Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #158: Recreational Reading (2/12/98)
gilbert stumbles into the lobby
<gilbert> Err, where do I go for donations?
Briel walks into the lobby to check charts and zlins the young Gen
Briel goes over to the Gen... zlinning
<Briel> I take donations.
<Briel> How may I um... help you?
<gilbert> Errrm, I'm here to make a donation.
Briel zlins Gilbert
<Briel> Okay. Well, then why don't you come with me?
Briel snags a blank chart.
<Briel> Have you ever donated before?
gilbert follows Briel
Eliza comes out of the room where she has been working with Mostan and heads towards the Cafeteria for some hot tea.
<gilbert> No, I'm not a regular.
Briel goes into a donation room and sits down on the donation couch.
<Briel> And your name?
Briel begins to write on the chart.
<gilbert> Gilbert Aristotlian.
Kadi squawks loudly as Briel lands on her.
Briel writes down the name.
Briel shoves the cat out of the way and continues to write.
<Briel> Excuse the cat.
<Briel> It's a umm... pet of someone here
gilbert 's eyes nervously dart about getting used to the new environment.
Kadi switches her tail angrily, in a dignified feline fashion.
<gilbert> Is it dangerous?
Briel wishes her Donor was here as she watches Gilbert.
<Briel> Now, Gilbert, what I'm going to do is take your arms in mine.
Kadi decides Briel isn't her friend today, and goes over to Gilbert.
Kadi rubs against Gilbert.
<Briel> It's not in the least bit dangerous.
<Kadi> Mmrrroooww?
gilbert pats Kadi tentatively.
<Briel> I'll wrap my tentacles around your arms... and you'll simply count to.... [zlins Gilbert]... twenty-five, and I'll be done.
<Kadi> purrrr, purrr.
<Briel> Oh, yes, and we'll have to touch lips before you start counting
Kadi jumps up on Gilbert's lap.
Briel scowls at the cat.
Kadi kneads Gilbert's leg, purring enthusiastically.
gilbert looks uncomfortable as to what to do next.
Kadi swishes her tail, hitting Gilbert in the mouth with it.
<gilbert> Very friendly cat, never seen one like this before, the last one bit me, hard.
Briel makes a few more notations on the chart and then tosses it on a nearby table.
Briel holds out her hands.
<Briel> Hand me your arms.
gilbert holds his arms forward.
Kadi headstrokes Briel's hands.
Briel picks up the cat and tosses her back onto the ground, then takes Gilbert's arms.
Briel wraps her tentacles around his arms and then waits, watching his reaction.
Kadi hisses at Briel.
Briel hisses back.
<Briel> Dumb animals.
gilbert looks on worried.
Kadi walks back to the lounge and sharpens her claws on the upholstery.
<Briel> Ignore the cat.
Kadi crouches, obviously ready to play.
Briel extends her laterals and places them on Gilbert's arms.
<Briel> Now, be very still.
<Briel> Lean forward and touch my lips with yours... and then start to count.
gilbert begins to jitter nervously.
Kadi jumps up onto the back of the couch.
gilbert leans forward and closes his eyes.
Briel stiffens slightly.
Kadi jumps down to the seat of the transfer lounge, just behind Gilbert.
Briel touches Gilbert's lips and then begins to draw selyn, without him feeling any movement.
Kadi rubs against Gilbert's back.
<Kadi> Muurrrp?
Briel draws the lowest level and then moves to the second level....
Briel ~~ slight alarm ~~
gilbert jumps slightly forward at Kadi's touch.
Kadi starts around Gilbert, looking for a hand to pet her.
Kadi rubs against Gilbert's arm.
gilbert tries not to look at Kadi.
Briel drains the second level... and quickly tries to get part of the third level....
<Kadi> Muurrrrrrp?
gilbert shifts uncomfortably.
Kadi reaches a paw up to bat at a handling tentacle.
<gilbert> ~~fear~~
Briel stiffens gasping.
Briel brings the transfer to a close.
gilbert jumps backwards and forces his eyes open.
Briel still holding Gilbert, jumps in alarm, going hyper.
<Kadi> purrr, purrr.
<Briel> No, please... sit... still
Briel sweat beads on her face.
gilbert looks exceptionally worried and doesn't sit, but gets extremely fidgety.
Briel shudders and slowly retracts her laterals
Kadi tries to reassure Gilbert by climbing up his shirt to rub his chin.
Sky stands on a chair with a large measuring tape
gilbert falls over being off balance at his whole weight lands on Kadi's paw.
Briel finally releases Gilbert's arms.
<Kadi> RRROOOOOWWWW!!!!
Briel retracts her tentacles, trembling.
<Briel> That was... just... fine.
Kadi catapults to the other side of the room.
<Briel> It would have worked a bit better if... you had... been still....
Sky gets off the chair, moves the chair closer to Nick's bed, then climbs back up again
gilbert is trembling, sure he is in danger.
Sky holds about two inches of the measuring tape stretched between his fingers, peering nearsightedly at the numbers.
Briel gasps....
<Briel> Shen....
<gilbert> [tentatively] Can I go now?
Briel jumps up and augments across the room, grabs up Kadi and tosses her out the door.
Kadi claws at Briel.
Briel sucks in a breath.
<Briel> Oh shen oh shen oh shen....
Sky is a Gen somewhere in his mid 20's, with a long (if scraggly) beard and thick glasses.
Briel drops back against the wall cradling an arm.
Briel looks at Gilbert zlinning....
gilbert cracks, running out of the room yelling.
<Briel> I just have to write you a um... voucher.
Sky rubs his chin, holding the tape up to the wall
Briel ~~ trembling ~~
Eliza turns the corner and heads smack into a screaming Gen.
<Eliza> Hold on!
<Eliza> what's wrong?
Briel curses that she doesn't have her Donor here.
NickR wakes up, in a loose sense of the word.
Eliza grabs him as he shoots past.
gilbert whips his head up and stares at Eliza wide-eyed.
Briel sinks down to the floor.
<Eliza> Where did YOU come from?
<Briel> Shendoni idiot Gens who have no more sense than to go crazy... why the shenned do they come in here at all... and when I'm without a Donor....
<gilbert> Whh-whh-what do you want?
<Eliza> You are the run running and screaming.
<Eliza> What's the matter?
gilbert begins to calm down.
Kadi sees Briel sitting on the floor, obviously wanting to pet her, and saunters over to oblige.
<gilbert> Ii-ii-iim sscared.
NickR turns over and buries his head in the pillow.
<Kadi> Murrrp?
<Eliza> I can see that - but there isn't anything to be scared of.
Eliza wonders why there was no one chasing him.
<Eliza> Tell me what happened?
Briel sees the cat, zlins it... then growls low in her throat... a very animalistic sound.
Kadi scoots.
<gilbert> Iii think I'm ooko.
gilbert composes himself.
Sky holds one end of the tape up to the corner of a window frame, and stretches the tape towards the other window frame, trying to measure the space in between.
Eliza thinks he is ooko too.
Briel curls in on herself swearing she is going to find a Donor in just a moment.
Sky leans out far over Nick's bed, straining to position the tape.
<Eliza> Tell me what happened.
<gilbert> Well, iit's my first donation, and I was a bit frightened.
NickR hears movement in the room, and remembers vaguely that Snake will be coming back at the start of his shift.
<Eliza> I see.
NickR starts to wonder if he overslept.
Briel looks at her arm and sees the scratches... then shakes with relief when she sees no permanent damage was done.
<Eliza> But you were't hurt, were you?
<NickR> Snake? Is it mrumpf murmpt yet?
Sky trusts the laws of physics and lets himself fall slightly, catching himself on the other window frame; squints at number on tape
<Sky> Oh, she's not home yet.
<gilbert> No, I don't think so, just shaken.
<Sky> [from about 4 feet over Nick's head]
NickR blinks upwards.
<NickR> Whaddimesit?
Briel pushes herself up, pale, sweaty and still cursing, and goes over to the transfer couch.
