Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #155: Dependent Study (2/9/98)
NickR escorts Callin into the Sime Center.
NickR looks around, hoping vainly that a responsible individual will come by to take care of her.
Alea walks into the lobby and sees Nick
<Alea> Good morning, Nick.
<NickR> Good morning.
Alea looks around for Snake
<Alea> May I help you?
Mostan comes out with the renSime he just served. "See you next month."
NickR indicates Callin with a nod.
<NickR> This kid was wandering around lost in a bad part of town, looking for the Sime Center.
Eliza` is with Mostan - looking tired
<NickR> I thought it best to see that she got here in one piece.
Alea recognizes the child from yesterday.
<Alea> Callin?
<Alea> What on earth were you doing down in that part of town?
NickR also feels that being at the Sime Center when Snake, B'cal and Rapol arrive is the best way to make sure that Snake doesn't have to go without support.
NickR isn't optimistic that Snake actually confessed her memory lapses to B'cal and Rapol, or his proposed solution.
Callin shuffles her feet.
Mostan zlins over at the three Gens.
<Callin> I got lost.
<Callin> Nemip had the map yesterday.
Alea wonders if she is telling the truth or not.
<Alea> I see.
Alea looks up at Nick in question, wondering if he knows if the young girl is telling the truth.
<Alea> Have you been home at all yet, Callin?
<Callin> Umm....
NickR shrugs.
Callin is distinctly grubby, compared with yesterday, and looks hungry as only a growing Gen can be.
Alea walks over and slips an arm around Callin.
<Alea> Thank you, Nick.
<NickR> Any time.
<Alea> Callin, why don't we go upstairs and you can shower, then we'll have some breakfast.
Callin brightens at the thought of food.
<Alea> You'll be around, Nick?
Alea looks at him questioningly
<NickR> Until Snake gets here.
Alea nods
Alea turns and heads upstairs.
<Alea> So, tell me, Callin, just how did you manage to get lost?
Callin follows Alea.
Mostan reaches behind for Eliza's hand and then goes forward towards the group.
Eliza` ~~supports~~ Mostan
<Callin> Nemip had the map.
Alea goes to her room and pulls out fresh towels and takes them to Callin.
<Alea> Do you think your parents will be worried?
Callin shakes her head.
NickR helps himself to the tea set out for donors, and sits on a couch with a view of the street.
<Callin> They're out of town for a few days. Some conference.
Alea digs through her closet for something that Callin can change into.
Callin takes a towel.
<Alea> You can shower right in there and here's some clothes to wear.
<Alea> Uh, just ignore the black on the collar.
Callin takes the clothes with a grin.
<Callin> Thanks.
Callin heads for the shower.
<Mostan> Hello. Nick, Isn't it?
Eliza` stifles a yawn
<NickR> Yes.
NickR tries to remember this channel's name.
Alea sits down and brushes her hair, waiting for Callin, wondering if she should send another message to the parents or not
<Eliza`> you waiting for Snake Nick?
<Mostan> Mostan.
Callin makes a production about trying all the weird soaps, shampoos, and conditioners in Alea's bathroom.
<NickR> Of course, Mostan. Yes, I'm waiting for Snake [to Eliza].
Alea clips her hair back, then goes to the window looking out.
<Mostan> How is Snake doing these days?
<NickR> Well enough.
NickR decides that memory lapses are best not described to the Tecton.
<NickR> It's always a struggle to find enough work, particularly in this weather.
Callin finally decides that she's clean enough, and reluctantly turns off the shower.
Eliza` drops down on the lounge next to Nick
Mostan sits down on the other side of Eliza.
<Mostan> I suppose it is hard to find enough work for a Farris....
Alea hears the shower turn off and goes over to a chair and sits down to wait.
<NickR> Quite.
NickR looks at Mostan's tentacles with professional interest.
<NickR> How have you healed?
Callin towels dry and slips into the borrowed clothes.
wisesnake gives the leafless, winter vine a good tug and decides it's sturdy enough
Eliza` looks up at the boxes where the mail is kept and sees that there is more there already. She wonders if she can ask Mostan to read it to her sometime
Mostan hold up his arm showing the lateral sheath. "Almost entirely healed. Physically, anyway."
wisesnake climbs nimbly up the vine, augmenting when necessary
NickR 's nager is politely neutral, soothing but not tempting, and not interfering with Eliza's efforts in the slightest.
<wisesnake> Huh. I have fallen out of practice at this since changing over. [to self]
Alea crosses her legs and bounces a foot.
Alea watches the half cast swing, back and forth, back and forth...
Mostan looks over at Eliza. "Good Donor support has been a great help, of course."
<NickR> That's good. Have you been able to work?
Callin discovers to her distress that Alea's clothing is slightly too large, and thus doesn't look as sharp as she prefers.
wisesnake reaches the desired windowsill and clings there, pushing the window with one hand until the swelled up wood cooperates and the window slides upward
<wisesnake> Huh. Somebody should have locked that.
