Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #153: Rat Bites Bat (2/7/98)

[view copyright information]

Alea sashays into the lobby, testing her foot out as she walks

Alea grins

<Alea> Only a bit of pain. It shouldn't bother the Simes toooooo much

Alea smoothes her skirt, then runs a finger over the black around her waist.

Alea sighs, seeing she HAS no waist

Veraik walks into the lobby and zlins Alea.

Alea strolls, only slightly painfully over to the boards to see who's on for the day

Veraik stands perfectly still without saying a word.

Alea crawls up onto the chair to change the boards, not seeing Veraik

Alea slips her keys from her pocket and unlocks the glass case, then picks up the chalk to change the boards

Veraik augments to Alea to hold her steady so that she doesn't fall.

<Veraik> Alea. Please. Don't do this.

Alea jumps

<Alea> Hajene!

Alea looks down, surprised.

<Alea> I--I didn't see you there.

Veraik catches her.

Veraik gently places her on the floor and backs away.

Alea nods

<Alea> I saw some problems with the board... I was simply fixing them.

<Veraik> I don't see any problems with the board.

<Alea> It has Jelana, the new Donor, scheduled with Keli instead of Katryn. A writing error, I'm sure...

<Alea> unless Briel specifically wanted two Donors giving transfer to Simes.

Alea tries to smile

<Veraik> Don't you think you should check with Briel before you start changing things around?

<Alea> Well, since you're here, I don't suppose I need to do that now, do I?

<Alea> You can authorize the changes.

Alea hands Veraik the chalk

<Veraik> Or Alea, you could check with me as well.

Veraik takes the chalk, looks at the board and puts the chalk down.

Alea lifts an eyebrow in arrogance

<Veraik> The schedule is correct. Briel and I discussed the matter this morning.

<Alea> Two Donors giving transfers? Okay.

Alea ~~ anger ~~

<Alea> I'll be glad to watch that.

Alea smiles

Veraik zlins the board again and backs away.

Alea turns and walks off, her foot only giving her minimal pain

Veraik drops the chalk.

Veraik turns and augments out of the room.

Veraik stops just before the back door, panting and gasping in pain and disorientation.

<Veraik> He looks around, wondering how it got there and trying desperately not to think about the ache in his balls. 1

see note 2

Alea finally leaves her office and heads toward the lobby, careful with her still tender foot

Alea has kept it wrapped very tight so as not to injure it again

Alea waits for Turrie in the lobby, still uncertain as to agreeing to go with Turrie to find Snake

Bcal come storming out of the bathroom, shuddering in disgust

<Bcal> That's it!

<Bcal> That IS IT!

Bcal sneers as she paces the room much like a vulture circling its prey--in this case, Wise Snake

Turrie enters the lobby "Thank you for waiting Alea, I had a hold up with that last donor. I don't know why they donate when they are so scared."

<wisesnake> What? [startled by B'cal's display]

<wisesnake> What's the matter?

<Bcal> Rats!

<Bcal> This place is INFESTED with them

wisesnake 's tentacles all tap on the desk at different speeds, nervously

<Alea> That's all right.

<wisesnake> Well... yes. It's the only warm place for hundreds of yards around.

<Turrie> How is your leg today

Alea grabs her cloak, scarf and gloves and slips them on

<Alea> Much better

<wisesnake> Do you want me to buy a dog?

<Bcal> Do you know what one dared do?

Bcal trembling with outrage

<wisesnake> Hire an exterminator....

wisesnake pauses

<wisesnake> What?

<Bcal> It... it... it had the GALL to... BITE ME!

<Alea> I just have to take it slowly and carefully

<Turrie> I'm pleased to hear that. If you feel up to the trip then let us go

Alea buttons up her cloak and heads toward the door

Bcal rubs her posterior, glaring at Snake as if it is HER fault

Turrie opens the door for her

wisesnake gets up, concerned

<wisesnake> Let me zlin you.

Alea goes down the cleared steps, smiling

<wisesnake> [worried about infections, diseases, etc.]

Bcal puffs up like a blow fish

<Bcal> I don't THINK so

Bcal ~~ outrage ~~

wisesnake backs off very nervously

<Turrie> It is a lovely day for walking - let me know if you need a hand

<Alea> I think I'll be fine.

wisesnake 's tentacles wave erratically

<wisesnake> No problem! I won't.