<Sky> Oh, it's - [removes arm he is leaning on, to look at his watch]
<Eliza> OK then.
<Eliza> Did you get your donation slip?
<Eliza> You can't get paid unless you have it.
<gilbert> Ahh, no.
Briel grabs the chart and fills out the voucher then, still pale, shaky and angry, goes in search of the shendoni be flayed Donor....
<Sky> Niiiiiiiuuuuhh niiiiiuuuhhh niiiiiiiiIIIIIINEEE THIRTEEEEEE!!! [crashes onto bed]
gilbert walks back into the lobby.
NickR ooofs as Sky lands on him.
Briel storms out of the room ~~ pain ~~ and down the hall ~~ anger ~~~
<Eliza> Then let's go get it shall we? [smiles]
Briel's intil is up.
<Sky> Oh... sorry... sorry... where are my glasses?
<gilbert> Yes, yes, pay, that's right.
Eliza sees Briel storming down on them and steps in front of the Gen.
Briel sees Eliza and "The donor".
<Eliza> Errr Controller Briel are you OK?
Briel skids to a halt, shaking from a combination of things.
<Briel> Your slip!
<gilbert> ~~fear ~~
Briel holds out a voucher.
Eliza offers Briel ~~support~~
NickR levers himself to a sitting position, then winces at a crunching sound.
Eliza takes the voucher and hands it to the Gen.
<NickR> Umm....
<Briel> Stop that shendoni fear.
<NickR> I think they're here.
NickR holds up a mangled frame.
<Briel> If I was going to kill you, it would have been when you tore out of that room like the hounds of hell were on your tail. [to Gilbert]
Sky feels around for his glasses... his patting hands pause at the sound.
<Sky> Oh, dear.
Eliza pales ~~support~~
<Briel> No... no one else... new. [to Eliza]
<Eliza> [to gilbert] Here is your voucher - you had better go. Don't run!!!
gilbert takes the voucher and runs off.
<Sky> Well, that's what I get for trying to handle it myself, I suppose.
Briel turns and strides off to her office.
Eliza follows
<Eliza> Are you going to be all right Controller?
NickR slowly realizes that there is a strange man in his bed.
<NickR> Who are you, and what the shen are you doing in my bedroom?
<Sky> Oh. Allow me to introduce myself.
Briel slams the door in Eliza's face and locks the door
<Sky> I'm Sky. I'm moving in tomorrow.
Briel goes over to the couch and sinks onto it, wrapping her arms around her.
<Briel> Shendoni mad house.
Eliza rubs her nose.
<Eliza> Ouch.
<NickR> You are?
<Sky> You must be Nick... I've heard all about you.
Alea comes tromping down the hall....
Alea sees Eliza rubbing her nose.
<Sky> You're doing a great job, from what I've heard, too.
<Alea> Here to see Briel, Eliza?
Alea looks from the door to her and back.
<Eliza> No....
Sky puts on his glasses, which now have only one lens.
<Eliza> She slammed the door.
<Eliza> I don't think she is very well.
<Alea> Ah, well, she's past turnover.
Alea shrugs.
NickR wonders why he has heard nothing about this Sky from Snake.
<Alea> Jon Drake will be here soon I imagine.
<Eliza> A Gen just ran out on her screaming.
<Sky> The wife and kids will be staying in the old place until it gets sold.
Alea ~~ concern ~~
<Alea> Really?
<NickR> That doesn't answer my question. What are you doing in my room when I'm trying to sleep?
<Sky> Oh... measuring the space between these two windows. My sister said these are the only rooms dry enough to store books in until the heat is working.
<Eliza> Yes.
<Eliza> Then she yelled a lot and slammed the door.
<Eliza> That's not like her, is it?
<NickR> Your sister?
<Alea> Oh.
<Alea> Perhaps I should go find Jon now.
NickR looks at Sky more closely, and sees a somewhat weaselish cast to his features.
<NickR> Wait a minute. Are you Snake's brother?
<Sky> You know, I think one of the tall bookcases WOULD fit between those two windows, if the bed was moved to one side....
Eliza freezes at the name Jon
<Eliza> Yes - fine. I'll see you later then Alea.
Sky blinks at Nick (one eye small and squinted, the other eye hugely magnified)
<Sky> Well, yes. Didn't I say that?
Eliza heads back to Mostan
<NickR> No in so many words, no.
<Sky> Ah. Terribly sorry. I do have a number of things on my mind, you know.
Sky pats around looking for the tape measure.
Eliza rubs her nose some more as she walks back to the donation room where Mostan is working.
Alea goes off to find a Donor to help Briel.
<Eliza> You know Mos, I think that everyone here is mad.
<NickR> So why are you moving in here? I thought you had a place already?
Sky looks surprised.
<Mostan> You noticed.
<Sky> Well, to help organize of course. You know Snake. She has the organizational skills of confetti.
Eliza smiles at Mostan and sighs thinking about what Alea said the day before.
<NickR> True. She's much better at conniving then taking care of detailed planning.
<Eliza> Hey - have you eaten recently Mos?
NickR looks around.
<NickR> I don't suppose there's any tea in the pot, is there?
<NickR> I never can wake up before my first cup of tea.
<Sky> Not right at the moment, but I could make you some.
Alea goes down the hall poking her head in, looking for someone who will work with Briel....
Sky climbs off the bed and retrieves his bag.
Mostan stops to think. "No."
<Sky> I have my emergency stash with me....
NickR sighs, and gets out of bed too, hastily wrapping himself in his warm robe.
<Eliza> Then shouldn't you eat?
<Eliza> How about we take a break for lunch? [smiles] ~~hunger~~
<Mostan> You talked me into it.
Sky roots through his copious bag, which is full of books, herbs, and assorted odd items.
NickR then locates his tea mug on the floor by the simple expedient of tripping over it.
NickR notices that the mug is half full of yesterday's brew. Or maybe the day before.
Eliza waits for Mostan to lead the way
Sky hums to himself as he pulls out various bags, sniffing them to make sure they're tea.
NickR looks for another mug, but the alternate is dirty as well.
<NickR> Shen, I miss Linn.
Alea checks the library thinking perhaps Jon or someone is in there.
<Sky> Ah... the schoolteacher?
<NickR> Yes.
<Sky> Never fear, I always come prepared for tea.
Sky fishes a tin goblet and a small ceramic bowl out of his bag
Mostan goes to the door.
<Sky> These will do....
<Sky> Here's your choices for tea... I'll go put the kettle on.
Sky disappears into Snake's office.
Eliza follows trying to be totally professional.
Frutata is engrossed in a book about the founding of Dar.
Alea sees Frutata and goes over to him.
<Alea> Good morning, Frutata
NickR peers blearily at the teas, unable to face reading the print at this hour of the morning.
Frutata looks up and smiles
<Frutata> Hello, Alea.
<Alea> How are you today?
Alea returns the smile
<Frutata> I'm doing well. And you?
<Alea> Just fine.
<Alea> Well, except for this foot. Hopefully the cast will be off in a day or two.
Mostan walks towards the cafeteria. [quietly] "How are you doing Eliza? After yesterday, I mean."
<Alea> Might I bother you for a moment?
<Frutata> Certainly.
Frutata puts his book down
<Eliza> I'm fine, thank you Mostan.
<Eliza> I'm sorry if I caused you any pain yesterday.
<Alea> I'm not sure exactly what is going on....
<Alea> I was looking for Jon.
<Alea> Briel had a bad experience and is locked in her office.
<Alea> Quite angry, I believe
<Mostan> I'm sorry for paying any attention to the sheet....
Frutata looks concerned.
<Frutata> If there is any way I could be of assistance...?
Veraik goes to Briel's office and signals.
<Eliza> That's ok Mos - you weren't to know I guess.
<Alea> Yes, please, can you check in on her?
<Eliza> And it doesn't really matter what people think.
<Briel> Come.
<Frutata> Of course.
Briel gets up and unlocks the door, zlinning Veraik.
Frutata puts his book away.
<Alea> Thank you.