Eliza` leans her head on Mostan's shoulder and shuts her eyes glad of the chance to rest - just for a moment
Callin shrugs, deciding that beggars can't be choosers.
<Mostan> Yes. Leaning more towards transfers than donations, but managing both.
Mostan puts an arm around Eliza to support her.
wisesnake gets the window open somewhat and then oozes into the building's warm interior, brushing past the window's curtains
Rapol looks around. "Where the shendoni... she was right here!"
Eliza looks up at Mostan. "While we are here could you please look over my mail and tell me if there is anything that I have to do about any of it?"
Callin hangs the towel to dry, folds her own clothes neatly in a pile, and picks them up.
wisesnake stands up and closes the window, looks around
<Mostan> Sure. wait here, I'll be right back.
NickR nods sympathetically.
Mostan gets up carefully.
JonDrake is out for his morning walk...
<Eliza> ok - thanks Mostan
Rapol looks right and left. Sees nothing.
Alea glances over and starts
<Alea> Snake!
<wisesnake> Hi Alea.
Callin turns back as she feels a draft, and shrieks as she sees Snake.
wisesnake brushes ice crystals off her clothes
Mostan goes over and gets the contents of Eliza's box.
wisesnake jumps at Callin's shriek
wisesnake waves her tentacles
<wisesnake> Calm down. Shen...
Rapol starts at the shriek.
Rapol finally looks up.
Callin jumps at the sight of the waving tentacles.
<Alea> It's okay, Callin, this is, uh, Snake.
wisesnake thinks that's the annoying thing about climbing in people's windows, you have to deal with several minutes of arm waving and acting surprised before they'll get down to business
Callin can see that it's a snake. That's the problem.
wisesnake sees that Callin is scared and sheathes her tentacles, moving closer to Alea
<Alea> This is Snake Farris. She's a channel.
<wisesnake> I didn't realize you'd have... er....
Alea moves to support Snake.
<Alea> Nick brought her here.
<Alea> Remember the changeover from yesterday?
<Callin> Oh.
<Alea> This is his friend.
Callin moves closer to Alea for protection.
Rapol peers upward, trying to make out Snake's form...
<wisesnake> Shen! I almost forgot.
wisesnake goes over to the window and looks down, waves at Rapol
wisesnake makes pointing motions towards the front of the building
<Alea> Feel better now that you've bathed, Callin?
<Rapol> ~~ puzzled ~~
Callin looks at the semaphoring tentacles nervously.
<Callin> Err...
wisesnake shakes her head in disgust and decides this "secret meeting" with Alea is a bust
Callin remembers her manners.
<Callin> Yes, thank you.
<Alea> I'll bet you're hungry.
wisesnake re-opens the window
Alea looks at Snake quizzically
<Alea> Snake?
<wisesnake> Nice to meet you.... see you Alea.
wisesnake climbs back out the window
Alea ~~ confused ~~
NickR looks out the lobby window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Snake and Rapol.
Rapol decides to go inside the Center and up to the window to see what Snake is gesturing about.
Callin looks at Alea.
<Callin> Why didn't she use the door?
wisesnake manages with some effort to get the window re-closed from the outside, then yells through the glass, "You should lock this!"
wisesnake climbs back down the vine
Alea nods
Mostan comes back to the couch.
<Alea> Uh, well....
Alea smiles at Callin
<Mostan> This is your assignment card, but you know what that says already. [smiles]
wisesnake rejoins Rapol on the ground, acting as if nothing unusual occurred
<Alea> She likes to do things differently.
wisesnake probably doesn't actually realize anything unusual occurred
Eliza smiles back
wisesnake looks around
<wisesnake> Where's B'cal, did she go in?
Rapol surrounds Snake with a reproachful nageric bubble.
<Rapol> Think so.
<wisesnake> you THINK so?
wisesnake shakes her head
<wisesnake> Never mind... come on.
<Rapol> Looking for you, not her. One search at a time.
wisesnake heads for the Center's back door
Eliza takes the card and runs her finger under her name and Mostan's name
<Rapol> Certainly.
wisesnake sees the multi-colored Gnome and is shocked
<wisesnake> What did they do to the gnome!!!
<Mostan> A copy of Donor's Monthly...
<Mostan> 'The magazine of the Professional Donor."
<Eliza> I'll get Zethraim to help me read that some other time perhaps
Rapol follows. "She may have come this way...."
wisesnake tears her eyes away from the gnome
Rapol looks around for this Gnome person.
NickR gives the magazine an interested glance, then discovers from the cover that the lead article is on proper management of paperwork, and loses interest.
NickR returns to staring out the window.
<Callin> Do people usually climb in and out the windows here?
<Alea> Uh, well....only about once a week or so.
Alea shrugs.
<Mostan> Your Donor ID card, A one-time offer of something overpriced,....
Callin decides that this side of the border is even stranger than she had originally thought.
