Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #157: Catty Rumpus (2/11/98)
Alea hurries down the stairs into the lobby
Alea decides she can't wait another minute to eat and heads toward the cafeteria
Eliza sips her tea and waits for Mostan to turn up
Alea goes into the cafeteria, her stomach demanding food.
Eliza sees Alea and waves to catch her attention [she has learnt not to yell out...]
Alea sees Eliza and waves, then goes over to get a tray and sustenance
Alea inhales the wonderful smell of food and moves over to where Eliza is seated
<Alea> Good morning, Eliza, do you mind if I sit here?
<Eliza> hey Alea - course not!
Eliza pushes out a chair with her foot
Alea drops down in a chair, carefully watching her injured foot
<Eliza> how's the leg?
<Alea> It's still there
Alea looks down at the partial cast.
<Alea> I imagine it'll heal soon.
Alea sighs, reaches for her cup of tea and jerks her hand back
<Alea> Wow!
<Alea> That's hot!
<Eliza> you are certainly getting around better
Alea smiles at Eliza
<Alea> they usually won't give me hot tea.
Eliza giggles
<Eliza> I can't think why
Alea shakes her head
<Alea> Veraik's orders.
<Alea> He's worried.
Alea holds up one hand that has a few scars on it
<Alea> This happened from spilling tea... among other things, so many times.
<Eliza> oh dear
<Alea> So, he insists tepid tea.
<Eliza> Alea - you have to be more careful
<Alea> He has that Second, Jorgre, making sure I don't get hot tea.
Alea shrugs
<Eliza> I can't understand Jorgre
<Eliza> he keeps running away from me like the devil is after him
Mostan` comes into the cafeteria, zlinning around uneasily.
Alea touches her hot cup and jerks back again certain they boiled the cup as well as the water
<Eliza> I don't know what I said to make him so nervous around me
Alea 's eyes widen and she grabs at her cup...
<Alea> Ouch
Alea jerks her hand back
<Alea> Uh, well...
Eliza sees Mostan and jumps up in excitement - knocking the table and spilling the tea all over Alea
<Eliza> Mostan!!!!!
Alea ~~ pain ~~~
Alea sucks in a sharp breath jumping up
<Alea> Oh..my ...
<Eliza> Alea!
<Eliza> I'm sorry!!1
<Eliza> you OK?
Alea jerks at her skirt, slapping at her arms in pain
Eliza attempts to wipe off the hot tea with her skirt
Alea ~~ burning skin ~~
Eliza grabs a glass of water and throws it over Alea's arms
Alea gasps
<Alea> My... legs, stomach... shen!
Alea tears running down her face in pain.
Mostan` jerks at the pain and darts back out the door.
<Eliza> oh dear! Mostan!
Eliza bounces from Alea to the chair - not sure to go after Mostan or not
Alea shaking, tries to peel her skirt away from her stomach
Mostan` stops out in the hall and clutches his arms to his stomach.
Eliza grabs a jug of water and pours it over Alea's tummy
Alea gasps again, from the shock of the water this time.
<Eliza> that will cool it down
Alea looks down at her soaked clothes
<Eliza> you OK Alea?
Alea nods
<Eliza> you sure?
Eliza is itching to run after Mostan
Alea nods again, noting a pool of water is forming around her feet
Alea looks at her half cast thinking someone is going to be angry when they have to put it back on her again
<Alea> I... uh...
Alea looks up at Eliza
Eliza starts to run out after Mostan and slips in the water - hitting her head on the table
Eliza sees stars
Eliza sees tweety birds
Alea jumps at Eliza
Eliza's head is splitting
Alea grabs her and jerks
<Eliza> ~ ouch ~
<Alea> Eliiiiiz....
Alea 's casted foot slips and she goes down with her
<Eliza> oomph
Alea ~~ pain ~~
Mostan feels more pain shock and tries not to think what is happening in there.
Eliza gets the air knocked out of her as Alea lands on top of her
<Alea> shen
Alea rubs her head where she hit Eliza's head
<Eliza> my head hurts....
<Eliza> Alea - get off me!
<Eliza> my back hurts
Alea rolls over, realizing the back of her skirt is soaking up the rest of the water the front didn't
Eliza tries to run her head front and back at the same time
<Alea> Well, my head hurts and my tummy and legs....
<Alea> You dumped the tea in my lap!
Eliza pulls away her hand and looks at it
<Eliza> BLOOD!!!!!
Alea sits up
Alea jumps
<Eliza> I'm BLEEDING!
<Alea> Shen!
<Alea> Don't yell like that!
<Eliza> BLOOD!!!
Alea grabs her heart
<Eliza> but I'm BLEEDING!!!!
<Eliza> look
<Alea> Calm down!
Alea grabs Eliza by the shoulders and shakes her
Eliza holds out her hand which is covered in blood from the cut in the back of her head
Eliza teeth rattle and she bites her tongue
<Eliza> ouch!!!
Mostan` 's head jerks up at Eliza yelling about blood.
<Eliza> stop shaking me!!!
Alea let's go of her and then attempts to stand carefully
Mostan` comes running in under augmentation.
Alea reaches out a hand toward Eliza.
<Alea> Will you just shut up and STAND!
Eliza sees Mos heading towards the water on the floor and starts to cry a warning
Alea ~~ frustration ~~ ~~ Pain ~~~
Alea sees a Sime under augmentation and throws out her arms....
<Eliza> Watch OUT!
Alea realizes it's Mostan and starts to drop her arms
Mostan` recoils at Alea's 'attack' and slips on the water.
Alea throws up her arms over her face to avoid the sliding Sime
Eliza tries to get up out of Mostan's way, slips again ....
Alea curls in on herself, dropping to the floor to protect herself
Mostan` curls up into a ball and lands on his fundament.
Eliza falls on top of Mostan
Alea feels the whoosh of legs that clunk on her and gasps
<Eliza> Mostan! what you come back for - this can't be comfortable for you!!!
Alea grunts
Mostan` snaps out and grabs Eliza.
<Alea> Get... OFF... ME... ELIZA!
Alea shoves at her legs
Eliza drips blood on Mostan
Alea crawls out from under Eliza's legs, ignores the people all standing around
<Alea> You IDIOT GEN!
Alea shaking with residual fear.
<Mostan`> Eliza!
Eliza struggles to get up off Mostan
Mostan` zlins her.
<Alea> [to Eliza]
Eliza looks up at Alea - you OK Alea?
Alea glares at Eliza
<Alea> What the shenned do you think you are doing? Trying to get us killed?
Eliza cringes back
<Eliza> I'm sorry...
Eliza gets to her feet and puts out a hand to Mostan
Alea rubs a hand down her shirt, shaking, checking to see if the blood on her is from her or from Eliza.
Mostan` takes Eliza's hand. "You're hurt!"
<Eliza> yeah - my head is bleeding. Is the baby OK?
Alea looks up still shaken
<Alea> Go get your head taken care of
<Alea> You're probably giving every Sime within the area a headache
<Mostan`> baby?
Mostan` had just read about Eliza in the scandal sheet. But it didn't say she was...
Eliza pokes Mostan [whispers] "can you zlin the baby?"
<Eliza> [points to Alea's burnt belly]
<Mostan`> huh?
<Mostan`> Oh, yeah.
Alea remembers what happened last time he zlinned her
Alea blanches
<Alea> No thank you.
<Mostan`> huh?
Alea turns and starts limping painfully out of the cafeteria
Eliza feels giddy and crashes against Mostan
<Eliza> oh I'm so sorry!!
<Eliza> are you OK? my head hurts....
Alea step ~~ squish ~~
Mostan` catches Eliza.
Alea thinks her cast is full of water... just GREAT
Mostan` picks up Eliza and gets carefully to his feet.
Alea goes out into the hall, muttering furiously, adrenaline making her a bit harsher than normal
Mostan` carefully walks to the door with Eliza in his arms.
Alea clumps down the hall, dripping all the way, slogging along to the swish, slap of her skirt.
Mostan` takes Eliza to a treatment room.
Alea goes to treatment room four and pushes the door open
Alea drops down in the nearest chair and then shudders
Mostan` lays her down and makes lateral contact to zlin.