Veraik enters.
<Frutata> I'll do it right now.
Frutata smiles reassuringly at Alea.
<Alea> I know she works well with you.
<Mostan> Remind me to zlin your injuries after we eat. Make sure they're healing right.
Alea returns the smile
Veraik grabs Briel's arm. "What happened?"
Briel jumps, jerking back.
<Briel> Don't grab me!
<Briel> I'm fine....
<Eliza> All right. What would you like to eat? How about some soup and bread? It smells good.
Veraik looks at Briel.
<Veraik> What?
Frutata stands and leaves the library, headed for Briel's office.
<Veraik> Let me. [takes her arm again]
Veraik covers chaotic nager.
<Briel> That shenned cat grabbed at my arm when I tossed her out of the donation room.
<Briel> You zlin like....
Briel scowls.
Veraik touches tentacles to scratches and projects need.
<Mostan> That sounds good, yeah.
NickR 's botanical skills, never honed to any degree, are utterly incapable of identifying the various leaves.
Veraik zlins Briel with sexual overtones.
Alea goes down the hall on her way to the lobby.
Eliza starts to dish out the hot soup.
Frutata approaches Briel's office door, which he sees is open.
Frutata also sees somebody else is already there talking to her.
NickR debates washing his face to help himself wake up, then remembers the water will be cold and rejects the idea.
<Briel> For shenned sakes, Veraik. Take care of that problem or I'll make sure to order you to!
Briel ~~ disgusted ~~
Briel sees Frutata.
Briel's eyes widen.
Mostan gets some bread and jam to go with it.
Veraik steps back.
<Briel> Frutata!
Sky returns some time later with the "teapot" (such as it is)
<Sky> Did you make your choice?
Veraik turns towards the nager.
Briel zlins Frutata.
Frutata smiles at Veraik and Briel.
<Frutata> Hello. I hope I'm not interrupting.
NickR picks up a random bag and holds it out.
Alea goes into the lobby to check the boards.
<NickR> This one, I suppose.
<Briel> Not at all....
Briel looks at Veraik.
<Briel> Uh....
<Briel> Is he?
Eliza picks up the tray to carry to a clear table.
Veraik backs away, looking towards the door.
Frutata 's field is calm and soothing.
Briel grabs onto Frutata's field, relaxing.
Mostan follows close behind Eliza.
<Sky> An excellent choice.
Sky makes tea for both of them.
<Briel> I mean it Veraik....
Briel zlins Veraik again.
<Briel> This self-denial and augmenting has gone on long enough.
Veraik tries unsuccessfully to cover his raging nager.
Eliza sets the tray down, puts the plates on the table and takes a seat.
Alea looks at the board and groans.
<Veraik> I'll be fine, Briel.
<Briel> Please, come in Frutata.
Frutata looks at them both, puzzled and concerned.
<Briel> Don't fight me on this. [to Veraik]
Briel goes over to her sofa and drops down on it.
Frutata 's nager is gentle and smooth.
<Frutata> Is there a problem?
<Veraik> I'm not fighting Briel. I'm fine. Really.
Briel looks over at Frutata.
<Briel> There won't be... later.
Veraik steps one more step towards the door.
Eliza dips her bread into the soup and eats it, letting Mostan feel how hungry she is.
<Veraik> Frutata. I zlin you as well.
<Briel> Was there something you wanted Veraik?
Mostan stirs at his soup and tastes it, careful of the heat.
Briel rubs at her neck, tension building.
NickR takes the offered vessel and sips cautiously.
<Frutata> I do not understand.
NickR blinks at the taste, eyes watering.
<NickR> That's... strong.
<Veraik> I was going to discuss the transfer schedules with you but I can come back later.
Alea looks around to see if anyone is watching, then climbs up on the desk chair and unlocks the boards.
Mostan starts eating the soup, which tastes remarkably good....
<Briel> Fine.
NickR is much closer to being awake than he was.
<Briel> Can we discuss it later?
<Sky> That was made from the same roses as Red Zoiks.
Eliza carefully keeps all emotions out of her nager.
Sky seems fairly proud of this fact.
<Eliza> Mostan, what's a transfer ring?
<NickR> Oh.
Briel thinks she really should be in donations.
Veraik looks at Frutata then at Briel. "Yes, of course."
Mostan drops his spoon into the soup.
Briel has no desire to go back there at the moment.
<Mostan> W-what?
Alea reaches for the chalk and patiently begins to change some things on the schedule.
<Eliza> something Alea said yesterday about you and Tarsh.
NickR drinks the tea rapidly, willing to put up with the flavor for the heat and medicinal effects. Which must be there, because it's trin. Theoretically.
Veraik opens the door and sees a pretty renSime female.
Mostan grabs a napkin and dabs at the spatters.
<Veraik> ~~ lust ~~
Frutata is torn between which of them to help, since he was asked to help Briel but Veraik is obviously in more need of assistance.
Frutata is relieved when Veraik leaves, making his decision for him..
Eliza calmly keeps eating.
<Briel> So, Frutata, how can I help you?
Frutata smiles at Briel.
Veraik augments down the hall, zlinning for something he doesn't know he requires.
<Frutata> Actually, I was sent to help you.
Mostan looks around. "I'll tell you later."
<Frutata> ~~supportive calmness~~
<Briel> What?
<Eliza> Why later?
<Eliza> What's wrong with now?
Briel looks up at Frutata but the objection dies on her lips.
<Mostan> This is good soup.
Briel ~~ relaxes ~~
NickR puts his improvised drinking utensil down.
<NickR> Thanks.
Mostan looks significantly around at the dining room.
<Briel> Shenned Donors. We're too shorthanded... JD is gone right now and I've been working donations.
<Frutata> Alea thought you might require the assistance of a Donor. She asked me to come here.
<Eliza> Yes I guess. Oh you want privacy?
<Eliza> Is it something bad?
<Mostan> Yes.
<Briel> Alea?
Briel ~~ surprise ~~~
<Briel> I see.
<Mostan> Not exactly, but....
Briel flushes.
Alea moves Briel to later moving everyone's schedule around....
<Eliza> She said something about you sharing women.
<Sky> No problem. I figure, if I wake a man up, the least I can do is get him a bit of tea for his trouble.
Alea thinks while she is at it, she'll change her duties....
Eliza is very glad she isn't the only one with a "past".
Sky has made this up on the spot.
<Briel> Stupid house cat scratched me... donors panicking....
<Briel> It has been one morning all right.
<Frutata> ~~~soothing support~~~
NickR reflects that Linn used to have tea and breakfast ready when he had finished with his hot shower every morning, and sighs.
<Sky> Now, where was I?
Sky picks up his tape measure and goes to a small table set up with drawing paper and various implements.
Sky scratches away at a small layout of the room.
<NickR> It's going to be pretty crowded, with your family, and the three of us. At least, until we get more than two rooms habitable.
<Briel> I think I'm going to have to take that cat and dump it in the river somewhere.
<Mostan> Not really what it was about....
Frutata hesitates. "Is it... somewhat unusual... to have such an animal in the room during the functions?"
<Briel> Very.
<Sky> Oh, well, things will get better quickly. One of the first things Snake wants me to do is get started on coordinating the improvements.
<Briel> And that cat is turning up everywhere, the donations, transfers.
Eliza couldn't care less and lets it show.
<Sky> And don't worry, it'll be weeks before my apartment sells.
<Briel> It's even in the infirmary. How very clean. [sarcastically]
<Eliza> OK after lunch when we get back to the donations room maybe you can tell me then.
<Frutata> You are Controller... is it not in your power to make changes of this sort?
<Mostan> Sure.
<Briel> Yes, it is.
NickR is somewhat relieved as he realizes that he's not going to be displaced in favor of the books for a while yet.
<Briel> I just know several people are attached to the animal and hate to get rid of it unnecessarily.
<NickR> Well, maybe it will be starting to thaw by then.
Alea finishes the board and relocks the glass and climbs down.