<Mostan> Oh. Your paycheck. [holds it out]
Eliza takes her Donor ID card and looks at it with interest
<Eliza> a PAYCHECK?
<Alea> Why don't we go have breakfast?
Eliza looks at it but doesn't take it
Rapol projects a calm relaxed field to cover Snake from this gnome who is hiding somewhere.
Callin is distracted from window climbing etiquette, and nods eagerly.
<Callin> I'd love some breakfast.
<Mostan> Yeah. You're working here, aren't you?
<Alea> Good.
Alea smiles
Eliza takes the check "what do I do with it?"
<Alea> By the way, I noticed you hadn't asked about your friend.
Alea leaves the room and heads for the stairs.
Callin follows Alea.
<Mostan> You can cash it at the Bursar's office.
<Mostan> Or put it in a bank account, if you have one.
Eliza feels faint at the thought of actually having her own money
Callin doesn't know whether to cry or shudder at the thought of Nemip.
<Callin> Did... did he survive?
Eliza puts it in her pocket
<Alea> Yes. He did.
<Alea> He's resting right now. Doing fine.
Alea re-enters the lobby
Eliza looks up and sees Alea "hello Alea"
Callin thinks this must be some definition of "fine" peculiar to Sime Territory.
Gnome` 's eyes follow Snake
<Mostan> Hello Alea.
<Alea> Hello, Eliza, Mostan.
Alea nods to Nick again.
<Alea> This is Callin. We're on our way to breakfast.
wisesnake hunches her back and hurries inside the Sime Center
<Callin> Oh. That's nice.
Eliza wonders if she can get Alea to go shopping with her and buy some clothing that isn't a uniform now she has money
Rapol follows Snake, sans hunch.
Eliza remembers that if she is spending 24 a day with Mostan she won't have time
<Eliza> hello Callin
<Mostan> Hello Callin [drawing back slightly]
Callin nods at Eliza, heartened to see someone about her own age.
Eliza ~~supports~~ Mostan
Eliza gets up and changes sides to put herself between Mostan and the young Gen
NickR lets his nager provide additional blocking, to support Eliza's efforts.
wisesnake climbs the stairs to B'cal's room, checks if she is there
wisesnake signals
Mostan relaxes and smiles at Eliza.
Bcal pulls open the door
<Bcal> Snake!
Rapol stands behind Snake, holding a steady field.
<Bcal> You're early.
<wisesnake> Oh... good. Just wanted to make sure you made it inside okay.
Callin is kind of relieved when the Sime stops looking so nervous. She seems to recall that nervousness is a sign that Simes are... hungry.
Bcal looks over Snake's shoulder and sneers at Rapol.
<Bcal> Of course.
wisesnake looks startled, then laughs
<wisesnake> well uh, technically I suppose so..
<Bcal> You don't expect me to go back out right now do you?
<wisesnake> No!
Rapol lets the sneer flow past him into The Sea.
<wisesnake> B'cal, I just dropped you off 15 minutes ago.
wisesnake pauses, alarmed.
<wisesnake> It IS still morning isn't it??
Bcal looks disgruntled
wisesnake suddenly fears B'cal is not joking
<Bcal> That's true, but you have weird ideas of my shift hours.
<Bcal> Yes, it is.
<Bcal> I was answering mail before I went to bed.
Eliza is frustrated at the number of people suddenly everywhere - Mostan stopped looking at her mail!
Rapol concentrates on Snake, concerned with a time sense disruption.
<wisesnake> Don't do that to me!
wisesnake shakes her head as if trying to clear it
<Bcal> Do what?
<wisesnake> Have a good sleep, then. I'll see you this evening.
Bcal stares at Snake as if she were a bug under a microscope
wisesnake squirms like a bug under a microscope
<Mostan> Oh yeah... [ rustles through mail ]
Bcal reaches out and pulls her into the room and slams the door in Rapol's face
Rapol goes back to relaxed field.
<Alea> Well, are you ready to go eat breakfast?
<Callin> Oh, yes please.
<Rapol> ~~ indignation ~~
Callin hopes there won't be too many Simes in the cafeteria.
<wisesnake> Wha!!
wisesnake gets yanked inside
<Bcal> Are you okay? Is that Donor supporting you right?
<Bcal> You've been acting awfully strange lately...
Rapol forces himself to return to The Sea.
Alea nods to the people in the lobby and turns down the hall to the cafeteria.
<wisesnake> Well I....
<Bcal> Yes?
Callin follows close on Alea's heels.
Bcal watches closely
Alea enters the cafeteria
<Alea> Trays are here [points] just go through the line and get what you want.
Eliza notices Mostan stuck on one piece of mail and nudges him slightly
<wisesnake> As I was telling Nick and Rapol the other day, um, I have been having this problem... it's nothing important really.
Alea gets her tray and begins to collect food.
<Bcal> Nothing important
Bcal snorts
Callin doesn't require a second invitation, and helps herself to a generous breakfast to make up for missing supper the night before.
<Bcal> I know what "nothing important" is to a Farris.