<Alea> Cafeteria... BREAKFAST isn't even safe.
Alea stands and unzips her skirt to check out her red thigh and abdomen
<Alea> shen
Alea sees pink, but the water stopped any serious damage.
Mostan` gets swabs to clean the scalp wound.
Alea grabs a wrap for her foot, since the cast will have to come off... and heads back out into the lobby and toward the stairs.
Alea clomps painfully up the stairs to change her bloody clothes
Tarsh comes down the hall worried.
Tarsh signals at room four.
Tarsh looks in and sees she isn't there.
Tarsh goes to ask clerk where Alea is...
<Clerk> just went up those stairs
<Clerk> grumbling something fiercely, she was
Clerk shakes his head
<Clerk> from the looks of it she's had another accident
<Clerk> glad I'm not a First and have to work with her
Clerk digs through some more files
Alea strips off her bloody clothes and drops them in a heap in the floor of her room.
Alea changes into another outfit and then drops down on the bed to peel off the cast and replace it with a temporary bandage.
Alea grumbles under her breath
Tarsh comes up the stairs.
Mostan finishes cleaning Eliza's scalp wound and starts projecting a need showfield.
Tarsh signals at Alea's door.
<Alea> Come in.
Alea looks up
Tarsh comes in "Alea. They said you were hurt."
<Alea> Minor burns. And a few bumps. That's all.
Tarsh looks concern. "What happened?"
Alea peels the cast off and tosses it in the trash and then begins drying her leg with a towel
<Alea> Eliza dumped boiling tea in my lap.
Alea grimaces
<Alea> ugh
<Bcal> Will you pay attention when I talk to you!
Bcal stalks over to where Snake is sitting by her papers.
Tarsh winces.
<Alea> If that wasn't bad enough, since I was in pain and burning, she dumped a container of water on me... twice.
Mostan wonders what Alea did to Eliza...
Alea motions toward the soaked clothes in the floor
wisesnake looks up startled
<wisesnake> er... what?
Tarsh zlins the clothes.
Bcal paces across the room and begins pulling off old charts and things on the wall.
<Bcal> I asked you what is going on with the sale of this building?
<Bcal> Have you heard any word yet?
<Alea> That wouldn't have been so bad in itself... until she slipped... and took me down with her!
<wisesnake> Um, well, I am told there are procedures and meetings and so forth they have to do, but that it is highly favorable.
Alea grabs up a wrap and begins to try to wrap her ankle and foot
<Alea> Shenned thing is never going to heal at this rate [mutters]
wisesnake prepares to leap to save the old charts and so forth if B'cal starts to throw them in the fire
Bcal tosses the charts over her shoulder toward the fireplace
Tarsh goes over to take her foot.
wisesnake augments to catch them before they land in the fire
Bcal continues around the room, pulling papers etc., off the walls....
<Bcal> This place is an eyesore.
<wisesnake> Hey, watch out... some of that is historical.
<Bcal> It'll be nice when you get permission to clean it....
<Bcal> Historical?
wisesnake puts the papers on her desk
Bcal looks at a Sime girly calendar and sneers
<wisesnake> What? Linn cleaned up this whole room just last week.
Alea glances up.
<Alea> Thanks.
wisesnake looks at the calendar and is baffled
<Alea> So, we're both covered in blood.
<Alea> I stand up to help Eliza up...
<wisesnake> This place had been abandoned for 30 years... I have no clue how this might have gotten in here.
<Bcal> Same way you got here?
Tarsh gently wraps up the ankle.
Bcal lifts an arrogant eyebrow
Alea adjusts so he can get to the ankle better
wisesnake hurries after B'cal, picking up various pieces of possibly valuable paper as B'cal throws them on the floor
<Alea> And in comes MOSTAN.. under full augmentation... except I didn't KNOW it was him at the time.
Bcal gets to the desk and looks down at all the scattered papers
<Alea> By the time I figured it out, all I had time to do was curl up and duck... before getting mowed down
Bcal smiles, her eyes narrowing.
wisesnake throws herself bodily in front of the desk, protecting its contents
<Tarsh> Did Mostan hurt you?
Bcal pulls back, startled
<wisesnake> Um, B'cal, are you antsy or something? I mean, you can tell me your problems. You don't have to take it out on my stuff.
<Bcal> It's a mess.
<Alea> No.
Alea shakes her head
<Alea> Feet were just flying...
<Alea> I managed to get pretty much out of the way
<wisesnake> I am in the middle of doing work on the desk. Of course it isn't perfectly neat.
Bcal sneers
Bcal paces to the window
<Bcal> I haven't gotten any mail here, have I?
<wisesnake> Here? No, I would have given it to you if there was any.
<wisesnake> ~~concerned ~~
<wisesnake> Are you expecting some?
Bcal shrugs stiffly
<Bcal> No.
<Bcal> I never get mail.
wisesnake zlins B'cal
<Bcal> Not expected anyway
Bcal ~~ worry ~~
<Bcal> Except, well...
<Alea> My dress just soaked up every bit of water in sight.
wisesnake waits patiently
<Alea> Then Eliza suggested Mostan zlin me.
<Tarsh> Alea, can I, uh... [gestures at abdomen]
<Alea> Yes.
Tarsh looks up, suspicious.
Bcal goes across the room to inspect the holes in the wall
<Bcal> Those tacks left this wall a mess
<Bcal> Pamlos hasn't written....
wisesnake stands and walks out of the room
<Bcal> It's been almost two weeks.
Tarsh reaches out for Alea's stomach.
wisesnake goes down the stairs to the first floor
Bcal blinks wondering where Snake went
Bcal scowls
<Alea> Anyway
wisesnake takes a small tour of the ground level, inspecting all three mail slots for any mail
Alea allows Tarsh access
wisesnake climbs back up the stairs again
<Alea> I was so upset disgusted, and well, shaken, that I left.
Tarsh spreads his laterals and zlins carefully.
<Alea> Just walked out and left poor Eliza there with Mostan, bleeding all over the place.
wisesnake re-enters the office and sits in her chair
<wisesnake> You were saying?
Bcal scowls at Snake
<Tarsh> Mostan is a channel, and he's going all goofy on her. He'll take care of her.
<wisesnake> I just checked... there isn't any mail.
<Bcal> He probably just forgot to write.
<Bcal> I didn't think there would be.
Alea nods
<Alea> I wouldn't have guessed.
wisesnake attempts to figure out what she should say or ask.
<Alea> She jumped out of the chair when she saw him... when she started screaming he came augmenting in.
<wisesnake> And this is... some cause for concern?
<Bcal> His last transfer was only a disaster of geological proportions.
<wisesnake> It was?
<Bcal> Since he wasn't with Sectuib.
<Alea> Those two are making me nervous!
Alea watches Tarsh
<Tarsh> The damage is on the surface. I don't zlin any problem with the baby.
Tarsh reluctantly removes his laterals.
<wisesnake> I see.
Alea ~~ vast relief ~~
<Alea> It seems no matter how careful I am, accidents still happen. This one wasn't even my fault.
<Alea> I didn't ask for hot tea, nor did I knock it over.
<Bcal> I have written that Gen two letters and haven't heard back yet.
<Tarsh> Of course not.
Bcal ~~ frustration ~~
<wisesnake> You'll be home in another two weeks.
<Bcal> I will?
<wisesnake> You won't?
Bcal looks at Snake, surprised.
<Bcal> Oh!
<Bcal> Yes.
<Bcal> I suppose I will
Mostan zlins that the scalp wound is closed up.
Bcal ~~ closed nager ~~
wisesnake zlins B'cal
<Alea> Anyway. I'm fine now, except for this stupid ankle
Eliza moans
Eliza eyes snap open and she sits up quickly
<Eliza> ooowww my head
<Eliza> ~~ ouch ~~
Bcal ~~ concern ~~ other undeniable emotions...
Tarsh leans over to kiss Alea's leg just above the wrapping.
wisesnake thinks that is not much to go on
<wisesnake> Last I heard, you were going to go home as soon as I entered my second year. And my 13th transfer is in 10 days.
<Bcal> Yes.
<Bcal> You're right.