<Alea> You know, I'm not so sure about this.

<Alea> I mean, Snake doesn't like surprises

<Turrie> How far away is this Ferry Building?

<Turrie> Snake doesn't like a lot of things

<Alea> We could take a cab.

wisesnake creeps back to her chair and sits down with her back hunched, trying to sort out her papers

<Alea> And she is my relative

<Bcal> This place should be razed and rebuilt.

<Turrie> but one of the things life teaches you is that you don't always get what you want - and that what you want isn't always good for you

Bcal muttering, pacing, trying not to rub her posterior

<Turrie> of course [looks up and down the street for a cab]

<Turrie> There is one [hails cab]

wisesnake mutters something about getting B'cal together with Tilna Geshriber to discuss that subject privately, preferably far from Snake's own ears

Alea is relieved, thinking it will be a lot easier than walking all the way to the building

Turrie helps Alea into the cab and allows Alea to give the driver directions

<Bcal> If it's not razed... then I would think you'd get an exterminator out here... immediately

Bcal strides over to Snake

<Bcal> And NOT the one the Center uses!

<wisesnake> I will. [promises]

Bcal nods

<wisesnake> I'll find a reputable one.

<Bcal> He'd better be.

wisesnake cringes from B'cal's angry field

Alea points

<wisesnake> I'm sorry you got bitten. [contritely]

<Alea> See that steeple... that's it. There's the Ferry Building

Bcal grumbles and strides off again

<Bcal> It's...notyourfault [mutters]

wisesnake sits and stares at her paperwork, miserably off track of her original thoughts

wisesnake rubs her forehead

<Bcal> So, what do you think of Rapol?

<Turrie> Alea if possible I would like to talk to Snake alone - that doesn't exclude your presence of course

Bcal prowling restlessly, unwilling to sit down and get bit again.

wisesnake gets a small piece of paper to write a note about the exterminator

<Alea> Alone?

Alea looks wary

<wisesnake> What? Rapol? He's fine.

<Alea> I'm not sure she'll allow that.

<Turrie> I was wondering how you feel at supporting her so that her usual Donor could leave

<Alea> She keeps a Donor with her....

<wisesnake> He shows a willingness to learn and what he already knew doesn't have to be undone.

<Turrie> I'm not sure she would either

Alea worries

<Turrie> you are a Farris Donor are you not?

<Alea> I'm not sure she'll like that.

<Alea> You can talk to her.

<Turrie> I am aware of that

<Bcal> Well that's one point for him.

<Turrie> I am hoping that she will even see us

<Bcal> He's not an idiot.

<wisesnake> No! He certainly isn't.

<wisesnake> And he found me. He was searching for a high-order channel to serve. It means a lot to him.

<Bcal> He does... tolerably well... supporting you [grudgingly]

<wisesnake> He and Nick have gotten along well so far

wisesnake is pleased that B'cal approves of Rapol

<wisesnake> Thank you. I think so too.

Bcal snorts

<Bcal> give it time

<Alea> Of course, she'll see us.

wisesnake wilts again

Turrie helps Alea out of the cab and pays the driver

<Alea> I am related.

<Alea> It's a Farris thing that I don't expect you to understand.

Alea turns toward the Ferry Building door

wisesnake , post-turnover, feels the creeping edges of paranoia over Nick and Rapol's relationship begin at the back of her mind

<Bcal> Of course, you can solve that simply by keeping them apart

<wisesnake> No!

<wisesnake> I mean... maybe.

<wisesnake> They seem to want to overlap, though.

<wisesnake> Go out of their way to do so.

<Bcal> hmmmm

<wisesnake> [desperately hoping it's because they like each other and want to cooperate]

<Bcal> wonder why... what they have so much in common that they want to put their plotting little minds together

wisesnake tells herself it's NOT because they don't trust each other and want to "check up" on each other

<wisesnake> I think it's because they want to make sure I have a Donor with me at all times. [defensively for them]

<Bcal> either that... or they're trying to feel each other out... figure out what makes the other one tick so they can crush them and get rid of them

<Bcal> Of course.