<Bcal> So, spit it out. What is it?
<Mostan> Uh... does anyone out-T know you're here?
<wisesnake> Um, nothing really, just some mmumnle mumble bhmbl memory loss timesense lapse hallucinatory mmble
Alea finishes filling her tray and takes a seat at an empty table, near the windows showing part of the garden.
<Bcal> memory los--TIME LAPSE!
wisesnake's hopes that B'cal will be satisfied with that answer are dashed
<wisesnake> Er... yes
Eliza panics slightly then calms herself. "Not that I know of - I hope not!"
<Bcal> Simes don't have time lapses!
Callin sits across from Alea, and looks out the window.
<wisesnake> Oh. ~~relieved~~ that's good to know. Well, time to leave... [turns toward door]
<Bcal> So why are YOU having them then?
Rapol worries about what Snake was saying. A Sime who didn't know what time it was?
<Bcal> When are you having them?
Bcal ~~ concerned ~~
<Bcal> When you're with Rapol?
<Bcal> Nick?
Callin blinks in astonishment as she sees something peculiar in the garden.
<Bcal> Me?
<wisesnake> Umm... [tries to think]
<Alea> So, tell me, did you make it to school at all....
<wisesnake> Well, two of the times it was with you.
Alea follows Callin's gaze and then looks away.
Mostan holds up a small letter. "Out-T postmark and stamps...."
<Bcal> I see.
<Mostan> Eliza Furdens.
Callin decides that it would be rude to criticize her hostess's culture for having peculiar taste in art.
<Bcal> And the other times?
<wisesnake> But it sort of happens more when I'm without a Donor, or with one Donor thinking about another Donor, or sometimes just when I'm worried about... things
<Eliza> What's it say?
Bcal ~~ worried ~~
<Callin> Err....
<Callin> Interesting decoration in the garden.
<Bcal> Then perhaps, until we figure out what is going on, you shouldn't be without a Donor.
Bcal nods emphatically and reaches for the door and jerks it open
<wisesnake> I keep getting these crazy hallucinations. Like just today I was walking through the garden and the statue of a gnome there looked all multicolored and stripy and....
<wisesnake> what?
<Bcal> Well, what are you doing out there? Get in here and support your Channel.
<Bcal> That Gnome...
wisesnake blinks at B'cal's rude treatment of Rapol
Bcal sneers
<Bcal> Our artist has been at it again, has she?
<wisesnake> Oh, was that real? ~~relieved~~
<Alea> Yes, isn't it?
Alea smiles.
<Alea> It's a stone Deer.
Rapol comes in remaining mostly calm.
<Alea> Rather bland, but we have several of them scattered throughout the garden.
<Rapol> ~~ support ~~
NickR is starting to get worried as Snake fails to reappear.
NickR is worried that Snake is wandering around in the midst of another memory lapse.
wisesnake is relieved as Rapol arrives to divide B'cal's attention more thinly
<Bcal> Don't you leave him until you have support again, understand Snake?
Mostan opens the letter.
Callin wonders why a stone deer would be painted in multicolored stripes, but is too polite to ask.
<wisesnake> I will endeavour to obey that command to the best of my ability. [promises]
Bcal nods
Eliza looks over Mostan's shoulder and wishes she could read - although that writing looks hard to understand anyway
<Bcal> Good. Now are you going to leave so I can sleep, or do you want your Donor so exhausted tonight that I slow you down?
wisesnake suppresses the retort that she's been TRYING to leave all along
wisesnake smiles
Callin decides to skip the delicate subject of art.
<wisesnake> Thank you, B'cal. Get some sleep.
wisesnake leaves the room
<Mostan> "Braker, Sirlan, Hammosh and Kremp, Attorneys"
Bcal goes over to get some sleep.
<Eliza> Attorneys?
<Mostan> yes.
<Eliza> Am I in trouble? [starts to shake]
<Callin> We never did get all the information we needed for our article, yesterday.
Mostan scans it quickly. "No."
<Callin> It doesn't matter for Nemip, but I'm going to have to write the article myself now.
wisesnake and Rapol go down the front stairs
<Alea> Well, I have the perfect person you can interview if you'd like.
<Alea> He sat with Nemip yesterday during his changeover.
NickR glances idly up as he hears footsteps approach.
<Alea> He was there during the original Faith Day....
Callin perks up.
wisesnake and Rapol enter the lobby
<Callin> That would make a wonderful article.
<Alea> Not too many around, I would imagine, who remember that.
<Callin> Contrast the original Faith Day with how it's celebrated now.
<Alea> Yes.
<Mostan> "Dear Miz Furdens. We have been retained by the County Clerk to dispose of your father's estate."
NickR jumps to his feet with relief as he sees Snake and Rapol.
Alea smiles and takes a bite of her cereal
<NickR> There you are!
Rapol watches the Sime and Gen on the couch.
wisesnake is surprised to see Nick there
<wisesnake> Hello.