<Bcal> So, I suppose then I'll be leaving.
Bcal turns and stares at Snake
wisesnake zlins B'cal again
Bcal ~~ swirling emotions of frustration, anger, relief ~~
wisesnake curious, but thinks the better of saying anything
<wisesnake> Maybe Pamlos didn't write because he would rather talk about it in person.
Alea smiles softly at Tarsh's head.
<Alea> How are your um... need mares?
Bcal ~~ easing of worry ~~
<Bcal> Of course.
Tarsh looks away. "Not too bad yet..."
<Bcal> I imagine since I'm due home soon...
<Bcal> That has to be it.
Eliza puts her hand to her head "ooohhh. I got a headache. Mostan! Alea OK?"
Bcal straightens her jacket and turns again.
<Alea> Perhaps, Tarsh, we should get a Gen to sleep with you...?
<Mostan> I don't know. I was worried about you.
wisesnake offers a tentative smile, which fades as B'cal turns away too soon
<Eliza> oh [blushes] Thank you Mostan. I'll be fine
<Alea> I mean, last month would have easily felled a channel...
<wisesnake> Well, if anything does come I'll be sure to let you know.
<Tarsh> Is that wise? In view of my ... condition.
<Alea> I'm sure Controller would be agreeable to um... finding... someone....
<Alea> Ah, well....
Alea trails off
Bcal sighs
<Tarsh> That might help, yes....
<Alea> except for well....
Eliza swings her legs over the side and goes to stand. "Can we go find Alea and make sure she is OK?"
<Mostan> I treated your head. How does the rest of you feel?
<Bcal> Thank you, Snake
Bcal turns back to her.
<Bcal> You know....
wisesnake is looking at B'cal
Bcal listens to see if she can hear one of the other Donors awake...
Eliza thinks, testing her limbs "Everything seems to be working"
Bcal doesn't hear anything.
<Bcal> I have enjoyed working with you lately.
Bcal says this curtly
<wisesnake> You have?
<Mostan> OK.
Mostan helps Eliza to her feet.
<Eliza> Is Alea up in her room do you think?
<Alea> Do you think, if a Gen... well, would it aggravate your condition?
<Eliza> how long has it been? Is she mad at me?
wisesnake realizes that didn't sound so good
<wisesnake> I mean... I've enjoyed working with you too, B'cal.
Bcal scowls
<Bcal> Well let's just get maudlin.
<Bcal> Come on, don't you have work to do?
<Bcal> or even dropping me off at the Center?
Bcal ~~ embarrassed ~~
<Mostan> two hours.
<Alea> I mean... the dreams are awful, enough to... it's just awful.
<Alea> Which would be worse?
<Eliza> two hours! oh dear
<Eliza> lets go up to her room to see if she is there
<Tarsh> Getting enough sleep would be wonderful.
<Mostan> All right.
Eliza takes a cautious step to see if her head will go with her - it does - so she continues
<wisesnake> Why are you embarrassed by people saying they enjoy working with each other?
<Alea> It might actually help you. If you got enough sleep, maybe you wouldn't be so stressed during the transfer.
<wisesnake> Do you think there's something wrong with it? Something shameful or childish?
<Bcal> I have no desire to listen to those in the other room to know it.
Mostan keeps an arm around Eliza.
<Bcal> Less friends, less worry.
Bcal shrugs
Eliza and Mostan head up the stairs to Alea's room
<Bcal> You were the reason I came here. I have no time for them, or anyone else.
<Alea> Of course, being around a very strong field Gen might also cause you problems DURING the transfer no matter how much sleep you got.
Mostan signals at the door.
Alea sighs
Alea hears the signal and glances over at the door
<Alea> Come in?
Mostan opens the door.
Alea pushes up to a sitting position and retrieves her foot from Tarsh
wisesnake ponders that
<Alea> Mostan.
Tarsh tenses a bit at zlinning Mostan, but relaxes because Eliza is with him.
Alea nods
<Alea> Eliza. Are you okay?
<Mostan> Alea. Eliza was worried....
<Eliza> I'm fine - how are you Alea?
<Alea> I still have skin left, if that's what you want to know.
<Eliza> ~~worry~~
<Eliza> ~~guilt~~
<Eliza> is the baby ...
Alea realizes how waspish that sounds and sighs again.
<Alea> The baby is fine.
<Alea> Thank you for your concern.
<Eliza> ~~relief~~
<Eliza> I'm so sorry Alea - I was so clumsy
<Alea> Remember, your field affects everyone around you.
<Alea> When you're outside your office, you must always be on guard.
<Eliza> ~~guilt~~ it does?
<Alea> Yes. Any Sime in the area is going to probably have to have therapy after the pain you and I caused each other in that cafeteria this morning.
Eliza blushes ~~embarrassed~~
<Eliza> oh no!
Alea shakes her head
<Alea> That was an exaggeration
Eliza looks at Mostan helplessly
Eliza feels like crying
<Bcal> Well then...
Mostan tightens his arm around Eliza.
Alea rolls her eyes at Mostan
Alea hopes she and Tarsh aren't that bad.
<Bcal> Shall we go?
Tarsh is glad Mostan has found someone he cares for as much as Tarsh does for Alea.
wisesnake gives up any hope of getting any paperwork done that day
Tarsh hopes that stuff in the scandal sheet isn't true...
<Alea> You know, Tarsh...
<wisesnake> Sure..
<Tarsh> Yes, Alea?
<Alea> perhaps Eliza could sleep with you.
Bcal is relieved that the conversation is over.
<Bcal> Good.
Bcal goes for her cloak
Eliza blinks at Alea "what"
Bcal slips on her cloak
<Bcal> It'll be thawing soon.
Alea looks at Tarsh expectantly.
<Mostan> [ tightly] "what?"
Eliza looks at Tarsh in panic
<Eliza> what?
<Tarsh> No, I don't think that would be....
Alea looks at Tarsh wondering if she should mention needmares in front of these two....
Tarsh gropes for the right word.
Eliza looks at Mostan "what does she mean?"
<Tarsh> Appropriate.
<Alea> But it might help you.
Alea tries to say it without saying it.
Eliza agrees with Tarsh - definitely not appropriate
<Alea> Relief.
<Alea> You know...
Alea thinks 'needmares'
Eliza opens her eyes wide
<Mostan> I don't know...
Bcal slips her cloak on and ties the scarf around her head
<Eliza> Alea - what on earth are you talking about?
<Bcal> Are you done with all of that paperwork yet?
wisesnake thinks that bit about thawing was rather overly optimistic
wisesnake stands and puts on her cloak
<Alea> It doesn't concur you, Eliza.
Alea looks back at Tarsh, ignoring Mostan.
<Eliza> It doesn't?
Eliza looks at Mostan ~~confused~~
<Eliza> ~~very~~
<Alea> No. You're just the Gen.
<Alea> Should I talk to the Controller about it?
Eliza is very pale and needs to sit down...
<Mostan> I think we should go, Eliza.
Eliza thinks so too
<Alea> Eliza, stay.
wisesnake and B'cal leave the Ferry Building and go to the Sime Center
Eliza hesitates
Alea looks over at Eliza
<Alea> just for a moment
Alea looks back at Tarsh
<Eliza> err Mos, I'd like to stay and find out what Alea is talking about
<Alea> Yes or no?
<Tarsh> No.
Bcal goes with Snake.
<Alea> You can leave Eliza.
<Eliza> no
<Eliza> I'd like to know where you get the right to decide with whom I sleep
<Alea> Excuse me?
Alea looks down her nose at Eliza
Tarsh doesn't want to alleviate needmares only to lie awake worrying about Mostan....
<Eliza> Don't look down your nose at me Alea
Bcal thinks it's still cold enough to freeze the tentacles off a Sime.. and is glad she doesn't have any.
<Eliza> ~ headache with a vengeance ~
Alea gives her a freezing look
wisesnake keeps her arms in her cloak
<Eliza> so?
<Alea> It is part of the job of a Donor to take care of the Simes.
<Eliza> where do you get the right to decide with whom I sleep?
<Alea> If you had listened to the tapes I told you to, you would have heard that already.
<Eliza> I'm taking care of Mostan
Tarsh really wishes he could slip down between the floorboards right now.