Turrie checks the schedule and realises that she has an unprecedented afternoon off.
<Frutata> But it is your decision, ultimately, of whether it is necessary or not.
Alea sends the clerk who is just returning, to notify people of the changes.
<Sky> I hope so! It's hard to get comfortable when it's so chilly all the time.
<NickR> I know. [feelingly]
<Turrie> Hello Alea.
Sky picks up all the various utensils and things and potters off into Snake's office.
Alea nods.
<Alea> Hello Turrie.
Alea brushes the chalk dust off her hands.
<Alea> I see you're off.
<Briel> I'll talk to Veraik about it.
Briel is now much better resting on Frutata's field.
<Turrie> Yes - I see I am too. I was sure I had more work than that this afternoon.
<Alea> Evidently not.
<Alea> Have a nice day.
Eliza finishes her soup and sips her tea waiting for Mostan to finish
Alea turns and heads down the hall.
<Turrie> Thank you Alea, you also.
Frutata continues to work on Briel with his field.
Alea nods .
Turrie wonders what she is going to do with it.
Veraik enters the lobby and zlins the females.
Turrie feels a disturbance in the fields and turns.
<Veraik> Hello Alea.
<Veraik> Hello Turrie.
Alea pauses.
Alea nods to Veraik.
Alea moves around him.
<Turrie> Welcome back Controller Veraik. I was unaware of your return.
Alea goes on down the hall.
Turrie notices with interest Veraik's reaction to Alea.
Mostan finishes his soup and bread.
Eliza taps her foot.
<Veraik> Yes I've been back for only a short while.
Veraik stares at Turrie's breast.
<Turrie> How was the conference?
<Veraik> Interesting but unproductive.
<Turrie> I see.
Turrie zlins Veraik and does see.
Briel finally stands.
<Briel> Thank you, Frutata.
<Briel> I appreciate you coming by to... talk.
<Briel> I'll be fine now.
<Briel> And I really should get back to work.
Veraik watches Turrie as her lips move in a sensual invitation.
Turrie indicates the board. "I seem to have an afternoon off."
Purfor staggers dramatically into the lobby, tentacles waving.
<Turrie> Being new to this area I have no idea how to fill it.
<Frutata> You don't want me to assist you during your work?
<Veraik> That's wonderful. I'm working transfers this afternoon.
Briel looks surprised.
Frutata is disappointed, but of course will do as Briel asks.
<Briel> Do you have extra time?
Purfor is a casually dressed Sime in his early 20s.
Briel ~~ hopes so ~~
<Frutata> I do.
<Frutata> I would be honored to work with you.
Briel ~~ relief ~~
<Frutata> If you would allow it....
<Briel> Thank you.
<Briel> I'd be more than happy to allow it.
Purfor surveys the waiting Gens, then leaps onto Clerk's desk.
Frutata is visibly pleased.
<Frutata> Thank you.
<Briel> Well then, shall we go to the lobby and check for the next donations?
Frutata nods.
Veraik 's eyes follow down Turrie's neck, zlinning and breathing in her scent.
<Purfor> I am a Sime, as you see. I am in need, and I will die unless one of you will donate the selyn I need.
Briel pulls open the door and heads down the hall.
Frutata accompanies Briel.
<Purfor> Many years ago, Gens like you saved the Simes of the Nivet Army. Who will save my life today?
Veraik pulls his eyes from the woman to look at the board.
Turrie walks over to the desk to Purfor. "can I help you?"
Purfor waves his arms and dances about on the desk, making sure that the waiting Gens have a good view of his tentacles.
Briel walks into the lobby and sees the scene.
Voopy is sitting on a nearby couch and begins to grow quite alarmed at Purfor's antics.
Briel signals to Turrie to get him under control--now.
Veraik looks back at Turrie then blinks in confusion.
Briel reaches back for Frutata.
Purfor points at Turrie.
<Purfor> This channel can help me, but only if you help her.
Voopy clutches his hat and glances at the door, thinking he could sell his cow instead of donating.
Purfor points at Voopy.
Briel sees the Gen and eases forward.
Turrie meshes fields, lowering the Sime's need.
Frutata supports Briel.
<Purfor> You, sir! Will you donate the life I need?
<Briel> It's quite all right.
<Briel> Why don't you come with me?
<Turrie> We are here for you. There is no reason to worry.
Briel smiles kindly at the Gen.
Voopy gulps.
Briel moves in between the Sime and the Gen.
Voopy sees one Sime moving in instead of the other Sime.
Turrie lets Briel handle the waiting Gens while she works on the need of the Sime.
Briel tries to get Voopy's attention on her.
Voopy stares at Briel nervously.
Frutata moves with Briel.
<Turrie> Perhaps if you would like to come with me to the transfer room, we can take care of your need.
Briel smiles placatingly.
<Briel> Everything will be fine.
<Purfor> If you won't provide the selyn I need through a channel, sir, I will be driven to attack the nearest Gen.
Turrie puts out her hand offering to the renSime.
<Turrie> There is no need for that.
<Voopy> Oh, th-th-th-th-that's good. [mangling his hat in his fingers]
Purfor points at Turrie.
<Turrie> Please come with me. [thinks: before I pick you up and carry you out]
<Purfor> She wants to help me, but she's a Sime, too.
<Purfor> She can't produce selyn; only Gens have that ability.
<Turrie> These people are here to donate - that is the reason they are waiting.
<Turrie> There is no need to frighten them.
<Turrie> ~ offering ~
<Turrie> Just come with me.
Veraik blinks then zlins the situation.
Briel grabs at Frutata and motions to Voopy.
<Purfor> Ah, but do they understand what donating means?
<Briel> Come with me.
Briel holds out a hand to the Gen, tentacles sheathed.
Frutata suffers Briel's iron grip calmly ~~support~~
<Turrie> They do - that is why they have come to the Center after all.
<Purfor> Do they know that there is more to it than a monthly check?
Voopy stares at Briel like a deer in headlights.
<Turrie> Please come with me. ~~selyn available here~~
Veraik steps forward. "I think they do."
<Purfor> Do they understand that my life depends on them continuing to do it?
<Purfor> Or are they just coming for a once-yearly Faith Day donation?
<Turrie> I'm sure that they do. [takes the Sime by the arm and attempts to lead him from the lobby]
<Turrie> In the mean time you are scaring them - we don't want that do we?
<Briel> Come with me....
Briel softly, cajolingly to the Gen.
<Voopy> J-j-j-just for a d-d-d-d-d-onation?
Purfor takes a step or two in the direction Turrie urges.
<Briel> That's exactly right.
<Briel> Just for a donation.
Briel smiles
Veraik blocks Voopy's view of Purfor.
Briel thinks just to get him out of here before he incites panic in all the others around him.
Mostan finally finishes, having put off the inevitable as long as he can.
<Veraik> Briel is very good.
Turrie shows a bright attractive field for the renSime.
<Mostan> ready, Eliza.
<Veraik> It's just for a donation.
<Purfor> It's not just a commercial transaction, you know. It keeps people alive.
Briel resists looking at Veraik in utter shock
<Purfor> It keeps the peace between the Territories.
Eliza jumps up
<Purfor> But only if enough Gens are willing to participate.
<Eliza> Sure - lets go. [stands back to let Mostan go first]
<Briel> Down the hall over there... [points]
<Turrie> They are - and will continue to be so if we don't scare or hurt them.
<Turrie> Threatening to attack isn't a good way to ensure continuing donations.
Voopy heads confusedly in that direction, looking over his shoulder several times. ~~worried~~
Purfor follows Turrie's Gen projection, in the mistaken view that it's one of the Gens from the waiting room.
Briel follows the Gen.
<Veraik> Turrie. Why don't you take Purfor for his transfer?
<Purfor> But you have to know how much depends on it.
Briel keeps herself between the Gen and the nut.
<Purfor> Faith Day isn't just another holiday.
<Turrie> An excellent idea Controller
Turrie leads the renSime into a transfer room and closes the door.
<Purfor> It's a social contract.