Callin isn't too preoccupied by art and articles to make rapid inroads on her plate.
Rapol changes to watching Nick for cues to the hand-off.
<NickR> I was expecting you much earlier.
wisesnake looks a bit nervous at that
NickR looks at Rapol, and sees that he looks tired.
<Eliza> what does that mean?
<wisesnake> Oh? I didn't think it was that late.
NickR signals Rapol to hand off.
<Mostan> Uh, it looks like you have inherited a farm.
<Eliza> But I don't want it! I want to stay here!
<Eliza> They can't make me go back can they?
Mostan squints at the fine print "Unless you've turned Sime...."
<Mostan> no, of course not.
Eliza relaxes again
Rapol relinquishes Snake to Nick.
<Eliza> OK - then we can just forget about it?
NickR looks at his pocket watch, then at the clock in the lobby.
NickR smoothly picks up support as Rapol relinquishes.
wisesnake waits thinking it's like watching ships go through the locks.... deadly slow, but necessary for the smooth transaction of business
<NickR> Umm....
<NickR> Well, actually, it looks like my watch is running fast.
Rapol looks at Nick and then at Snake meaningfully at the discussion of time.
<Alea> Are you due in school today, Callin?
NickR is relieved.
Alea begins eating her bowl of fruit.
wisesnake grimaces
<wisesnake> Whatever.
NickR nods to show that he understands the need for a thorough discussion, where there is suitable privacy.
<Mostan> They can't make you go back unless you are guilty of a crime....
<Callin> Well, I can take more time off. My parents will write me a note when they return, since I'm doing it for school work.
Eliza turns pale 1
<Alea> If you think they'll approve.
wisesnake decides this place is getting a bit claustrophobic and leaves the Sime Center for some fresh air
Alea finishes the fruit and sips her drink, studying Callin.
Mostan stops and looks over at Eliza. ' -Liza? What's wrong?'
<Eliza> n-n-nothing
NickR follows at Snake's side.
Mostan zlins carefully but decides not to press.
<Callin> They're pretty cool about that kind of thing.
Alea nods
<Mostan> There's something about stamp tax and probate fees leined against the property.
<Alea> We'll set you up a room here if you like, or we can have someone escort you home later.
<Alea> In the meantime, why don't you tell me what you plan to do after you're out of school?
<Eliza> Mostan - can we send the letter back and tell them that I'm not here?
Rapol follows at a distance, leaving Nick free rein to work.
<Callin> I want to work on a newspaper. I like knowing what's happening as it happens.
<wisesnake> Rapol, I was talking to B'cal and Nick and we all think you should move into the Ferry Building as soon as possible. What do you think of that?
<Mostan> Would have been better if we hadn't opened it then...
Mostan thinks.
<Rapol> ~~ joy ~~ Certainly, if you wish.
<Alea> What a fascinating job.
<wisesnake> Oh... good.
<Alea> The newspaper.
<Callin> That's why my parents let me come here to do this article.
Mostan wonders if he can lean on Tarsh for a bit of that... special work.
<wisesnake> I realize there will be a certain amount of time to get your effects packaged properly and so forth.. but as soon as you can, would be great.
<Eliza> Could we tear it up and say it never got here?
wisesnake digs in her pocket, retrieves a key and hands it to Rapol.
<wisesnake> You may as well have this.
Alea sips her tea.
Eliza hopes no one comes looking for her - she never thought to hide the rifle after all
<Alea> Tell me, Callin, how do your parents feel about the Center here?
<Mostan> Yeah. Or I might be able to get it resealed so they couldn't tell....
<Rapol> Certainly. [takes key carefully]
<Callin> They don't think about it much. It's too far away to do much harm--or good, for that matter.
Alea thinks 'good'.
<Eliza> OK - don't tell anyone about it then - PLEASE!
Mostan debates mentioning that the lawyers are offering to buy the farm from her. At a price that sounds absurdly low....
NickR hopes that Rapol will be willing to put some of his more obnoxious nicknacks in storage.
<Alea> Well, then, I'll drop a note to be delivered to Tamlen, and perhaps, later, you can interview him. Will that be okay?
Mostan tucks the letter away. [voice low] "Whatever you say. It never got here, we never saw it."
<Callin> That'd be great. In the mean time, is there someone who'd be willing to tell me more about how people here celebrate Faith Day?
Eliza droops with relief . "Thanks Mos'"
<Rapol> Shall I go make arrangements now?
<wisesnake> Sure.
Rapol nods to Snake, Nick.
<Alea> I'm sure anyone who works here would be more than glad to answer any questions you have, Callin.
<wisesnake> See you tonight, Rapol....
<Rapol> Certainly.
NickR waves farewell to Rapol.
Frutata walks into the cafeteria and picks up a tray
Rapol yawns and thinks he should get some tea.
Rapol turns off down a side street.
<Mostan> Don't mention it.
Eliza doesn't intend to ever mention it again
<Mostan> And here is a calendar of the classes and seminars this month....