<Eliza> I listened to the shenned tapes
<Eliza> didn't hear the bit where it said that Alea could say who I slept with!
<Alea> Since I am training you I can assign you wherever I want
Mostan is reminded that he hates the Tecton.
<Alea> whether it's for transfer, working, or sleeping... or even eating.
<Eliza> I've been assigned - to Mostan
<Alea> Any questions?
Eliza looks at Mostan "Is that right?"
<Alea> Besides, you wouldn't be having sex... like you'd be worried about that [mutters]... it'd only be for the reasons of keeping needmares away
<Eliza> WHAT
Mostan is uncertain.
Alea ~~angry~~
<Mostan> No. She can't.
<Eliza> what the HELL are you talking about now
<Alea> Yes, I can
<Eliza> see - you can't
Alea glares at Mostan
<Alea> Try me.
Eliza is shaking with indignation
Bcal tromps along with Snake, wondering why she is so quiet today
Bcal figures it must be because she's not prodding her.
Eliza realizes that she is affecting Tarsh and Mostan and tries to calm down - at least externally
<Bcal> So, how are Rapol and Nick working out?
<Bcal> Anymore overlapping? Plotting?
<Eliza> Alea - I don't care what you say - I don't belong to you - or the Tecton - or anyone else
<Eliza> you damn Farrises seem to think you own us all
<Eliza> Snake was the same way!
<wisesnake> Well of course they've been overlapping to some extent, since we started the plan of having one with me at all times.
<Alea> You are training to be a Donor. Please go back and review the tapes....
<Alea> Then ask me again why you have to share a room with a Sime when they are post turnover
<wisesnake> As far as plotting... honestly I am not sure they were ever doing that.
<Eliza> And I'll work at whatever you set me - with whom ever you ask me to....
<Bcal> Any more lapses of times...?
<wisesnake> I mean, yes, there is a certain amount of healthy competition, but...
<wisesnake> What? ~~nervously~~ No!
<Eliza> But you can ASK not order - OK???
Alea looks coolly at Eliza
<Alea> I'll do whatever is necessary
<Mostan> Come on Eliza.
<Alea> Please, listen to the tapes, Eliza.
<Eliza> NO
<Alea> Then we'll talk again.
<Eliza> I'm not going anywhere until she says sorry
Alea looks indignant
Eliza doesn't quite stamp her foot
<Bcal> No?
<Bcal> as in NO you don't want to tell me..
<Bcal> or no as in NO you are refusing to tell me?
Alea strokes the black at her collar
Alea smiles an awful smile
<Eliza> well?
<wisesnake> No as in it hasn't happened in the last few days.
<wisesnake> That I know of.
Alea swings her feet off the bed and slowly rises
<Bcal> Someone has been with you constantly?
Eliza looks up and refuses to be intimidated
<Tarsh> [whispers] "Alea, ... don't ... "
<Eliza> you DON'T scare me Alea Farris
<Eliza> ~~scared~~
Alea goes over to the vanity and sits down and begins to brush her hair.
Eliza looks at Tarsh and then at Mostan and runs out of the room crying
Mostan glares at Alea and then runs after her.
Alea waits until they're gone and tosses the brush at the mirror
<Alea> shen
Tarsh gets up and goes to close the door.
<Mostan> Eliza!
Bcal studies her
<Bcal> Would you like to stop for tea first?
Eliza takes the stairs three at a time
Eliza skids around the corner and heads for her room
<wisesnake> If you'd like.
wisesnake is rather surprised that B'cal would initiate such a thing
Mostan paces Eliza praying she doesn't hurt herself.
Bcal goes toward the cafe on the hill
Tarsh goes over to hug Alea.
<Alea> Shen, Tarsh... this shendi Farris pride.
Eliza runs into her room and slams, but doesn't lock it
<Alea> Why does it rear its ugly head at the worst times.
Mostan stops outside the door.
Eliza throws herself on the bed sobbing
Tarsh doesn't say anything, just cuddles Alea.
Bcal waits for Snake to open the door.
Mostan wonders if Eliza is so upset because she is insecure about her relationship with Jon Drake...
Mostan taps on the door. "Eliza?"
<Eliza> what
<Eliza> *sobs*
<Mostan> I'm sorry, I don't know why she was saying all those terrible things....
<Eliza> cause she HATES me
<Eliza> [mumble mumble]
wisesnake hastens to open the door
<Mostan> No, she doesn't she's just... Tecton.
<Eliza> go way
<Eliza> [mumble mumble]
Bcal goes into the cafe
Frog is wiping down the tables till they gleam
Mostan pushes the door open and goes in. "No. I'm not leaving you alone like this."
Eliza punches her pillow
<Eliza> They all think they own me
Frog smiles at Bcal "hello there - here have a seat - can I get you something?"
Mostan sits down in a chair, leaning over with his elbows on his knees.
Bcal looks at Frog and gapes, thinking he is one of the ugliest son of a guns she's ever seen.
<Mostan> I know.
Bcal looks at Snake
<Eliza> They don't own me.
<Alea> I suppose I should go apologize to her.
wisesnake gives Frog a nod, wonders at the strange effect in B'cal's nager
Alea grumbles
<Frog> hey there Miz Snake
<Frog> what can I get for you and your friend today?
<Tarsh> That would be the... compassionate thing to do.
Bcal looks arrogantly at Frog. Friend is far lower than a Donor in her opinion.
<Alea> You're too diplomatic, Tarsh.
<Alea> It would be the right thing to do.
<Frog> Lets see - we have some carrot cake that's very nice
<Alea> I just hate it when my pride gets the better of me.
<Tarsh> Have to be, in a bureaucracy.
<Frog> and some tea perhaps?
<Alea> I'm sorry I embarrassed you.
Bcal looks at Snake
<Bcal> Is that okay with you?
Bcal projects her hunger
Mostan reaches out to touch Eliza's hand.
<wisesnake> It is now. [dryly]
<Frog> perhaps you would like something more filling?
Bcal has to wonder just how much weight Snake has put on since she's been with her.
Eliza pulls her hand away
<Mostan> No, they don't. We have to remember that. But they think they do.
<Eliza> Do you think they can order me to sleep with whoever they want?
<Eliza> is that what you do too?
<Alea> I guess I should have thought, and discussed it with you before mentioning Eliza as a possible Gen to help you.
<Alea> Which means, I owe you an apology.
<Alea> I realized immediately that I couldn't explain to Eliza and Mostan without revealing confidential things...
<Mostan> No.
<Alea> I am sorry.
Bcal goes over to a table, making sure the one she sits at is far enough away that Snake won't be bothered by anyone
Bcal takes a seat, keeping her nager focused on Snake.
Frog follows them and looks at Snake - "something more solid maybe?"
<Mostan> One possible confusion, though. When Alea said sleep, she meant only sleep in the same room. Not anything else.
<Eliza> I realized that after a while - but it's not the point
wisesnake sits by B'cal
<Mostan> I know.
<wisesnake> I'm fine, thank you.
<Eliza> And what did she mean when she said.... [hesitates and blushes]
<Bcal> Perhaps some stew...?
<Bcal> I know it's morning... but do you have any leftover from last night?
<Tarsh> I was a bit surprised, but I'm all right.
<Frog> we have hash and we have hot pot we have pie...
Bcal thinks Snake should eat more since she can't be sure those other Donors will take proper care of her.
<Bcal> hot pot.
<Mostan> said what?
Bcal thinks whatever it is will be fine.
<Eliza> well - when she said about it not being sex - then she said something like "as if you'd care"
<Frog> OK 2 hotpots and 2 teas it is then
Frog scrambles away quickly to get it for them
<Bcal> and two carrot cakes...
Mostan is uncomfortable.
Bcal looks at Snake and smiles blandly
<Frog> and 2 carrot cakes - OK!
<Alea> Shen.
<Mostan> Uh, haven't you read... no, of course you haven't
wisesnake looks sickly
<Eliza> what?
<Alea> Remind me next time that I look absolutely awful with my foot in my mouth before I can stick it there.
<Mostan> There was a... gossip sheet circulating.