Alea goes up to the door and pulls on the bell string

<Alea> This goes right into her office

<wisesnake> Crush them!!

<wisesnake> [panic]

<wisesnake> Who thinks like that??

Turrie looks at the building - an old building of well hidden historical importance definitely in need of attention

<wisesnake> Do you think like that??

Alea jerks on the bell harder

wisesnake jumps up wildly

<wisesnake> [at the sound of the bell]

<Bcal> I'm a Professional Donor.....

Bcal breaks off and glances at Snake

Bcal ~~ soothing ~~

Bcal moves up next to her

wisesnake looks wildly out the window, heart pounding

Alea waves

<Alea> Hello, Snake!

Alea smiles tentatively

wisesnake manages to get her wits together enough to recognize the top of Alea's head, and someone else... Turrie

<Alea> I came to talk to you..

wisesnake grimaces

Bcal sneers

wisesnake pulls the window open and sticks her head out

<Bcal> the little love----

Bcal breaks off remembering Snake's warning

<Alea> Can you open the door [yells louder, using her field to show her chill to Snake]

<Bcal> What's she doing here... and with that channel?

wisesnake really wants to ask Alea why in heaven's name she brought Turrie with her, but can't frame the question in any way that is even remotely polite

<Bcal> usually it's just her coming to bombard you with false cheer and accidental transfers....

<wisesnake> Shen it!

wisesnake slams the window shut and leaves the office

<wisesnake> B'cal, can it.

Bcal hurries after her

wisesnake starts walking down stairs, trying to think of how to deal with the unpleasant double spy sandwich she is being presented with

Bcal thinks you'd be in a bad mood too if you'd been bitten on the er... by a rat.

<wisesnake> I can't believe she brought that... that... ugh.

<wisesnake> [disgusted]

<Alea> I think she's coming.

Alea smiles nervously at Turrie

<Alea> The ONLY reason I am doing this, is to get you two a chance to talk.

wisesnake thinks B'cal is in danger of being bitten by Snake in the same place if she doesn't give her a break.

<Turrie> I thank you for that Alea

<Alea> Do not hurt her, Turrie, or do anything questionable.

<Turrie> I hope I can "mend the fences"

Alea ~~ relieved ~~

<Alea> I'm glad.

Turrie raises her eyebrows 'I have no intention of hurting anyone'

Bcal hurries down the steps after Snake.

wisesnake reaches the first floor and goes to open the door

Bcal supports Snake, stopping just behind her.

wisesnake waits until B'cal is in place to do so, then presents an impenetrably plain showfield to the duo

<wisesnake> Hello?

Alea smiles

<Alea> Good morning Snake.

Turrie goes duo, checking the fields

<Alea> I know it's early. But might we come in?

<Turrie> Hello Snake [nods to the unnamed Donor}

Alea allows them both to see she is freezing.

wisesnake grimaces

<wisesnake> I guess so.

<Turrie> Thank you

Alea thinks she has done her part

Alea goes in.

Turrie ushers Alea in

wisesnake stands back to let them in, thinking she is sure she is going to regret this.

Bcal wonders what would happen if the little love bird or her channel was bitten by one of the many rats in the area and smiles

wisesnake carefully locks the door, hoping that Murphy's Law will make it so she has to unlock it again almost immediately when they leave

<wisesnake> Come on upstairs.

<Alea> Have you cleaned up some?

<Alea> My this looks... better.

<Turrie> I ask Alea to accompany me here today WiseSnake - I was hoping that you would allow me some time to make up for my clumsiness the other day

Bcal follows Snake

Turrie helps Alea up the stairs

<wisesnake> Yeah. Have been hiring the occasional day labor and kids to clean up somewhat.

<Bcal> Two of 'em [muttered to Snake] Heaven preserve us.

wisesnake darts a glance at Turrie

<wisesnake> Oh really.

wisesnake darts a sharper glance at B'cal

Turrie notices that the stairs, although in need of attention, are safe

Alea ignores B'cal and smiles at Snake as she starts the climb

wisesnake leads them up to the heated office on the 3rd floor

<Bcal> the rat was an omen... should have never opened that door... [muttered again]

Alea is panting and slightly pale by the end of the climb.

Alea goes into Snake's office and collapses in front of the fire.