<Mostan> Just what is available, not what you have to go to.
<Eliza> oh good
<Eliza> Can we go through that tonight and see what I can attend? But I don't want to leave you while... maybe I could start after the transfer?
NickR looks at Snake.
<NickR> Did you have any more memory lapses today?
<Mostan> They allow Simes at classes. And you don't have to stay chained to my tentacles every minute, Eliza.
<wisesnake> No.
<wisesnake> Although everybody seems dead set on convincing me I did.
NickR is relieved.
<Callin> Could you introduce me to this... Tamlen, did you say his name was?
<Alea> Yes, when I see him I'd be glad to.
Alea sees Frutata and smiles
Frutata smiles at Alea and walks in her direction with his breakfast
Callin is not eager to go prowling the Sime Center in search of somebody.
<Alea> Frutata, this is Callin. Callin, Frutata is from a far away place. You might find what he says fascinating
<Frutata> Hello, Alea.
Frutata smiles at the other Gen also
<Frutata> Hello.
Frutata is a tall, obviously foreign Gen with a smooth, chocolaty voice
Callin decides that Frutata looks suitably exotic.
<Callin> Do they celebrate Faith Day where you're from, Mr. Frutata?
Frutata sits down with them
Kadi comes wandering into the cafeteria.
<Frutata> No. As a matter of fact, where I'm from, nobody remembers the days when Simes and Gens lived separately... if it ever was.
Callin 's eyes widen.
Kadi prowls around the room, determined to get a lead on the rat she's been smelling every once in a while.
<Callin> Really?
Callin has trouble imagining a place that far away.
Frutata smiles at Callin
<Frutata> Really and truly.
Alea thinks Callin has found the right person to entertain her for awhile.
Kadi sees Alea eating and decides that mooching a snack would be easier than catching one.
Kadi comes up to the table and rubs against Alea.
<Frutata> There is a tale, that we tell, about the man/woman with one tentacled arm and one smooth, who divided into four parts to serve the gods of the four winds.
<Kadi> Mrroww!
<Alea> Hi Kadi
Callin giggles nervously, disturbed by the image.
Alea smiles down at the cat
Kadi jumps up into Alea's lap.
<Kadi> Purrr, purrr.
Alea reaches on her plate and holds out a piece of toast for Kadi.
Kadi sneaks a paw and deftly snags the offering.
Kadi decides that she likes it, and grabs more from the plate.
<Alea> No, no, Kadi
Alea pulls the cat's paw away and gives her the original piece, pushing her plate well out of the way.
Kadi , like most felines, is constitutionally incapable of understanding the word "no".
<Frutata> But that's just a legend. [reassures Callin]
Alea holds Kadi closely so she can't get back onto the table.
Callin relaxes at the reassurance.
Kadi squirms to be let down.
Alea drops Kadi to the floor, with a "Go play," and a smile.
Kadi waits just long enough for Alea's attention to be distracted, then jumps onto the table to get at the plate again.
Frutata finishes his breakfast
<Frutata> Good day.
Frutata stands
Alea grabs Kadi and stands
<Alea> If you'll excuse me...
Frutata leaves the cafeteria to begin his work day
Alea heads out of the cafeteria admonishing the cat
<Callin> Nice meeting you, Mr. Frutata.
Alea goes to the closest office and tosses the cat in, then closes the door.
Callin stands as well.
Alea goes back to Callin
<Alea> Are you ready?
<Alea> Perhaps we can go find some people to interview.
Kadi finds herself in Briel's office, and makes herself at home in the "in" basket.
<Callin> I'd like that very much.
<Alea> Great.
JonDrake enters the center after a longer than average walk.
JonDrake takes off his coat and hangs it up.
Callin follows Alea out of the cafeteria.
JonDrake hangs up his scarf as well.
Briel strolls into the lobby
<Briel> JD
JonDrake turns
<JonDrake> Hi Briel. How are you today?
<Briel> Better now that you're back.
Briel goes over to Jon
<JonDrake> Sorry I took so long. The sun was shining.
<JonDrake> Beautiful clear sky....
<Briel> Really?
Briel looks dully toward the window
JonDrake lets Briel feel his appreciation of the day.
Briel relaxes
<Briel> I was just about to start working in donations.
<JonDrake> Lead the way!
Briel wonders why he is so enthusiastic
Briel heads toward the work area to go through the charts of people waiting
<Briel> So, Jon, we haven't talked much lately.
<Briel> Tell me, how have things been going?
<JonDrake> No, things have been very busy.
<JonDrake> I'm not doing very badly. I'm keeping up on the paperwork and supplemental studies.
<Briel> What type of studies?
Briel ~~ worried ~~
<Briel> Not um....
<JonDrake> Increasing my command of Simelan, Tecton history, general education.
Briel sighs and decides not to ask about the distect babble he had mentioned last time they'd spent time together
<JonDrake> Remember, I've was out of school since I ran away from home.