Frog returns with the teas "food will be here directly" [smiles showing clean teeth that don't line up]
<Bcal> I am famished...
<Eliza> about me?
<Tarsh> I'll send myself a memo on that... [ grins ]
<Mostan> Yes. And Jon.
<Alea> I suppose I'd better go apologize, then get a cast put back on this foot.
<Eliza> Jon who?
<Eliza> John my cousin????
<Eliza> what!
<Eliza> that's no one's business!!!
<Mostan> [ hastily ] "No, No! Jon *Drake*.
<Bcal> So, Snake, why don't you tell me what's bothering you?
<Eliza> Jon Drake? What about Jon Drake?
wisesnake darts a glance at B'cal
Frog returns with two plates of steaming hot food and puts them in front of the two
<wisesnake> What makes you think something's bothering me?
<Mostan> Something about you two getting [looks away] caught.
Frog places forks beside the plates
<Frog> don't burn yourself now will you
wisesnake studies the food, then tries to change the subject
<Eliza> caught at what? ~ confused ~
<wisesnake> Congratulations on landing a job, Frog.
<Bcal> You're as jumpy as a frog trying to make it back to water in the middle of a hot day.
Bcal nods
wisesnake flinches at the choice of words
<Tarsh> Maybe wait a bit on the apology. She won't listen to anything you say right now....
<Frog> oh it's all your doing Miz Snake
<Frog> I owe you everything
Bcal looks Frog up and down and thinks, 'it figures'.
Mostan coughs "Caught, uh, doing... stuff"
<Eliza> Most - what stuff
<Alea> I can't believe how easily I reverted back to... before. The things I said to her... designed to hurt.
Alea sighs and hugs Tarsh, not wanting to think about some of the things she said to Eliza.
Frog hops back to the kitchen
<Mostan> It wasn't specific, but it implied that you were involved with him also.
Bcal watches the frog...er Frog hop back to the kitchen
<Eliza> I'm not involved with Jon Drake in anyway
<Eliza> I mean I've spoken to him
Mostan brightens. "You're not?"
<Eliza> and he helped me with your... err - when you did that donation with that horrid old lady
<Eliza> no - of course not
Mostan winces at that memory.
wisesnake pushes various things she's allergic to, like tomatoes, over toward the edge of the plate, hoping by the process of elimination to find out what she's going to be eating
<Eliza> what do you mean Also????
Eliza sits up quickly
Eliza pulls her skirt down over her knees
<Mostan> The sheet talked about someone else, too. 1
<Eliza> WHAT?
Bcal waits to eat, allowing her hunger to consume her
Eliza wonders if everyone has gone mad
<Eliza> Mos - who else?
Eliza wonders if people think that her and Mostan...
<Mostan> I'm sorry. I didn't write it.
wisesnake struggles valiantly to avoid digging in until she has eliminated those items that would poison her
<Mostan> uh, [ looks away ] Jorgre, I think...
Eliza feels contrite for yelling at Mostan
Bcal closes her eyes and pictures a huge strawberry cake with lots of strawberries and cream on it and feels her mouth water.
<Eliza> Jorgre?
wisesnake starts jamming food in her mouth regardless of what it is
<Eliza> he runs away every time I say.... OH NO
<Eliza> is that why he runs away do you think?
Bcal opens her eyes
<Bcal> Watch what you eat!
<Mostan> Possibly.
Eliza starts giggling
<Bcal> What are you trying to do... poison yourself?!
<Eliza> Mostan! don't tell me that you believe it too?
Bcal grabs at a cucumber Snake has on her fork
wisesnake pauses in confusion as B'cal's hungry projection becomes less insistent
wisesnake thinks B'cal must be awfully hungry if she's grabbing food right off of Snake's fork
Bcal picks out the poisonous stuff, then nods
<Bcal> There you go.
<Mostan> I... I didn't know what to think... I didn't want to believe it...
Bcal pops the cucumber in her mouth
Eliza looks at Mostan all wide eyed "you believed it? how could you believe that?"
Alea moves over to sit down.
Alea suddenly tired, slumps down on the bed.
<Alea> You know, Tarsh. I'm worried about her. I don't know what to do.
wisesnake resumes eating in a much more subdued manner
<Mostan> I just didn't know, and thought that I had no right to stick my tentacles in your... business.
<Alea> Rumors are going around Eliza is wild, running here and there, saying all kinds of wild things... I'm worried....
Bcal finishes the rest of the poisonous foods off Snake's plate, slowly, then begins on her own salad before starting on her stew.
<Eliza> Mostan - it's not true!!!!
<Eliza> I hardly even know anyone here that well
<Bcal> So, you were going to tell me what was bothering you.
Mostan smiles. "Best news I heard in a week."
Bcal says this matter of factly, in between a potato and a carrot.
<Alea> I'm not sure what to do.
<Tarsh> Rumors yes, but do they have any basis in fact?
<Alea> Veraik assigned me to work with her.
Eliza smiles at Mostan - her face is bruised from contact with Alea's head - still has streaks of blood on it and now has tear tracks on it too
Alea looks at Tarsh.
<Alea> I have heard some of the things she's said.
Alea shudders
<wisesnake> Oh...
<Alea> And I only wish I knew if the rest was true.
<Tarsh> What has she said?
Frog heads back to the table with the carrot cake
<Frog> here you go ladies
wisesnake is torn between the two evils of a force feeding and prying for unpleasant information
<Alea> Oh, no... I'm not repeating them.
<Alea> They were simply accidents of learning a new language.
Frog puts the plates down and heads back to the kitchen
wisesnake thinks it's nice that B'cal cares about her
<Alea> But they could be taken wrong and others might take that as an invitation....
<Bcal> Thank you....
<Bcal> That waiter sure is abrupt
<Tarsh> Judging by the fire in her just now, anyone who took them wrong would get disabused of the notion promptly.
Bcal looks back at Snake.
Mostan smiles back at Eliza.
Alea thinks maybe it IS good that he turned Eliza's assistance down.
<Eliza> I should probably get cleaned up hey. We going to work today?
<Tarsh> Remember that she just came from out-T. They are different over there.
<Alea> Yes. I've been studying their ways in depth.
<Mostan> If you're up to it. Or I can get us off it.
<Bcal> So... you were saying you were bothered because....?
wisesnake avoids the question by concentrating on scraping all the frosting off the carrot cake
<Eliza> oh I'm fine now. Just a little worried about what people are thinking of me!
<Eliza> Give me 10 minutes to get cleaned up hey?
<Mostan> Want me to spread some counter rumors?
<Mostan> OK.
<Eliza> Counter rumor?
<Alea> I don't want to fail with Eliza. She has such potential.
Mostan reaches over to touch Eliza's face, but stops short.
<Alea> She's a good girl, really wanting to learn... just soooo impatient.
Bcal gets impatient and allows Snake to feel how overly full she is.
<Mostan> About how you haven't been... involved with anyone here.
<Eliza> Mostan - I don't care what they think - as long as you know the truth
Frog returns with the bill and hands it to Bcal "no charge for you Miz Snake" [smiles at her]
<Mostan> I do. Thank you.
Bcal glares at the little slimy creature and jerks the bill from him.
wisesnake glances up sharply at B'cal
<wisesnake> Hey. Take it easy on my customers.
<Tarsh> You won't. Just be a little more... diplomatic.
Frog smiles at Bcal "I owe Snake my life you see"
Bcal looks quizzically then scowls
<Eliza> I'll get cleaned up then. ummm you going to wait here?
wisesnake pushes her plate away in disgust at B'cal's nager
<Frog> It's OK - it's OK - sorry if I offended anyone!
<Mostan> I can go outside if you'd rather...
Alea sighs, unsure and worried
<Alea> Of course.
<wisesnake> [to Frog] Please ignore her. She doesn't mean it.
<Eliza> OK - why don't you go get the room ready and I'll meet you there?
<Mostan> All right. See you later.
<Bcal> No, I don't mean it
<Frog> it's no problem at all. no problem
Bcal ~~ LIE ~~
Bcal smiles sweetly
<Frog> I'll just go back to the kitchen and maybe get you more tea?
wisesnake 's tentacles crawl up in their sheathes
<wisesnake> Sure.