Alea relief to be off her sore foot

wisesnake shows them into the room and gestures for them to sit down on some chairs while she turns to remove all the papers from her desk and stick them into a drawer away from prying eyes

Bcal sneers, moving closer to Snake

<wisesnake> B'cal, get the door please.

Turrie sees Alea seated then sits down herself

<Turrie> Interesting building you have here Snake

Bcal goes over, locks the door and then stands by it.

<Turrie> Exactly just how old is it?

wisesnake glances at Turrie, not meeting her eyes, nager reserved

Bcal rubs her bottom again.

<wisesnake> 588.

<wisesnake> It was built by the same architect as the public library.

<Turrie> really - that old. It has some interesting architectural features

<wisesnake> Yes.

Alea removes her gloves and then releases her scarf, pulling it off and lifting her hair from out of the cloak.

wisesnake thinking particularly of one hideous gargoyle over a side door that resembles Turrie closely; keeps out out of her nager which is pristine

<Turrie> I see. You don't see many buildings of this age and quality in such good condition. It could do with refurbishing - but seems very sound

<Alea> It has a cat here... unless.... [Alea trails off as she sees a tail of a rat disappear into another room]

<wisesnake> Yes. That is why I chose it.

Alea swallows weakly

Turrie nods

<wisesnake> Now. How can I help you two.

Bcal smiles meanly

Alea waves at Turrie.

<Turrie> I wanted to make my apologies for the other day

Alea nods

<wisesnake> Oh? [dubiously]

<Turrie> I was careless. I never meant to cause you alarm

Alea carefully lifts her feet up closer to her.

Alea looks around cautiously

Bcal whistles softly

wisesnake thinks that apologies from Zeor are usually accompanied by demands, and shortly followed by threats

Turrie looks at B'cal and then at Alea and decides against asking for any privacy

<wisesnake> You planned on getting the information without alerting me to your motives?

Bcal saw exactly where that rat went and isn't going to tell them... hoping it'll crawl up the springs and infect one of them....

<Turrie> Not at all.

<Turrie> There are some things I would like to explain.

<Turrie> First - you seem to be under the impression that I am on a fact finding mission from Zeor

Alea hears Snake's words, then Turrie's and looks up curious and alert

<Turrie> I am not

wisesnake zlins Turrie for truth

<Turrie> ~ truth ~

Alea thinks there's one shen of a mess-up if top secret information like their pass codes have gotten out to someone who isn't working for Zeor and makes a note to get word back to Zeor

<Turrie> I am, however, occasionally employed by several parties to carry messages. The content of those messages are not of interest to me

<Turrie> I'm only the carrier

Alea thinks how typical... only a carrier.

Bcal sneers

Turrie looks directly at Snake "as you have no doubt noticed I have developed the habit of staying hypo most of the time."

<Bcal> We have spying going on?

Bcal looks at Snake

<Turrie> That has developed over a long period of working with politicians and bureaucrats on both sides 3

Alea smiles blandly at Bcal, hoping she'll sweat over it after harassing her for so long.

wisesnake gestures at B'cal --later--

Turrie slips hyper, completely losing track of the building except as it exists as an extension of the fields

Bcal clamps her mouth shut, turning narrowed eyes on the two... thinking... no way... impossible... sneering.

<Turrie> My intentions are totally non hostile and I wish you to see that

Alea sees turrie slip hyper and turns her attention to her.

Turrie waits

Turrie returns duo

Turrie looks at Snake waiting for a reaction

wisesnake studies Turrie with narrow eyes, wondering why she just went hyper. 4

Alea thinks going hyper isn't exactly encouraging

<wisesnake> What exactly is going on here then.

Bcal crosses the room to stand near Snake.

<Turrie> I want to prove to you that I am no threat to you because I have something to offer you

<wisesnake> Something to offer me? [warily]

Alea stands up nervously and crosses to the window

<Turrie> Yes - something you need and something that you have limited chance to get here. I am talking about training

Turrie leans forward

<Turrie> Snake you have the ability to be one of the most powerful channels that we have seen in a long time

<Turrie> I'm not just talking powerful in your abilities as a channel

<Turrie> but powerful in your ability to make changes

<Turrie> at the moment you are a "rough diamond"

wisesnake listens

<Turrie> There is much you need to learn if you are to fulfil your full potential

Bcal listens

<Turrie> I would like to help you learn techniques that you will not learn just working here in Bender Cove

<Turrie> Neither would you learn them in a Sime Center or a Household alone

<wisesnake> What in the world are you talking about?