<JonDrake> I've got a bunch of stuff to catch up on.
<Briel> Of course you do.
Briel is greatly relieved nothing about Sime-Gen transfer was mentioned.
<Briel> And the library here is adequate?
<Briel> If it's not, I'll be glad to make sure what you want is ordered.
<JonDrake> No, Veraik is providing me with an entire course of study. It's taking up a lot of my extra hours.
<Briel> Good. I'm glad to hear you have everything.
<Briel> Veraik is very good at that sort of thing.
<Briel> Have you heard back from Lowren yet?
Briel thumbs through the charts
<Briel> He wasn't here this past month for his donation.
<JonDrake> No, I haven't heard from him. Is he due back already?
<Briel> I would have thought it wouldn't take a month for him to return.
<JonDrake> I'm not sure.
<JonDrake> If the good weather holds, he should make good time.
Briel nods and goes on through the charts
Briel sighs and turns to the lobby looking for the next person
Yilly comes in the front door of the Sime Center looking pale
Yilly is a young girl, perhaps 10 or 11
Briel zlins the young girl and, grabbing at Jon, hurries forward
Yilly looks around, a little wide-eyed, obviously has never been there before
Briel remembers scaring the bejeezus out of the kids yesterday and slows
Yilly looks at Briel, then looks at her arms and starts; stares
<Briel> Hello... dear. May I help you?
Briel slowly squats until she is on eye level with Yilly
<Yilly> I'm going to be a Sime.
Yilly pale, bravely
<Briel> Are you now?
Briel zlins her closely but sees no signs of changeover
<Briel> What makes you say that?
Briel looks back to make sure Jon is still there
<Yilly> I just know.
<Yilly> [seriously... and a 9-11 year old kid can be VERY grave and serious]
<Briel> Is that why you came here?
<Yilly> Yes.
<Yilly> I don't want to turn into a Sime at home.
Briel stands
<Briel> Why don't we go over here and sit down and you can tell me why?
Briel motions to the couch.
JonDrake tries not to smile too much.
Yilly looks around, then goes over to the couch and sits very still on it
<Briel> Jon, would you get some tea with extra milk in it for our guest?
<Briel> Now, dear, why are you worried about turning Sime at home?
Briel wonders why she gets all the kids
<Briel> By the way, my name is Briel
<Yilly> Well, [considers] I don't want to get shot.
<Briel> Ahhh....
Briel sits back on the couch
<Briel> I saw someone shot once....
Briel trails off
Yilly looks up at Briel
Briel looks down at Yilly with very serious eyes.
<Briel> Did you see someone shot, Yilly?
<Yilly> Sometimes it happens....
<Yilly> My three brothers all turned Gen.
JonDrake returns with sweetened tea with milk.
<Briel> We don't let that happen here, though.
Briel is relieved to see Jon.
<Briel> Any sisters, Yilly?
<Yilly> I had one.
Briel looks up at Jon
Yilly does not elaborate
Briel is sick to think of another child being murdered.
Yilly is still looking rather pale and keeps glancing over at the door, and the window, trying not to do it obviously
<Briel> You want to tell me why you're so scared now?
Briel winces at the wording
<Briel> or rather, what has you worried.
<Yilly> It happened last night. I didn't tell my mother I wasn't just leaving for school this morning.
Yilly 's lower lip quivers, though her childish nager is still trying to pretend braveness
JonDrake thinks that this girl's story sounds very familiar.
Yilly is wearing a small backpack with school books in it
<Yilly> The school is right by the train.
Briel slips an arm around Yilly and hugs her a bit closer.
<Briel> So, you came here so when you change over you'd be safe?
<Yilly> I didn't know what else to do. [tiny voice... trying to hide tears against Briel]
Yentol runs up the steps of the center, bursts through the door looking around wildly
<Briel> that's fine..
<Yentol> Yilly! Yilly!
Yilly jumps up suddenly and turns to face her mother, shocked
Yentol sees Yilly and rushes over - hugging the child and covering her with kisses
Yentol is a short plump Gen in clean but poor out-Territory clothing
Briel zlins
Yilly looks terrified, then as she is embraced by her mother, seems only confused
<Yentol> Oh Yilly - why didn't you tell me?
Yilly bursts into tears
Yentol looks up at Briel and cringes slightly. "Is she ok?"
<Yilly> Mama! I don't wanna get shot!
Yentol is crying now too
<Yentol> I don't want you to either, darling.
<Yentol> If you had told me I would have brought you here!
<Yentol> The school phoned me.
<Yentol> I was frantic - I figured you would head here.
Briel reaches for Jon
Briel jerks on Jon, pulling him closer
JonDrake responds.
Yentol looks at Briel and repeats ,"Is she OK?"
<Briel> Physically yes.
<Briel> However, the child is certain she is going to be Sime.
Briel bluntly
Yentol stands up again - keeping her arm around Yilly's shoulder
<Yentol> I know - she told me again and again.