<Turrie> No - it's not just another holiday.
<Turrie> ~ offering ~
Briel opens the door to a donation room.
<Briel> Right in here.
Voopy goes in.
Clerk looks at the Controller and wonders if he can sneak out for a while.
Turrie leads Purfor to the transfer couch and sits him down.
<Turrie> ~ promise of life ~
<Purfor> There are too many of you....
<Briel> Now, what is your name?
Briel pushes the door closed and goes over to the donation couch.
Purfor zlins something not quite perfectly Gen, and forces himself duoconscious.
<Voopy> Harvish Vooperian, ma'am.
Turrie is glad she locked the door.
Mostan goes out and turns towards the Gen Wing.
Purfor sees that his only audience is a channel, and lunges for Turrie, tentacles extended.
Veraik looks at the Clerk.
Briel realizes she is still holding onto Frutata and releases him.
Clerk looks down at his work.
Purfor draws selyn voraciously.
<Frutata> ~~soothing~~
Turrie reaches out to him and allows contact.
<Turrie> ~~ giving ~~
<Frutata> You're doing fine. [very softly so the Gen won't hear]
<Turrie> ~~reaching fulfillment~~
<Turrie> ~~joy~~
Veraik goes to the board and changes the schedule so that he will have the afternoon off.
Purfor delights in the life he receives.
Briel looks around, finds a chart--already filled out... and flips the sheet over and writes on it.
Briel can't believe she forgot to grab a chart
<Briel> And have you donated before?
Veraik then goes back to the board and changes it back.
Turrie waits for the renSime to finish
Purfor 's draw slows as he tries to find a place to stuff just a few more dynopters.
Veraik loiters in the lobby hoping for a transfer to appear so he can take his mind off sex.
<Voopy> Yes, ma'am.
Briel nods
<Turrie> ~~joy~~
<Turrie> ~~ joy, peace and love~~
Briel fills it out.
<Briel> Now, all I am going to do is take your arms in mine... I'll wrap my tentacles around them, and then I want you to count to fifteen.
Voopy nods.
<Voopy> Yes, ma'am.
Purfor finally can take no more, and lets the flow stop entirely.
Yowza enters the Sime Center's lobby.
<Purfor> ~~relief and joy~~
Briel takes Voopy's arms in hers and wraps her tentacles around them.
Veraik zlins Yowza.
Yowza goes to the front desk.
<Veraik> ~ heart beats hard ~!
<Yowza> ~~young curvaceous babe with a high field but seems a little... frustrated~~
Purfor grins in delight, breaking lip contact.
<Yowza> Hi, [to clerk] I'm here to donate.
Briel watches warily waiting... zlinning.
<Yowza> It's been a few weeks since my first one.
<Purfor> Thank you, ma'am.
Voopy wonders why it's taking so long
<Briel> Now we'll touch lips, I'll draw, and you count.
Mostan leads Eliza down to a donation room.
Veraik goes to the Gen.
Briel leans into the donor and touches lips.
<Purfor> That was very nice.
Voopy starts counting, lips moving.
<Turrie> No problem I'm sure.
Purfor sheathes his laterals and releases his grip.
<Turrie> We have some forms to fill out - you can do that yourself. I would like an explanation of that show in the lobby though please.
Yowza takes the donation form from the clerk then looks up as Veraik approaches.
Purfor grins even more broadly, and reaches into his pocket for a card.
<Yowza> Hi.
Briel draws from the first level, slowly, carefully, taking the selyn until she reaches his limit then she sits back and slowly releases him.
Briel ~~ relief ~~
<Purfor> Purfor Manzart, specialist in the dramatic arts.
Eliza enters the room behind Mostan
<Eliza> Now Mos - you were going to tell me about transfer rings?
Mostan carefully closes the door and goes over to sit on the transfer couch.
<Turrie> I see. So you were terrorizing the Gens who had come to donate for purely dramatic reasons?
<Mostan> I was told I was a renSime at my changeover.
Eliza nods.
<Mostan> So I was on Channel's transfer.
Purfor is delighted that Turrie understands.
<Purfor> Yes! I take an improvisational approach, attempting to use drama to involve my audience in spontaneous responses.
Briel takes a slip and fills it out.
<Voopy> Ah.... [relieved]
<Mostan> It wasn't enough for me.
Briel gives the slip to Voopy.
<Voopy> Thank you.
Turrie wonders if anyone would believe a broken neck could occur from a fall off the couch.
Eliza listens attentively.
<Briel> Take this to the cashier and she'll fill it.
<Purfor> Those Gens have probably not thought about what happens to the selyn they donate in years, if at all.
<Mostan> But the Tecton doesn't allow renSimes to have Direct Gen Transfer.
Eliza thinks that is dreadfully wrong but doesn't comment
<Turrie> You realise you risked several lives, as well as the possibility that some of those very generous Gens may not return to the Center again?
Veraik waits for the Gen to fill out the form.
<Mostan> Soooooo... I made my own arrangements.
<Purfor> My art shows them the meaning of their actions, in a personal fashion because it involves them.
Yowza goes to a couch and sits, crossing her legs.
<Eliza> Like what?
Yowza fills out the form.
Veraik smiles with interest towards the Gen.
<Turrie> I see.
Yowza smiles back.
<Mostan> I knew that a Gen was what I really wanted.
Purfor nods happily.
<Turrie> Well here are the forms - would you please be so kind as to fill them out here at the desk - I would like someone else to umm see you act.
<Turrie> I'll be right back.
<Purfor> Thank you very much for participating in my show.
Turrie leaves the room, locking the door behind her and heads back to the lobby.
Turrie walks over to Veraik.
<Turrie> Excuse me Controller - I have a situation that I need your advice on if you would.
Mostan shrugs. "I found a Gen who wasn't satisfied with channels either. Donating to them, that is."
Briel pushes open the door and allows Voopy to leave.
Purfor scribbles on the forms, then dances over to the door.
Veraik watches the Gen, drinking in her curves.
Voopy thanks her again, turning his hat around and around in his hands.
Veraik turns to Turrie.
Eliza can imagine this situation as well and nods.
<Veraik> Yes.
<Briel> Right down this hall
Briel indicates
Voopy hurries away toward the Bursar's window.
<Voopy> [as if the nine hounds of hell were after him]
Briel looks at Frutata and sighs, then heads back toward the lobby
<Mostan> And the next time I was in need, we tried transfer ourselves.
Purfor grabs the handle, twists, and discovers it is locked.
Frutata accompanies Briel
<Purfor> Now, that wasn't friendly.
<Turrie> If you would Controller. Down in transfer room 3.
<Mostan> Of course, under Tecton law, this made me a criminal.
Briel strides into the lobby, zlinning.
<Eliza> Oh and?
Briel looks around for the other Sime, relieved he is gone.
<Mostan> Which is why I didn't want to talk about it in public.
<Eliza> But you didn't kill them did you?
Veraik looks at the Gen then at Turrie.
Briel zlins the undercurrents and pauses.
<Briel> What happened to the other Sime?
Yowza studiously goes back to filling out her forms, though her body is still paying attention to Veraik.
<Veraik> ~~Hyper~~
Purfor decides to act out his anger.
<Turrie> The other Sime is filling out paperwork at the moment.
Purfor grabs the fire ax from the wall and smashes the lock.
Purfor feels much better.
Briel zlins, jumping.
Turrie hears the crash and turns and runs under augmentation back to the locked room.
Briel augments down to the room.
<Mostan> No. I didn't. It was wonderful. Better than any channel I'd had.
Turrie throws open the door.
<Turrie> Just what do you think you are doing now?
<Briel> Shen!
Purfor dances out of the room, nodding happily to Turrie and Briel.
<Purfor> Good day to you.
Briel skids in after Turrie.
Veraik takes a step towards the Gen while watching Turrie and Briel.
<Eliza> Then why were you a criminal?
Frutata runs after Briel.
Veraik turns to look at the Gen.
Turrie grabs the renSime, twists his arm painfully behind his back and walks him back into the room
<Veraik> Hello. I'm Veraik.