<Turrie> Mostly I'm talking survival.

Alea turns from the window and clasps her hands, worried about Snake.

wisesnake waits impatiently, thinking this sounds like a tease sales tactic

<Turrie> Are you at all interested in continuing to learn - or are you under the impression that you already know all you need to know?

Alea thinks 'oh boy'

<wisesnake> I am under the impression that you are being extremely slippery and I haven't heard a single concrete thing yet about who you really are, where you really come from, or what you are actually talking about teaching.

Bcal ~~ support ~~ attention on Snake completely

<Turrie> I can give you access to my records at the Center - you are welcome to read them

<wisesnake> ~~polite disbelief in Sime Center paper, from hard experience~~

<wisesnake> Why don't you tell me in words.

wisesnake thinks you can't zlin paper for truth

<Turrie> of course - what exactly would you like to know?

Alea crosses over and offers support to Turrie, thinking this was a bad idea.

<wisesnake> Tell me who you are, what organization or group you are affiliated with, who sent you here and why, and exactly what it is you think you can teach me.

<wisesnake> If you tell the truth, I will be inclined to listen further.

<Turrie> I'm Turrie Foxness - I am affiliated with no group other than the Tecton, I was sent "here" to Bender Cove Sime Center to work

<wisesnake> To work as an ordinary Sime Center employee with no other instructions?

wisesnake zlins for truth throughout

<Turrie> That is correct. As I passed through Zeor I was asked to deliver some messages - I have done so

<Turrie> As to what I can teach you.... there are techniques and functions that can allow you to work, and stay sane, without necessarily using a Donor at all times

Alea hopes Turrie is telling the truth.

<Turrie> For example - the ability to perform a shunt without a Donor - or even an untrained Gen - to assist

<Turrie> ~ truth ~

Bcal snorts

wisesnake chiefly remembers a lot of nosy questions, and something about Zeor wanting her to come back sort of muddled in there somewhere

Turrie stays open to Snake's observation

AleaD seats herself near enough to support, but far enough away to stay out of the line of fire.

<Turrie> ~ honest desire to teach ~

<wisesnake> That was it? That bit about Zeor wanting me to come back you sort of stuck in between all those questions?

Bcal thinks they should just toss them out.

<Turrie> I'm sorry if my questions offended you. I was interested in you as a person - it is a personal interest only

wisesnake thinks

<wisesnake> So, if you are affiliated with the Tecton only, where did you learn these techniques you say no one else can teach?

Alea hopes she hasn't worried Snake too much with this.

<Turrie> I said that no one else in Bender Cove could. I am 40 years old. I have studied in very many places - both household and out. I have spent my entire adult life learning.

<Turrie> I feel that when you stop learning - no matter how old you are - on that day you start to die

<Turrie> Learning without teaching is an empty life

wisesnake distinctly remembers Turrie saying the techniques could not be learned in a Sime Center or a Householding; frowns

Turrie stands

<Alea> You know, Snake, perhaps she could write you up a list.

<Turrie> I think that you need time to consider what I have said Snake

<Alea> A short explanation, as it were, of just what she is offering.

<Turrie> I will of course be available to talk to you anytime you wish - my duties at the Center allowing

Bcal thinks that's the first sensible thing she's heard.

wisesnake thinks she needs to hear more about what exactly would be taught, and hear something worth learning in the description, before she could possibly be interested

<Turrie> I'm sorry to have interrupted your day so casually. I should get Alea home - and I have work to attend to myself

wisesnake shrugs noncommittally

<Turrie> So I'll leave it in your hands

<wisesnake> Fine.

<Turrie> Thank you for your time

Alea bristles wondering WHY Simes insist on treating her as chattel

Alea nods to Snake

<Alea> Thank you for taking the time to see us.

wisesnake moves to escort them out

Bcal follows

Turrie picks Alea up and walks out after Snake

Alea glares at Turrie

<Turrie> Those stairs seem to be a bit much for you at the moment Alea - allow me

wisesnake sidles away at the change in the ambient

Alea thinks it must just be channels in general

<Alea> "Think they own us..."

