he hated his life and was thinking about committing suicide.

* Katryn hurries out of the cafe and down past the pond into the park.

<NickR> I couldn't just leave him there! I had to talk him out of it...

* wisesnake relaxes a little

<wisesnake> Well... okay, of course.

<wisesnake> So is he okay now?

<NickR> Well he isn't going to kill himself, but I think he may have quit his job. Went out the men's room window.

* Katryn goes through the park, her embarrassment fading

* Katryn is thoroughly enjoying the day again by the time she returns to the Sime Center

<wisesnake> Ah. Well [gestures around at the abandoned building] he seems to be in good company.

<wisesnake> Let's get out of here.

<NickR> OKay. [relieved]

* Katryn hurries up the stairs and into the Center.

* wisesnake and Nick leave the empty cafe

* Katryn takes the skates up to Alea's room, stops by her room to drop off the cloak and then goes back downstairs to go to work.

Notes:

1) "From one who sees all" is a code phrase Alea used in written communications with the Sectuib in Zeor when she worked as a spy. That Turrie used the phrase announces that Turrie both knows Alea was a spy and has been speaking to the (former) Sectuib directly. The obvious conclusion is that Turrie is also a spy. [return]

2) American: A Genlan, apparently a dialect of English. [return]

Go on to Episode #151: Gargoyle Attack

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