Mostan stands halfway up and pauses like he is going do... something, but then he goes to the door.
<Bcal> That would be lovely....
<Eliza> Mostan
wisesnake is on edge
<Eliza> Thank you for believing in me [smile angelically]
Alea gets up off the bed and goes to the door.
Mostan stops. "Yes, Eliza?"
<Alea> I think I should go ahead and talk to her now.
<wisesnake> B'cal [low voice] I have enough problems without you abusing me with your nager as well. Could you cool it?
Alea ~~ depressed ~~
Bcal gives Snake a who-me look, then subsides.
<Mostan> You're welcome.
<Bcal> What are you on edge about?
Eliza gets out a clean uniform and wished she had something prettier to wear for Mostan
Mostan seems to be about to say something, but then he goes out.
<Tarsh> Did you want me to come with you?
<Alea> um, no.
<Alea> I mean, we really aren't actually suppose to be around each other, you know... I mean....
<wisesnake> What am I not on edge about? You're leaving, I'm due in 10 days for transfer which is either going to be Nick's first time or maybe a channel's transfer off Tramila, with no alternatives in sight, I'm having memory and time sense lapses, I'm living in an abandoned building with no heat or water, and on top of it all, something I just ate is giving me a rash.
Alea sighs
Eliza runs the shower and slips under it
Alea looks up at Tarsh
Eliza wonders if she can wash the blood out of her hair and decides if she is going to be working with Mostan she had better - don't want donors seeing a Gen covered with blood...
<Alea> I guess I'll see you in a few days then?
<Bcal> Is that all?
Bcal takes a sip of her tea.
<Tarsh> Yeah. about 8.
Tarsh hug Alea tightly.
Alea nods and pulls open the door.
<wisesnake> No... also I am being plagued by this fiend of a woman who claims I am both utterly unknowlegdable about historical architecture AND sole controller of all the knowledge resources on the subject.
<Alea> Take care. And send word if your needmares get too bad.
Alea slips out the door and heads carefully toward the stairs to go talk to Eliza
<wisesnake> I can't even step foot in a government building without she comes down on me like a swarm of gnats.
<wisesnake> Or horseflies.
Eliza dries her hair as best she can - being careful around the sore spot
<wisesnake> Gargoyles?
<Bcal> sounds like a nice person
Tarsh locks Alea's room behind him and heads back to his office....
Eliza puts on the clean clothing and walks out of the bathroom - still rubbing her hair
<Bcal> Did the letter from my Sectuib help at all?
Bcal sets her tea down.
Frog returns with more tea and fills up their mugs
<wisesnake> Oh, yes. The City seems perfectly cooperative now.
<Bcal> It's just the others.
Bcal nods
<wisesnake> I think it's just a matter of time... evidently there is a certain amount of bureaucracy involved.
Bcal rubs her lower lip
<wisesnake> Tormer also has been very helpful
Bcal scowls
Alea signals at Eliza's door
Eliza thinks Mostan has come back and runs over to open the door
<Eliza> oh Alea
<Eliza> come in
<Bcal> Well then, I suppose it is only a matter of time as you say.
<Bcal> As for your transfer....
Eliza walks over the table and picks up a comb and tries to pull it through her wet tangled hair
Alea walks slowly in, careful of her foot, and stiff with Farris pride.
wisesnake listens to B'cal while digging through the medical satchel for something to put on the bright red spots appearing on her wrists
Bcal looks at the spots and pauses
<Eliza> have a seat
<Bcal> You want some help with that?
Bcal ~~need to give~~
Eliza indicated the mussed up bed
Alea looks at the bed, and her gaze snaps away
<Alea> Eliza....
<Alea> First I should apologize for being so tough on you.
<Eliza> yes Alea? [keeps tugging the comb]
<Alea> You are not a normal Donor and don't understand everything yet.
Eliza turns in surprise
<Alea> Secondly... oh shen....
<Eliza> oh - well thank you Alea
<Eliza> yes?
wisesnake finds some suitable ointment and rubs it on
<Alea> Mostan is a friend of Tarsh's... and I am worried... about him... and you... and... shen this is as weird as that transfer ring....
Alea rubs at her forehead.
<Eliza> what transfer ring - what's a transfer ring?
<Alea> Are you sleeping with Jon Drake and Jorgre and ....
<Eliza> no
<Eliza> I'm not
<Alea> Oh, it's uh... just a....
<Alea> You're not?
<Eliza> Mostan told me what was on that horrid sheet
Alea ~~ relief ~~
<Eliza> of course not
<Eliza> when would I have the time for goodness sake
<Alea> I have been so worried.
<Alea> Tarsh was right...
Alea ~~ worry suddenly ~~
<Bcal> Well?
<Bcal> Do you require my help on that?
Bcal impatient
<wisesnake> N-no.. I'm fine.
<wisesnake> Go on.
<Bcal> Go? Go where?
Bcal incredulous?
<Alea> I was just worried.
wisesnake rolls her eyes mentally
<Eliza> I can't believe people would believe that
<wisesnake> You were saying?
<Alea> Listen, get set two of the tapes and they'll help you.
<Bcal> Oh.
<Bcal> I'm not sure where we'll find a Donor for you.
<Bcal> However, I can get my Sectuib to look into it....
<Bcal> Find one up to speed for you as back-up during your transfer with Nick.
Bcal thinks just in case.
<Eliza> Alea - I understand about needmares and all that
Alea clasps her hands
<Eliza> Mostan told me about them
<Alea> Well, good. I'm glad.
<Eliza> but I thought I was assigned to Mostan
<Eliza> and you didn't ask me - or Tarsh
<Eliza> you just brought it out of no where!
<Alea> Asking has nothing to do with it.
<Alea> And I did ask Tarsh.
<Eliza> took me by surprise - and you upset Mostan too
<Alea> He shouldn't be upset.
<Alea> That is simply a part of the job.
<Eliza> look - you know Mostan has been... unwell
<Alea> If a Sime is having need mares, you sleep in their room.
<Alea> Yes.
<Eliza> and he is very very nervous about his next transfer
<Alea> and nothing would have been done until I discussed it with Veraik.
<Eliza> if anyone need me more it would be Mostan
<Alea> Yes, but he is after Tarsh.
Eliza doesn't really care about that
<Alea> And sometimes we have to double up on duties, and put our personal feelings aside.
<Eliza> well why don't you stay with Tarsh?
<Alea> If you're getting that involved, Eliza, you'll be taken off of duty with Mostan, you know that, don't you.
<Alea> I am not assigned to him and it wouldn't be appropriate.
Eliza goes pale
<wisesnake> I'm not so sure Nick is ready this time.
<Eliza> what do you mean taken off duty with Mostan
<Eliza> he needs me!
wisesnake imagines Nick being badly injured and pales
<Bcal> you sure
<Alea> No
<Alea> he doesn't need YOU
<Alea> He needs a capable Donor who won't freak out if something goes wrong.
wisesnake imagines Nick being worse than badly injured and turns green
<Alea> If you get too involved it could be disastrous.
<Alea> That's the way the Tecton looks at it.
<Eliza> oh no
<Bcal> I think he'll be fine.
<Alea> You have to think like a Donor when you are with him.
<Alea> That means putting your personal feelings aside.
<Alea> Believe me, I have to do it with Tarsh, no matter how I feel.
Eliza scraps the idea of asking Alea to take her shopping to buy prettier clothing
<Alea> When he and my Channel are in the same room, my channel must come first.
<Eliza> oh no
<Alea> Yes.
<Eliza> I don't want anything to hurt him
<Alea> And next month, when you are assigned to someone else, you'll have to do that.
<Alea> You can hurt him, Eliza.
<Alea> I've seen how he looks at you.
<Eliza> maybe I should tell Briel or Veraik I'm not ready???
<Alea> If you don't keep it professional, you might have problems later.
<wisesnake> You do?
Alea thinks of what almost happened with her and Tarsh when she tried to help him with his problem and shudders.
<Bcal> Yes, I do.
<Bcal> His speed is the only question.
<Bcal> Is he up to your speed?
<wisesnake> Well that's a pretty big question!