Bcal chuckles at Alea's words... snidely

wisesnake goes down the stairs to let them out

Alea ~~ support ~~

Alea ~~ support tinged with grumbling frustration--purposely ~~

Bcal watches them go.

wisesnake locks the door

<Bcal> Well that was certainly enlightening

Turrie puts Alea down, supporting her until she has her balance, and looks for a cab

wisesnake thinks it was more confusing than revealing

<Bcal> You should have kept them here five more minutes. That rat was about to climb up the love bird's leg.

<Alea> I'm fine, Turrie.

<Turrie> I'm sorry for rushing you like that Alea

<wisesnake> You felt up to protecting me from the nager of a panicking Farris Donor?

<Alea> No problem.

Bcal scowls

<Bcal> Point Taken.

<Turrie> There doesn't seem to be a cab close - do you feel up to walking until we can find one?

<Alea> That's fine.

<Turrie> Have you had breakfast yet? I dragged you out so early

<wisesnake> I don't get it. What in the world would her motivation be for approaching me like that? Especially after the ridiculous scene the other day.

<Alea> I have to eat every morning or I get sick. Yes, I've eaten

<Turrie> then can I buy you a hot drink?

<Bcal> Frustration with the Center? The curiosity of working with a Farris? The intrigue of working with a rogue?

<Bcal> A death wish?

wisesnake laughs shortly

<Alea> That sounds nice. Thank you, hajene.

wisesnake moves closer to B'cal

Bcal shrugs

<wisesnake> She never did tell me what she thought she could teach me specifically.

<Bcal> Maybe she'll write it up in a report.

<Bcal> I'll look over and see if she has anything valid in it.

<wisesnake> Come to think of it, she never mentioned what it is she planned on getting out of me in return, either.

Turrie keeps her pace to Alea's own.

wisesnake thinks dryly that B'cal would probably censor anything she didn't want Snake to know about

<Bcal> Maybe she simply does want to teach and finds the restrictions of a Sime Center too much.

<wisesnake> Maybe.

Turrie leads her to the cafe on the hill above the lake

Alea is panting and sore by the time they arrive. 5

Turrie seats Alea in a booth and slides in on the other side

<Alea> You didn't, by any chance, live at Dar at one time did you? 6

<Turrie> I have lived in so many places that it's entirely likely!

Alea scowls

<Alea> You'd remember them. Lanyi is from Dar as was Kaymeil...

Frog` , in an apron, walks over to the two in the booth "hello ladies - what can I get for you today?"

<Alea> Lot's of exercise, martial arts....

Alea looks up... and does a double take.

Turrie waits for Alea to order

<Alea> uh... well... I'll have... trin, please.

Alea thinks this person is the ugliest man she's ever seen in her life.

Alea quickly averts her gaze.

Alea feels instantly sorry for him, and worries if he can find companionship looking like that.

<Frog`> anything else with that?

Alea ~~ guilt for her earlier thoughts ~~

<Alea> Why, yes...

<Alea> I find I am quite hungry.

<Alea> Can I have the um... house special.

<Frog`> sure sure - would you like me to tell you what is particularly good today?

<Alea> Sure.

<Frog`> the cook here makes muffins that people would kill for [he winks]

<Bcal> Well, are you going to take me home before Nick gets here or do I get to do a little bit of the overlapping with him?

Bcal smiles

<Alea> I... uh, fine. Fine.

<Alea> Turrie?

<Alea> Are you going to eat too?

<Turrie> I'll have just a glass or water thank you

Turrie looks at Alea - 'not just at the moment Alea'

wisesnake knows that Nick is waiting for her in a cafe near the Sime Center, and wouldn't dream of approaching her until B'cal is gone

<wisesnake> I'll take you back now.

wisesnake puts on the sweater Linn made, then gets her cloak

Bcal smiles

<Bcal> I could compare notes, if you'd like? Find out just what the two of them are really doing together.

<Alea> I see.

Alea nods

Alea isn't feeling particularly hungry either

Frog` returns with the tea and water "I'll be back in a second with the muffin"

<Alea> Thank you.

<Turrie> are you feeling unwell Alea?