<Briel> Turrie!
<Veraik> You are here for a donation?
<Turrie> I don't believe we were finished.
Briel [sharply]
Yowza looks up again.
<Purfor> Hey!
<Mostan> Because renSimes can't take transfer from Gens.
<Yowza> Yeah. I am.
<Purfor> ~~indignant~~
Turrie deposits the renSime back on the couch.
Briel looks in Turrie in outrage.
<Mostan> If they are hurt or not has nothing to do with it's legality.
<Turrie> You can not break up Center equipment I'm afraid - just isn't done.
Veraik smiles and holds out a tentacle for the paperwork.
Yowza offers Veraik the papers.
<Briel> Uh, Turrie
<Purfor> But art is all about challenging such assumptions!
<Veraik> Yowza?
<Turrie> Controller I hope you are feeling well.
Briel moves forward, motioning for Frutata to support Turrie.
<Veraik> This way Yowza.
Yowza is thrilled that Veraik pronounced it right.
<Briel> I am fine.
<Mostan> So we kept doing it.
<Briel> And you?
<Yowza> You're awfully good with names.
<Turrie> I'm afraid that you have challenged more than enough assumptions here today.
<Briel> Why don't you let me handle this....
<Eliza> I don't see any problem with that.
Veraik calls over his shoulder. "Place us in Donation Room 5 Clerk."
<Eliza> I don't see why it's illegal.
Yowza gets up from the couch.
Clerk nods.
<Veraik> Thank you.
<Veraik> I try.
<Mostan> But then I started getting dissatisfied.
<Eliza> Why?
Turrie steps back "of course Controller"
Briel smiles.
<Mostan> In retrospect, my speed and capacity were increasing faster than hers.
Turrie places herself in the doorway - just in case.
<Briel> Now, uh... [can't remember his name]
<Briel> Why don't you tell me why you felt the desire to break down our door?
<Mostan> So I went looking for another Gen who was interested....
<Eliza> Are they hard to find?
<Mostan> Well, not in the trans community. Everyone's a rebel there.
<Purfor> It wasn't working. I tried to open it, and the door wouldn't budge.
<Mostan> But My first Gen didn't like stopping. She said she wanted transfer and was going to get it, no matter how.
<Purfor> ~~innocence~~
<Turrie> I think that is because the door was locked.
<Briel> The door was locked?
<Purfor> No! Did you really like my performance so much?
<Purfor> I assure you, if you wanted an encore, all you had to do was ask.
Briel rubs at her neck.
<Turrie> It wasn't the performance so much as the content.
<Briel> Okay, Purfor. Get out. But do not come back to this center or I'll have you arrested. Is that understood?
<Mostan> One thing to remember is I thought I was a renSime. I thought all the other renSimes were having the same lousy transfers from channels I was.
Purfor bows stiffly.
Alea heads down the hall and sees Turrie.
<Alea> What are you doing here? I thought you had the day off?
<Purfor> There are more than enough people who appreciate art. I won't perform for an artistically deaf audience.
Purfor sweeps past Briel and Turrie, and heads back down the hall to the lobby.
<Turrie> That is a dangerous person.
<Turrie> Hello Alea - I thought that I did also.
<Purfor> [muttering] What gall, to censor art!
<Eliza> So what happened then?
<Briel> You're off?
<Briel> Well, go, then Turrie.
<Briel> If you don't take your time, you'll never get it.
<Turrie> Thank you Controller, but I find I have nothing better to do anyway. I may go for a walk perhaps.
<Briel> That's fine.
Briel nods, looks at the door and rubs at her neck.
Turrie heads back to the lobby, definitely not following Purfor....
<Mostan> I set her up with Tarsh. I wanted to help him. And keep her from getting hurt.
<Eliza> I see
<Mostan> And that seemed to go well....
<Mostan> And one thing led to another. People started hearing about it.
Frutata places his fingers momentarily on Briel's neck.
<Frutata> ~~support~~
Briel nods her thanks.
<Eliza> This sort of thing goes on all the time????
<Mostan> No. It is illegal.
<Eliza> But if no one gets hurt WHY is it illegal?
<Mostan> I started managing it to try and keep anyone from getting hurt.
<Eliza> If every Sime had a Gen companion you wouldn't need to have Centers.
Briel smiles at Frutata.
<Briel> Thank you for the support.
<Mostan> Again in retrospect, I was matching them up by speed and capacity.
<Briel> I can't believe he just destroyed the door like that
<Mostan> And weeding out the ones who weren't suited to it.
Mostan sighs.
<Mostan> That is what I thought.
Alea heads on down the hall.
<Eliza> Well I agree with you - what's the catch?
<Mostan> But the Tecton is completely against that.
Alea looks at her foot and knows she can't go skating.
Frutata studies the door.
Alea wonders what she can do now that she has free time.
<Mostan> The Tecton says that many Gens couldn't give transfer.
Briel chuckles suddenly.
<Briel> Shen... an artist!
<Briel> They're all crazy.
<Mostan> Which is certainly true. Many Gens can't remain fearless.
<Eliza> But there are more Gens than Simes.
<Eliza> So the ones that can't - well just needn't!
<Mostan> They say that if renSimes are conditioned to expect Gen transfer, they will be more likely to attack a Gen who isn't willing.
<Eliza> I don't see that that is so though.
<Eliza> I mean if they are used to the Gen being willing isn't that what they would continue to want?
<Mostan> Ask Tarsh. He came here and got tangled up with Alea.
<Eliza> But they aren't matched.
<Mostan> And he almost killed some Gens who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
<Eliza> Oh.
<Eliza> So what happened?
<Eliza> How did you both end up here?
Frutata smiles.
<Mostan> Eliza, I can't really explain the Tecton's, because I don't understand it myself.
<Mostan> I don't really agree with it but that is how the Tecton is.
<Mostan> I kept looking for a permanent transfer mate. And not finding one.
<Eliza> What if you found one now?
<Mostan> Chronic shorted transfers made me sick.
<Mostan> Eventually I came to Tarsh, to get help from the Tecton.
<Eliza> How do you tell if someone is matched to you or not?
Mostan had hoped he already had....
<Mostan> Then they told me here I was a channel. That they would give me Donors matched to me.
<Mostan> But I had to work for them.
<Mostan> Channels can measure it. They have the sensitivity.
<Mostan> That's what we are always writing down on those forms.
<Eliza> Are we matched?
Alea turns and goes up the stairs.
Alea is grinning broadly.
<Briel> Frutata, would you like some tea.
<Briel> It looks like things have slowed down.
Alea looks around hoping no one sees her go in Tarsh's room.
Alea sneaks open the door and slips in.
<Frutata> That would be nice.
Briel nods.
Frutata thinks Briel could use some quiet time
Briel walks down the hall
<Briel> How are you adjusting to here, Frutata?
<Mostan> We're close. Actually you overmatch me a bit.
<Eliza> So we could leave.
<Frutata> I do miss my homeland.
Alea digs through Tarsh's closet.
Mostan looks up. "What?"
<Frutata> One day when the weather changes it will be safe to attempt the voyage home.
<Eliza> Isn't that what you were looking for?
Briel ~~ sad ~~
Alea finds a pair of dirty socks.
<Alea> eeeeuuuuwwwww
Alea tosses them over her shoulder.
<Mostan> I'd given up.
<Eliza> ~~need to be needed~~
<Eliza> ~~desire to share~~
Mostan inhales and zlins Eliza.
Alea moves his boots, books....
Alea pauses, her eyes widening over one book.
<Alea> Oh, my....
Alea hadn't seen this one.
<Mostan> Eliza ....
Eliza moves closer.
Alea reads the first four or five pages....
Alea tosses it over with the other books.
Mostan's arms come up and reach for Eliza of their own accord.
<Eliza> ~~desire for transfer~~
Eliza holds out her hands to Mostan
Mostan grasps Eliza's arms and his laterals slide out automatically.