<Bcal> Well, you've seen him with others...how is he?
<Bcal> We really should have had Tramila zlin his last transfer... she might have been able to tell us.
Frog walks over and fills up their mugs again
Bcal opens her purse and pulls out some money, tossing it onto the table for the ticket
<Alea> Don't get me wrong. It's good that you can care for him.
<Alea> But do not let that caring interfere with the job.
Eliza remembers that Mostan is waiting for her and starts to drag the comb through the knots again
<wisesnake> I don't know... Briel was his first time, so of course he felt great during that one. He says your Sectuib couldn't satisfy him.
<Alea> The last thing we need is for him to form some sort of dependency on you.
<Eliza> I have to get this done - he is waiting for me to work with him
Eliza thinks she is going to die if Alea keeps talking like that
<Alea> Eliza.
<Alea> You're not listening to me!
<Eliza> I am!
<Alea> Then please... consider.
<Bcal> That's good.
<Eliza> I don't know what you want me to do!
<Bcal> Speed is the only concern then.
<Bcal> How is Nick with speed?
<Bcal> How is Rapol?
<Alea> What do I want you to do?
<Alea> Remember you have to be a Donor first...
<Eliza> yes!
<Alea> If you are required to go sleep with someone, know it's simply the best thing at the time. If you're told not to work with Mostan that day, there is a reason.
<Eliza> I don't know how to be a Donor... with John - we just [thinks back and falls still]
<Alea> Don't get offended and upset.
<Alea> Because, if you're not a Donor first, we could end up with a dead Mostan.
Eliza sways and sits down quickly
<Alea> When he's over this hump, you can relax... but right now... it's very very important that you be a Donor for him.
<Alea> A Donor.
<wisesnake> Rapol definitely has the potential to match me.
Bcal nods
<wisesnake> He is far behind Nick in knowing how to handle me, but he has a lot more experience with transfer than Nick does.
<Bcal> You might consider using him this month and then the following month Nick...
<Bcal> That way Tramila could zlin Nick this month.
<Bcal> This month is so critical for you...
<Alea> Work with him, to get him over this hump.
<Alea> That's the most important thing.
<Alea> Be professional... support him.
<Eliza> he could die?
<Alea> Then over the next two or three months, as you work with other Channels, you can show your love for him.
<Alea> Yes, he could.
<Alea> He can.
Alea turns toward the door.
<Alea> However....
Alea pauses and looks back at Eliza
<wisesnake> I suppose I should have somebody zlin them both.
<Alea> I wouldn't have suggested you to Briel if I didn't think you were the right person.
wisesnake thinks Tramila has been very difficult to get a hold of lately, but there are others
<wisesnake> ~~glumly~~
<Alea> And you know what... Briel says Lanyi suggested you too.
<Alea> That is unusual. I think it'll work out wonderfully.
<Alea> Just be professional, until then
<Bcal> That is an excellent idea.
Bcal stands
Eliza is stunned
<Bcal> are you ready to go?
Alea nods and leaves
wisesnake sighs and stands
<wisesnake> yes
Alea wonders if she did the right thing as she returns to her room
<Bcal> Perhaps Tramila or someone can zlin them.
Bcal starts toward the door.
Alea finds her door locked and frowns, feels for her keys and realizes they are in the room.
<Alea> Well, shen.
wisesnake picks up the medical kit and follows
Alea pulls the clip from her hair, but realizes she can't get the lock open with it.
Alea thinks Veraik has a set of keys, but Zeor will freeze over and run out of Farrises before she asks him for them.
Alea remembers Snake...and a smile lights her face.
Alea hurries downstairs
<Bcal> Perhaps you can ask Tramila when we get to the Center.
Alea ~~ ouch ouch ouch ~~~
Alea realizes without the half cast it hurts more to hurry and slows
Alea wraps her toes with her scarf and goes outside, thinking she'll only be a minute so she won't need her cloak.
wisesnake frowns, seeming to stare off in the distance
wisesnake continues to ignore B'cal as her laterals lick out, zlinning something
Bcal lapses into silence
Alea goes around the building and looks up... and sees the vine
<Alea> put one foot, in front, of, the... other
Alea places one foot, then grabs the vines and hefts up
Alea gasps, realizing the vines feel like icicles
Alea carefully places her injured foot next and pushes up
wisesnake bolts in the direction of the Sime Center so fast she kicks up a rooster tail of snow
<wisesnake> [leaving B'cal behind]
Bcal realizes Snake is....
<Bcal> hey!
Bcal starts after her, cursing as she is left behind
Alea ~~ OUCH ~~~
Alea places the next foot and up she goes
wisesnake augments toward Alea
Alea gets eight feet off the ground
Alea thinks she's doing good....
Alea ~~ whish ~~
Alea realizes the vines are shifting...
wisesnake does 4 city blocks in 12 seconds
Alea shifts her hands grabbing onto larger vines and steps..with her sore foot
Alea and steps wrong
Alea ~~ PAIN ~~
Alea foot slips
Alea 's hands slide
Alea ~~ pain pain pain ~~~
wisesnake skids through the Sime Center's garden
Bcal huffs and puffs wondering what the shenned Snake left her for
Alea swings her legs wildly
Alea thinks it's awfully cold hanging there... and her hands are turning numb
<Alea> I'm gonna fall..oh shen...Tarsh is going to be so mad and blame himself for locking me out~!
Alea cries out in fear.
Alea 's fingers suddenly give out...
Alea screams
<Alea> I'm soooooooorrrrrryyyyyy.....
Eliza hears the scream and looks around her room wildly
<Alea> sheeeeeennnnnnnn
Eliza rushes into the corridor and down to the back door
wisesnake jumps the last 15 feet and catches Alea in mid air, turning so she hits the ground first
wisesnake of course did not think this out clearly beforehand
Eliza slams open the door and runs out
Alea 's breath is knocked out of her and she sees stars
<Eliza> Alea! Snake! oh shen
Eliza rushes over and tries to see how badly Snake is squished
wisesnake sees Alea's stars
Alea rolls over on top of Snake and blinks down at her
<wisesnake> uggggghhhh
Alea belatedly rubs at her head, seeing the blue lump already coming up on Snake's jaw
<Alea> Ouch.
Eliza takes Alea's arm and attempts to help her off Snake
<Eliza> are you two OK?
<wisesnake> ...oof... ooof... OFF...
<Eliza> What happened?
Alea uses her hands to push up, slips, and one slide up, knocking Snake in the other cheek
Alea falls flat on top of Snake again
Alea grunts
wisesnake , once Alea is off her, turns over and crawls some distance away to try to regain some sense of dignity
wisesnake aborts that mission as she is mashed into the snow once again
<Alea> er...
Alea tries to crawl off her
wisesnake 's snow covered tentacles writhe feebly as Alea's elbows, knees, etc. dig into various Snake body parts
Alea decides just to roll
Alea rolls
<wisesnake> ow... oh.. uggh.... hsss!!!!
<wisesnake> [this last as Alea rolls over her arm]
Alea lands on her back in the slushy mud and snow
Alea blinks up
<Alea> Oh, hi Eliza.
<Alea> What are you doing out here?
Alea rolls her head in the mud
<Alea> You okay Snake?
wisesnake sits up feeling very disgruntled not to mention sorry for herself
Alea sees the blue on Snake's face and starts to cry
<wisesnake> I suppose that depends on your definition of okay. [peevishly]
<Alea> I'm sooooo sorry!
<Eliza> oh dear
wisesnake crawls so Eliza is between her and Alea
Alea lifts mud covered hands that are scratched and streaked with blood and wails....
<wisesnake> Shen...
Eliza realizes what Snake wants and tries to block Alea's field
Alea cries, curling up...
<Alea> It's alllll my fauuuullllllt!
wisesnake tries to wipe snow off her face, head, clothes, arms, etc.
Eliza looks around wildly for Snake's Donor
<Alea> I could have crushed you... DIED... and MY BABY!
<Eliza> Snake you want to go inside out of the snow?
wisesnake winces as Alea's field overpowers Eliza's attempts
<Alea> And Tarsh would have blamed himself... of course....
Alea wails again
<wisesnake> That sounds like a good idea... [hoarsely]
<Eliza> oh Alea why do you always do things like this?