<Alea> I don't remember him here last time I was here.

<Alea> No, no. I just don't come to this restaurant much.

<Alea> Bad memories.

<Bcal> I could find out if it's professional jealousy, plots of mischief or madness... perhaps a need to knock off one of them so the other won't be around anymore.

<Bcal> You never know about these Donors. They take guarding their channel seriously.

wisesnake looks at B'cal in some surprise

<wisesnake> [white around the edges of her eyes]

<wisesnake> Are you talking about Nick and Rapol?

Bcal shrugs

<Bcal> You were the one who was worried about them.

<Turrie> The only way to stop the effect of bad memories is to develop good memories over them

Frog` brings the muffin over

<Alea> That's easy to say. You didn't watch the man you love almost die right over there.

Alea motions without looking

<Turrie> I'm sorry - he is all right now?

Alea looks surprised.

<Alea> You know, Tarsh, don't you? From the Center?

<Alea> Tarsh Chutmas? Financial officer?

<Turrie> I have briefly met Tarsh yes

<Alea> Well, yes, he survived.

<Alea> Barely.

Bcal grabs her cloak and slips it on.

Bcal turns to Snake.

<Bcal> Let's go.

<Turrie> And you know that the location he was hurt has nothing to do with his injury?

<Turrie> and indeed in some way no longer exists at all?

<Alea> What?

Alea looks at Turrie, confused

Turrie smiles "Alea have you been in here since?"

<Alea> No.

<Alea> However, it was right out there, on that ice, that he almost died.

<Alea> We got him up here and barely saved him...

<Alea> Those memories won't go away.

<Alea> Ever.

<Alea> If you're saying do I understand it wasn't here that it happened, well then, yes. I understand that.

<Alea> But until that ice is gone I'll be waiting for another person to slip through it.

Alea shudders

<Turrie> if you were to bring Tarsh, as a Sime, back here - and ask him if this is where he was injured - he may say yes... but in terms of exact location he would honestly have to say no

Alea shrugs

<Turrie> This was this season? recently?

<Alea> Yes.

Alea sips her tea, picks up the muffin to take a bite and thinks they dumped mud from outside into it....

<Turrie> You should not let a location affect your eating - please - eat the muffin [smiles]

<Alea> "This tates like.."

Alea ~~ nausea ~~

<Alea> Dead leaves....

Alea claps a hand over her mouth and rolls her eyes

<Turrie> I think that is just the morning sickness talking. Perhaps you should get to the rest room.

<Alea> I've had dead leaves in my mouth before... believe me... that's what they taste like

Alea shakes her head

Turrie resists the temptation to carry her there

Alea jerks out her purse and tosses some money on the table

<Turrie> Very well - leave it then

<Turrie> Alea - I offered to buy for you

<Alea> Actually... oh, well... yeah

Turrie hands Alea the money back and walks over to the counter to pay Frog

Alea had forgotten in her haste to get out of the suffocating cafe

Alea gets up and follows

Alea keeps going until she is outside and takes in a breath of fresh air.

Turrie pays Frog and follows Alea out

Alea looks down at the ice, thinking she and Tarsh sat there the other day and watched the skaters... and sighs.

<Alea> The Center?

<Turrie> if you wish

Alea nods

<Turrie> if there was nothing else you wanted to do while we are out here

Turrie sees a cab and calls it over

Turrie helps Alea into the cab and tells the driver their destination

Alea gets into the cab

Alea is glad to get back to the Center

Notes:

1) Due to Veraik's program of deliberate self-neglect, coital deprivation is driving him crazy. [return]

2) Apparently some time passed between these two scenes. [return]

3) "Both sides" = both sides of the border. [return]

4) Turrie's player was misled by erroneous information on a Sime/Gen glossary website and was under the impression that hyperconsciousness was a vulnerable state. Hence, Turrie went hyperconscious to show Snake she meant her no harm. [return]

5) And no wonder! That's about a 2.5 mile walk. [return]

6) This is a joke... in reference to the long walk Turrie just led her on. When Kaymeil ambrov Dar was assigned to Jon Drake, she used to drag the Gen on an exhaustive exercise program each day. [return]

Go on to Episode #154: Strange Assignments

Return to the Index of Episodes