<Eliza> ~~joy~~
Briel goes into the cafeteria.
Frutata accompanies her.
<Briel> Your country sounds beautiful.
Alea digs through the closet some more until she finds what she is looking for.
Eliza throbs with desire to serve Mostan.
<Frutata> I hope that it is still as beautiful as it was when I left. ~~regret, hidden~~
Alea smiles, slips it in her pocket and then leaves the room.
Briel pauses by the tea.
<Briel> I hope for that too.
Frutata smiles at Briel.
Mostan is hyperconscious as he leans forward.
Alea goes down the stairs and out the front door.
Eliza is a glowing field of joy.
Alea makes a u-turn, goes back in gets her cape, shivering, and scarf, puts them on, then leaves.
Mostan pauses.
Eliza allows Mostan to pull her forward.
Briel pours her a cup of tea and looks at Frutata.
<Briel> Would you like one?
Alea goes down the cleaned sidewalk and turns toward the docks.
Mostan forces himself duoconscious.
<Eliza> Mostan?
<Frutata> Yes, thank you.
Alea smiles to herself as she goes down the street.
Mostan watches Eliza as trautholo makes his need a distant thing.... 1
<Mostan> Eliza... it is... too soon.
Alea looks for that metal shop.
<Eliza> ~~ need to be needed ~~
<Eliza> But why?
<Eliza> I need this - so do you!
<Mostan> I... I... we aren't scheduled for several days yet.
<Eliza> Scheduled!!!
<Eliza> How can you schedule this?
<Mostan> If we break the rules, they'll....
<Eliza> Rules?
<Eliza> They'll what?
<Mostan> They won't assign us to each other again.
Alea looks around for the specialty shop, fingering the small emblem in her pocket.
Eliza looks at Mostan. "How do you have Rules and Schedules for this? How can you allow them to say who you can have and who you can't have? Or who you sleep with or who you can't for that matter?"
<Mostan> I....
<Mostan> ~~ conflicted ~~
<Mostan> I don't know what to do....
<Eliza> What do you want to do?
<Eliza> Don't you want me?
<Mostan> Of *course* I do!
<Mostan> More than anything!
<Eliza> ~~relaxes~~
<Eliza> But not now....?
<Mostan> We... we should wait. Early transfers aren't satisfactory. Not as good as waiting out the full cycle....
Eliza hesitates then makes her nager [regretfully] go flat and grey.
Jirelle tags after Alea, keeping an eye on the Gen and checking out the candle vendors as they pass various booths.
Mostan exhales and leans back.
Arcadia follows about six paces behind them, reading a book.
<Mostan> Thank you.
Mostan withdraws his laterals.
Alea finds the metal worker she wants.
<Alea> Here it is, Jirelle.
Mostan puts his arms around Eliza.
<Arcadia> [The Erotic Initiation of Hajene V.]
Eliza cautiously lets a little ~~support~~
<Jirelle> Oh! good, I'm glad you found it.
Mostan puts his head on Eliza's shoulder.
Eliza sighs sadly.
<Eliza> If you are sure you want to wait.
<Eliza> But I don't understand why they should totally rule our lives....
<Mostan> I love you Eliza.
<Alea> I'll be right out....
Alea goes inside.
<Eliza> As long as you take donations and give transfers - what business is it of theirs what else you do?
<Mostan> And I wish it didn't have to be this way....
<Eliza> You what?
Eliza stops. No one has ever said that to her before.
<Mostan> I wish it didn't have to be this way?
Alea pulls the object out of her pocket and hands it to the clerk.
<Eliza> No.
<Eliza> Before that.
<Mostan> Oh. I love you.
Alea explains exactly what she wants done.
Eliza sits down suddenly.
Jirelle sees an interesting jewelry stand and wanders off
<Eliza> You -love- me?
Alea nods, pulls out half of the money promising the rest upon completion.
Mostan eases her drop.
Eliza remembers that Mostan is in need.
Arcadia utterly fails to notice they stopped, and keeps walking, reading in fascination.
Alea smiles with satisfaction.
<Arcadia> ~~lust~~
<Mostan> Yes.
Arcadia is drawing a few zlins as she walks down the street.
<Eliza> Mos, you shouldn't say things like that when you are in need.
<Mostan> All right. When should I say it?
Eliza remembers what Alea said about post reaction and thinks that that isn't a good time either.
<Eliza> I have no idea.
Jirelle fingers some costume jewelry and waits for Alea to reappear.
Bbob zlins Arcadia.
<Bbob> Hey... baby!
Bbob strolls forward, grinning.
Eliza smiles at Mostan. "Maybe you should say it all the time."
Arcadia is panting and turning pages as she walks
<Arcadia> Oh... yeah... huh? Oh hi.
LibbyWhor zlins lusts.
Arcadia ignores Bbob after that first greeting, in favor of the book.
Mostan moves back. "Eliza ... you ... you mean...."
Bbob reaches out for the book.
LibbyWhor runs a tentacle down the arm of the lady with the lust in her nager.
<Bbob> I'm better than any ol' book, sugar.
<Bbob> Hey.
Bbob zlins Libby Whore....
Eliza leans forward and kisses Mostan.
Arcadia pauses for a moment to look at the cover, which shows a handsome young man with his eyes closed in an expression of ecstatic sensory awareness, bare from the waist up, hidden from the waist down.
Alea comes back out of the store and looks around.
Arcadia looks up at Bbob again; he does not compare favorably with the book cover.
Jirelle fails to notice Alea as she becomes aware that her Donor is missing once again.
Bbob is short round oily looking Sime.
LibbyWhor zlins Bbob.
<Jirelle> Oh no!
Mostan is happily surprised and tries to return the kiss as well as need permits.
<LibbyWhor> Back off. She's mine.
Jirelle zlins about, finally spots Alea.
Bbob backs off, holding up his hands, book still in one.
Bbob looks at the cover, drops it, gaping.
Arcadia retrieves the book with relief.
<Bbob> There ain't no real man that looks like that.
Bbob sniffs and walks off.
Arcadia wouldn't have wanted to miss the best bit.
<Alea> Jirelle!
Eliza puts her arms around Mostan's neck. "It will be ok Mostan - everything will be fine."
Alea hurries toward her.
Jirelle hurries over to Alea.
<Alea> where is Arcadia?
<Jirelle> Do you see Arcadia?
Alea looks around bewildered.
<Alea> No.
LibbyWhor ignores the Sime and continues to run a tentacle down Acadia's arm.
<Jirelle> Oh, I don't know where she is either.
Alea realizes Jirelle is upset
<Jirelle> Maybe she saw something interesting and is going to check it out and will be right back?
Alea ~~ soothing confidence ~~
<Alea> We'll find her.
<Alea> Yes, that's possible
Jirelle trying to think of some legitimate reason why a Donor would leave her channel on a public street.
<Jirelle> Or... maybe she saw some poor person that needed her help. Yes, that's it.
Mostan puts his arms around Eliza's waist.
<Alea> Perhaps I can walk with you and you can zlin.
Eliza feels giddy.
<Alea> We won't go too far.
<Jirelle> Oh, Arcadia is too kind and generous to ever let a poor helpless injured or sick person go without help....
<Alea> I'm sure she is.
Eliza lets her field wash over Mostan.
<Jirelle> And now I feel guilty for having ever thought anything else about why she might be missing....
<Alea> Please, Jirelle, I'm sure no one will mind your momentary lapse.
<LibbyWhor> Oh baby. I don't know what you are reading but why don't you come with me and you can read it out loud.
Mostan basks in the heavenly nager.
<Jirelle> Oh.. I hope not... but then, everybody at the Center is far too kind and generous to ever mind anything I might do... and I'm so happy to be here because of that....
<Arcadia> Wow!
<Arcadia> Okay.
Arcadia has never met anybody who was interested in her literature before.
<Alea> Jirelle. We need you.
<Alea> You are important to us.
Jirelle blinks
LibbyWhor wraps a tentacle around a wrist. "We'll have lots a fun."