<Alea> Tarsh would have been glad to be comforted by HER!
Alea swings an arm wildly at Eliza before covering her face again
wisesnake gets up and staggers [with Sime grace of course] inside
<Eliza> oh not that again
<Alea> That's it!
<Alea> Desert me AGAIN!
Alea wails
<Alea> EVERYONE is deserting me!
Eliza grabs Alea's arm and drags her upright
<Eliza> lets just get you inside first hey?
<Alea> Just go collect all the men in the Center.
<Alea> Go on.
Alea weeps pitifully
<Alea> I'm fat and ugly and no one wants to be around me
<Alea> Not even the WOMEN!
<Alea> Not even the Channels because my field isn't what it used to be!
<Alea> I'm a FARRIS
<Alea> and the Farris just LEFT ME!
Alea realizes she is turning numb and staggers up
<Eliza> oh good grief Alea
<Eliza> just get up and come inside
Alea ~~ desolate despondency ~~~
<Alea> Go on... I know you want Tarsh.
<Eliza> I do not want Tarsh
<Alea> He's only the most magnificent man in the world, who thinks you're so full of fire.
<Eliza> I don't want anyone
<Alea> I bet YOU don't forget your keys!
<Eliza> I just want you to go INSIDE
wisesnake goes to a washroom and rinses her arms under warm water
Alea walks toward the Center
Alea stops crying and just stares as she walks
Eliza keeps hold of Alea so she can't get into more trouble
Alea pulls her arm away
<Alea> Go find something to do.
<Alea> I'm fine.
<Eliza> I'm not leaving you alone at the moment
<Eliza> you just want to say that I deserted you too
Alea starts crying again.
<Eliza> and I'm not going to let you say that
<Eliza> oh stop that
<Alea> No, you just want to stay and torment me!
<Eliza> you get yourself into these messes
<Eliza> OK - I want to stay and torment you - whatever
wisesnake uses some towels to sort of dry her hair [leaving it standing out in all directions like a pony's winter mane]
<Alea> How would you know... you haven't even been here long enough to know about me
Eliza opens the back door and pushes Alea through
Alea goes inside and goes down the hall
Alea totally ignores Eliza
Eliza sticks close
Alea limps into the infirmary, grabs another wrap for her smarting foot and then leaves
<Eliza> Sit down Alea - let me put that on for you
<Alea> I'm going to bed.
Eliza thinks it can't be that much different from bandaging a horse
Alea goes down the hall toward the stairs
<Eliza> fine - let me wrap your leg first
Alea continues down the hall
Jorgre is walking down the hall and sees a... person... coming toward him
Jorgre zlins....
<Eliza> Come on Alea - stop a minute
<Jorgre> Naztehr?
Jorgre ~~ incredulous ~~
Jorgre sees Eliza and cringes and starts to turn and leave
<Alea> See what I mean?!
Alea wails as she points at Jorgre
<Eliza> it's me he is running from Alea
<Eliza> not you
B`cal was able to see the whole thing as she was running as fast as she could
Jorgre pauses at the way, jumping, and turns back
Jorgre flips into working mode and goes forward
B`cal is only now arriving at the rear of the Sime Center, and her lungs are considering exploding just now
<Jorgre> Naztehr Farris. May I help you?
Alea sniffles, bringing herself under semi-control as Jorgre approaches
<Alea> I'm fine.
Jorgre carefully avoids Eliza's eyes.
<Jorgre> Why don't you just let me zlin you....
<Eliza> she isn't fine
Jorgre has never worked on a Farris before and is just a tad excited about the opportunity
<Eliza> she just fell of the vine outside
wisesnake looks at herself in the mirror and grimaces
<Jorgre> I can uh, zlin that.
<Eliza> and she won't sit down
Jorgre eyes widen
<Eliza> Alea - stop and let Jorgre help you
Alea looks stubborn
Jorgre reaches out and snags Alea with a tentacle
<Eliza> for once do as you are told
<Eliza> please!
<Jorgre> Please, Naztehr, allow me to check you out.
B`cal staggers in the back door of the Sime Center, straightening her suit and trying to look dignified even through she is panting like a locomotive 2
Jorgre flinches from Eliza's nager
Eliza sees Jorgre flinch and sighs
<Eliza> I'm sorry Jorgre
<Eliza> ~ support ~
Alea looks at Eliza and moves closer to Jorgre to protect him
Jorgre is startled then rather interested in Alea's offer of support.
Jorgre looks at Eliza and shrugs
B`cal marches down the hallways, jerking doors open looking for Snake
<Jorgre> Come on, Naztehr, just let me look at you.
Alea sighs dismally and nods
B`cal ignores the various pleas, curses, and yelps as various people's doors are opened and left hanging open
Alea starts limping back toward the room.
<B`cal> Snake!
B`cal shouts like a barking pit bull
<B`cal> Snake!!
Jorgre lifts Alea into his arms
<Alea> Hey!
<Jorgre> The pain in your foot. You'll upset renSimes in the area.
Alea thinks of Tarsh and subsides, then looks over and sees Eliza
<Alea> You're all wet.
<Alea> Are you cold?
Jorgre zlins Eliza, all channel now and notes her lowered body temperature
<Eliza> it doesn't matter
B`cal sees the group in the hallway and marches toward them, still huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf
<Jorgre> Why don't you come with us. We'll make sure to warm up the room.
<Jorgre> Yes, it does.
<Jorgre> Come on.
<B`cal> Alea!
Jorgre starts toward a room.
Alea glances around
Eliza thinks that if Jorgre thins she is letting Alea out of her sight he is mad
<Alea> Bcal?
<B`cal> What did you do with Snake? [assumes Alea is responsible for whatever happened]
Jorgre pauses, zlinning Bcal
Eliza turns on Bcal - "she fell on Snake if you must know"
<Eliza> from a great height
<Eliza> come on Jorgre - get her inside
Alea opens her mouth..and then thinks Great
Alea sinks into Jorgre's arms, closing her eyes.
<B`cal> She what!
Alea can only imagine...[wince]
<Eliza> fell on her yes - so why don't you run off and do your job?
<Jorgre> Uh, Naztehr, she requires medical treatment...
B`cal gives Eliza a withering look
Alea drops her head against Jorgre's shoulder, hiding.
Eliza refuses to wither
<B`cal> If you people could get your shen together enough to tell me where she is, I will.
<Alea> Try upstairs in your room.
B`cal has decades of withering-look experience and it shows
<Eliza> how the hell would we know where she is - you are her companion and you don't know where she is
Alea figures it's the best place to try
B`cal makes a mental note to make Eliza's life hell in the future
Alea waves Eliza off
<Alea> Don't...
<B`cal> My room? Fine.
Eliza turns on Jorgre
<Eliza> and you
B`cal turns and stamps off, breath snorting from her nose
<Eliza> Jorgre - are you having sex with me?
Jorgre turns and starts toward a room
Jorgre pauses
<Jorgre> Me?
<Eliza> yes you
<Jorgre> I...
<Eliza> well?
Jorgre chokes and almost drops Alea
<Eliza> I thought maybe you were and I didn't notice
Alea gasps and grabs him around the neck
Jorgre over balances and goes down on one knee
<Jorgre> I... uh... No!~
<Eliza> if you KNOW that you aren't
<Jorgre> You and uh... Jon Drake!
<Alea> Eliza!
<Eliza> WHY THE SHEN DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ANYONE ELSE IS
Alea grabs as she is almost dropped again
Eliza blasts him and storms off
<Jorgre> I-I-I-uh.....
Alea groans as Jorgre's grip gets tighter and tighter
<Alea> Just get me to a room, Jorgre...
<Alea> I think I'm going to be sick
Jorgre watches Eliza storm off.
<Jorgre> You and me both [says miserably]
Jorgre goes to the infirmary with Alea in tow.
Notes:
1) All of this arose from an incident in a previous episode where a drunken Eliza accidentally lay down in Jon Drake's room instead of her own; then somebody hearing that's where she was, went to check on her and found Jorgre already there. [return]
2) Presumably in reference to steam locomotives used in Gen Territory? [return]