<Yentol> I didn't know she was so serious about it.
<Yentol> Is she going to be Sime?
<Briel> This isn't something I would dismiss lightly.
<Briel> I can't say for certain.
Yentol mentally weighs her purse
Yilly looks up at them with tear-filled eyes
<Yentol> Is there somewhere we can stay close to here until we know? Some where not too expensive?
<Briel> I'd suggest that you make sure she is checked by us weekly.
Yentol blanches
JonDrake makes sure he does his best for Briel.
<Yentol> That long?
<Briel> It could be years, ma'am, before she would change over or Establish.
<Yentol> I see.
<Yentol> Is there anything in particular we should watch for?
<Briel> Of course, as she gets older, there are schools in-Territory you can send her to that can deal with things like this.
<Briel> We have pamphlets, if you like.
<Briel> On what changeover is, what to watch for.
<Briel> And even some of the in-Territory schools and households she can be sent to.
Briel smiles at Yilly.
<Yilly> But what about Yumi? [small voice]
<Yentol> Yilly - will you promise me to stay close and to let me know if you feel you should come in?
<Briel> I think she's going to be fine right now though.
Yentol sobs and clutches at her daughter. "I couldn't bear to lose you too."
Yentol looks up at Briel and Jon. "It's my husband you see - he is very... anti Sime."
Yilly is looking kind of wiped out
JonDrake frowns, thinking about his own parents.
JonDrake thinks about his own sister....
<Yentol> [to Yilly] Will you promise me not to run off without telling me first?
<Yentol> I'll come with you when you have to come, Yilly.
<Yentol> I couldn't bear to lose you.
Yilly looks up at her mother with huge moist eyes.
<Briel> You know, Yilly, that sounds like a good idea.
<Yentol> So it's safe to take her home now? [takes the pamphlets and stuffs them into her ample bag]
JonDrake smiles supportively
<Briel> Yes, it should be fine.
Briel squats down and looks Yilly in the eye
<Yentol> Thank you.
<Briel> You read those pamphlets... and if you ever are worried you might be changing over, you come back immediately.
<Briel> I don't care how many false alarms, you come to me, okay?
Briel smiles
<Yilly> Okay. [meekly]
<Briel> You did the right thing coming here today. However, since your mom is so worried, you might want to tell her next time, okay?
<Yentol> And I'll come with her. It's not safe to travel all that way by yourself!
Briel nods and stands
<Briel> Take care.
<JonDrake> Good day.
<Yentol> I'll look after her - no matter what. Thank you both for your kindness.
Briel nods
<Yentol> [to Yilly] say bye and thank you now Yilly and we will go home
Yilly turns the big eyes on Briel
<Yilly> "bye" [mouths word with no sound]
Briel meets Yilly's stare
Briel "come back" mouths
<Yentol> Thank you again [smiles]
Yentol takes Yilly by the hand and leads her out
Briel smiles at Yentol
Yilly creeps out with her mother
Briel sighs
Briel looks at Jon
<Briel> That kid is certain she's going to die.
Briel shakes her head wearily
<Briel> Come on, let's go start donations.
Goldie mounts the front steps to the Sime Center
<JonDrake> Well, with a little preparation, they can avoid that.
<JonDrake> Ok. Let's go.
<Briel> I hope so
Goldie thrusts herself through the front entryway, bearing a large basket of fruit, flowers and colored wrapping
Goldie poises on the entryway, making sure everybody gets a good look at her lush Gen body and her luxurious mane of golden hair
Clerk sees the basket of fruit enter followed by Goldie
Clerk restrains from whistling but mentally changes his plans for that night
<Clerk> Can I help you there miss?
Goldie satisfied with the effect [everybody in the lobby has turned to look] she steps forward, undulating over to the clerk's desk in a way that leaves some bemused, others gaping
<Goldie> I sure hope so. [throatily]
Clerk sure hopes so too
Goldie runs a finger down clerk's lapel
<Goldie> It seems I have a... delivery.
<Clerk> It seems you do
Clerk resists the temptation to run his finger down her neckline... if it can be called a "neck" line
<Clerk> And who would you like to deliver to?
Goldie turns the basket around so the words on the card can be clearly seen: "We Love you Veraik"
<Goldie> Is he here?
<Clerk> ah I see - what a pity you can't deliver that to him personally [the clerk thinks that Veraik post and Goldie would probably make a good pair]
Goldie pouts magnificently
<Clerk> perhaps you would like to leave it here at the desk and I could make sure that he gets it and come and tell you how much he likes it personally later.
<Goldie> I suppose that will have to do. [petulantly]
Goldie stands up from her position of lying nearly over clerk's desk
<Goldie> Toodleoo....
<Clerk> OK - we will do that then - tell me - what's your address so I can let you know it's been safely delivered?
Goldie leaves Clerk with a lingering wave and an even longer lingering scent of exotic flowers
<Clerk> oh damn
Notes:
1) Eliza murdered her father to protect her cousin in changeover. [return]