<Jirelle> Oh, of course I never doubted the great kindness and generosity of welcome you have always shown me here in Bender Cove.
<Mostan> Eliza. Thank you.
<Jirelle> And I have felt so very much needed, and well-used, since coming here.
Alea blinks.
<Alea> Of course.
<Eliza> What for?
<Jirelle> And I really appreciate you letting me know again.
<Mostan> We'll... think of something.
<Alea> Well then, let's go find Arcadia, shall we?
Alea wonders if she was like that when she was younger.
LibbyWhor leads Arcadia to her 'house'.
Arcadia manages to restrain herself from reading during the trip back.
<Arcadia> This is where you live?
Arcadia thinks it's a bit... gaudy.
<LibbyWhor> Yes.
<Mostan> Everything. Just for being you.
Arcadia looks again. Maybe "bawdy" instead of "gaudy"
<LibbyWhor> Come dear. I want some of what you are reading.
<Alea> Which way should we go?
Arcadia follows Libby.
Alea ~~ support ~~
Eliza blushes and tries to be professional.
<Jirelle> Hmmm... well, why don't we keep going the way we were, for a little bit, and ask people if they've seen her?
<Jirelle> ...or zlinned her [adds]
Eliza remembers what Alea said and freezes.
<Eliza> ~~fear~~
<LibbyWhor> Would you like something to drink?
<Alea> Sounds great.
<Mostan> What is it?
Eliza decides that Alea just has to be wrong
<Eliza> Nothing.
Jirelle walks with Alea, zlinning the crowd in an attempt to locate her wayward -- no, hard working and dedicated -- Donor.
Alea walks down the street with Jirelle.
<Arcadia> Sure.
<Alea> You know, it's quite possible she was reading.
Jirelle winces.
<Alea> You know we've had to grab her twice to keep her from getting run over.
<Alea> She might have just kept walking and could be in the bay by now.
<Jirelle> And there are so many needy people here who could require assistance of the sort a Donor could provide... [babbling]
<Alea> And her book would be all wet.
<Jirelle> And she IS so kind, and helpful, not to mention attentive,
Alea sighs
LibbyWhor makes a glass of cold tinari and adds a little something to relax Arcadia.
<Alea> And she'd still be reading.
Mostan sighs. "We should get on with taking those donations, I suppose."
Jirelle is in denial about Arcadia's book habit.
<Alea> Down at the bottom of the bay, staring at that book.
Alea shakes her head at the image
<Jirelle> What??
<Jirelle> ~~alarm!~~
Alea ~~ soothing ~~
<Alea> I was only kidding, Jirelle.
<Jirelle> Oh!
<Eliza> Yes.
Jirelle tries to laugh.
<Jirelle> Oh of course! I'm so silly.
Eliza straightens up
<LibbyWhor> Here you are Arcadia.
<Alea> You are not silly. You are a wonderful young lady.
<Arcadia> Oh, thank you!
LibbyWhor settles in.
Arcadia sets the drink aside and opens her book.
<Arcadia> Oh... where do you want me to start?
<LibbyWhor> Please read your book to me. I can zlin how it makes you feel and I want some.
Alea sees a vendor.
<LibbyWhor> Anywhere.
<Arcadia> Okay.
LibbyWhor sits next to her.
Arcadia opens it to the beginning of her favorite part.
LibbyWhor goes hyper.
<Arcadia> "V-- 's skin shivered in ecstatic sensation as her hot, smooth hands slid over his biceps, tying the cool smooth silk around his limbs."
Arcadia loves this part
LibbyWhor pants lightly, imagining the painted word pictures.
<Arcadia> "His post-transfer senses heightened to almost unbearable sensitivity, he is alternately tormented and pleasured by the feel of the bonds stroking across his wrists and tentacles"
<Arcadia> ~~pleasure~~
LibbyWhor catches her breath and slides a tentacle around her waist.
Arcadia is blissfully unaware of how badly written the book is.
Alea goes over to the vendor.
Arcadia turns a page.
<Alea> We are looking for a Tecton Donor... carrying a book... possibly reading?
<Vendor> Ah... welll now... letmetellyou... I think I saw someone going down that way....
Alea looks at Jirelle.
<Alea> Shall we try that way?
<Arcadia> "'You will call me Mistress, now,' said the enchantress as she slipped the chain around his throat. 'I was Gen for you, now you will be Gen for me.'"
<Arcadia> "As she said this, she caressed his body with hers, a teasing hint of what was hers to give or withhold at whim"
LibbyWhor leans her face against the Donor's arm, zlinning her nager and lusts which in turn builds her own to a singing high pitch.
Arcadia drinks some of her drink.
LibbyWhor caresses Arcadia as she reads and builds the emotional bonding of lust.
Arcadia is feeling a bit loose.
Arcadia turns another page.
Alea goes on down the street.
LibbyWhor slides a tentacles into Arcadia's hair and up through the neck muscles.
<Arcadia> "Her lips, full and moist, descended to touch his own hungry mouth, honey-sweet, knowing."
Arcadia moves the book since Libby is obscuring it.
LibbyWhor reaches over and kisses Arcadia's cheek.
Arcadia holding it over her head: "At once his passion aroused, and he flung himself against the bonds, only to be brought up short; she allowed his straining body the briefest of pressings against her lithe form, then drew back to sit above him in her full splendour"
Jirelle hurries after Alea, zlinning in all directions.
Arcadia has an idea and reaches into her bag.
<Arcadia> You'll really like this one.
Arcadia pulls out "Farris Stallion"
LibbyWhor licks Arcadia's neck. "Oh yes."
Arcadia opens it to her favorite part
<LibbyWhor> Farris? I know a lovely Farris.
<Arcadia> "Shedoni! The guy was hung like a horse! Sosu Lanette thought to herself, things are certainly looking up!"
Arcadia is finding Libby's attentions a bit distracting.
<Arcadia> Oh... really?
<LibbyWhor> Farrises are usually hung like a horse.
<Arcadia> I don't know any male Farrises.
Arcadia thinks not for lack of interest though!
<LibbyWhor> I've known several and would like to know a certain Farris female someday.
<LibbyWhor> But let's not talk about that.
<Arcadia> Several? ~incredulous~
<LibbyWhor> What about you?
<Arcadia> A female? ~confused~
<Arcadia> I have met some Farrises, but they're all women.
<LibbyWhor> Yes. A female.
bbob zlins the channel and Gen coming down the street and grins.
<bbob> Hey baby... [to Jirelle]
<LibbyWhor> There have been male Farris's in Bender Cove.
Alea is beginning to limp, her foot is hurting.
Alea glares at Bbob.
bbob backs off.
<bbob> You're as bad as that other one. [mutters]
<Alea> Other one?
Alea touches Jirelle's shoulder.
<Arcadia> They say... [starts, but then realizes she is about to gossip and stops]
<Alea> What other one?
bbob shuffles.
Jirelle looks around suddenly.
<Jirelle> What? oh.
LibbyWhor snuggles to Arcadia. "Read some more baby."
<bbob> Well... uh....
<Arcadia> Okay.
Arcadia picks up "Farris Stallion" again.
<bbob> Just some broad reading a book....
<bbob> She was downright antisocial until Libbywhore came along and took her home.
Jirelle zlins bbob and prudently uses Alea's field for protection.
<bbob> Guess she's just that type of Gen.
Jirelle zlins Alea's reaction to the name "Libbywhore" and wonders if she should be worried.
bbob shrugs and backs off.
<Alea> Oh shen.
Alea runs a hand down her face.
<Arcadia> "He put his hand on her shoulder in a possessive gesture, gazing at her luscious full lips...."
<Alea> I think we should just leave her on her own.
<Alea> She'll probably be fine.
Alea ~~ sweating ~~
Jirelle reluctantly concludes that Alea is probably right.
see note 2
Notes:
1) Is it possible to attain the state of trautholo without ending it in a transfer? [return]
2) This is a partial log. The absent part contains the remainder of the scene between Libby Whore and Arcadia. [return]