Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #159: Investigative Procedures (2/13/98)
Callin wanders into the Sime Center with her ubiquitous notebook, now much the worse for wear.
Callin looks around, hoping to see someone she recognizes.
Callin sees that the lobby is deserted, and is afraid that she came too early, and that the Sime Center isn't open yet.
Tamlen hears someone in the lobby and grabs his staff before going out there.
Tamlen sees it is some kid or young Gen he doesn't know.
Callin sees Tamlen, armed and presumably dangerous, and jumps in alarm.
Callin: Oh!
Tamlen casually swings the staff up behind his arm. "Good Morning. May I help you?"
Callin starts backing towards the door, just in case.
Tamlen: Is something the matter?
Callin pauses.
Callin: Err....
Callin: Is the Sime Center open yet?
Tamlen: Of course. We never close.
Callin: Oh.
Callin looks both relieved and alarmed.
Tamlen: People don't get sick by the clock.
Tamlen: This is a slow time of day though.
Callin: Um, err, I'm not sick, exactly.
Tamlen: Oh. Did you want to donate?
Callin nods shyly.
Callin: I thought it might help me write my Faith Day article for the school paper.
Callin: Sort of a human-interest, personal touch.
Tamlen: Ah, a Journalist!.
Tamlen: We'd be glad to help you.
Callin: And besides, I talked to a guy in the park the other day.
Callin flips to a page in her notebook.
Callin: A Mr. Perfor Manzart.
Callin: He got me thinking.
Tamlen: I don't know, him, sorry.
Callin: Well, he made it sound important. Donating, I mean.
Tamlen: He was right.
Tamlen: Donations are what the Tecton is about.
Callin is also a bit curious about some of the wildly conflicting stories she's heard about donating.
Tamlen: I'm sorry. I'm Tamlen Bobers TN-1, a professional Donor.
Callin: So, is there a channel who could....
Callin: Pleased to meet you, Mr. Bobers. I'm Callin.
Tamlen bows. "Miz Tallen."
Callin: It's Callin.
Tamlen blushes. "I'm so sorry, Miz Callin."
Callin wonders if Mr. Bobers is partially deaf from having channels stand on him during donations.
Callin: Are the channels still asleep?
Tamlen: Not all of them. They only sleep a few hours a night, like all Simes.
Callin: Oh.
Callin scribbles this information down in her notebook.
Tamlen: Let me check who is on duty now....
Callin: Ok.
Tamlen goes to look at the board.
Callin taps her pencil nervously against her notepad.
Callin scribbles a few more notes about the appearance of the lobby, then flips through some of the other pages.
Tamlen: Hajene Briel is on duty at the moment.
Tamlen: If you'll come with me, I think she is free now....
Callin reads over the notes on donating from her interviews, and sincerely hopes that donating is merely very strange, like Serrin said, rather than positively yucky like her uncle reported.
Callin then remembers that Serrin mentioned gooky wet stuff on the tentacles, and channels standing on people, and is less sure that she wants his account to be right.
Callin goes over to Tamlen, and her attention is caught by the writing on the board.
Callin: Are those squiggles Simelan writing?
Tamlen: Yes, they are. It's not that hard once you get the hang of it.
Tamlen: [quietly] "Of course the Simes always say we miss the nuances."
Briel shoves the excess paperwork across her desk and sighs
Briel looks at the mess on her desk and thinks about dumping it all in the trash.
Callin laboriously copies a few of the squiggles into her notebook.
Callin: It looks funny, not like letters at all.
Tamlen tries not smile at Callin writing down the sort of things Eliza has been saying....
Briel digs through the papers, finding exactly what she needs at the moment, then works on gathering the rest up.
Tamlen: It doesn't seem to relate to any of the Ancient languages.
Tamlen: Or so I was told by someone from Householding Frihill once.
Callin decides that Tamlen should know, since he must be old enough to have known the Ancients personally.
Briel pulls open a drawer, and shoves them all into a folder.
Callin points at her notes.
Callin: So, what does this mean?
wisesnake enters the Sime Center.
Tamlen: That right there means "selyn raising"
wisesnake walks over to the duty board and studies it.
wisesnake: Good grief... this makes no sense whatsoever. [mutters under her breath]
Briel tries to close the drawer, then scowls when it won't close.
Rapol enters behind wisesnake.
Callin jumps in alarm at Snake's sudden appearance.
Callin: Oh!
Tamlen is glad Snake is speaking Simelan.
wisesnake: [to B'cal and Rapol] Can you guys read this chicken scratch?
wisesnake is distracted by Gen alarm and looks around to see what the big deal is.
Rapol shifts to block Callin's nager.
Briel looks around, finds a folder and lays it over the mess to hide it.
Callin calms somewhat as she recognizes one of her interviewees.
B`cal sneers.
wisesnake waves at Callin then turns back to the schedule board.
Rapol peers at the board.
wisesnake: Whatever. You two see if you can find Turrie on here somewhere. I don't see anything that starts with a "T" at all.
Callin goes over to Snake.
Callin: Do you work here?
wisesnake goes over to the filing cabinets.
Callin blinks at being so thoroughly ignored.
B`cal straightens her jacket and moves with Snake.
wisesnake: Not really. [to Callin]
wisesnake stops.
Rapol: That looks like 'Durry' up there. [points]
wisesnake returns to study the board.
Rapol: Transport duty?
B`cal glares at Snake's back and follows.
wisesnake: Hmmm.. good eye. I thought that was "Bijmx".
Callin feels incipient whiplash as her head ping-pongs trying to follow Snake's movements.
wisesnake: What room does that say?
wisesnake squints.
Tamlen: [ english ]Yeah, Turrie is away for two days, taking some selyn further in-T.
Briel searches through the paperwork she has and find what she is looking for.
wisesnake: Oh.
wisesnake: Well, scratch plan A, then.
Briel straightens them all and then begins to write.
wisesnake turns back toward the cabinets.
B`cal blocks her.
wisesnake runs into B'cal.
wisesnake: Oof -- what?
B`cal glares at Snake.
B`cal: What are you doing?
B`cal: Back and forth back and forth... why?
Rapol had been wondering that himself....
wisesnake looks disgruntled and goes around B'cal
wisesnake: Good grief. I don't need this.
B`cal looks at Rapol and scowls.
Tamlen realizes he has to get Callin out before B'Cal has one of her snits.
B`cal gives him a 'if you were doing your job she wouldn't be this way' look.
wisesnake goes to the filing cabinets and locates the correct one.
Tamlen: Miz Callin, Hajene Briel's office is this way....
Callin sees Snake's nervous running around, and B'cal's scowl, and sidles over to Tamlen.
Callin: Is something wrong?
Briel looks at the paperwork she is trying to work on and shoves it away.
Callin: Oh.
wisesnake: Do you have a key to this? [to B'cal]
Callin follows Tamlen.
B`cal: No.
Tamlen: No, just some business discussion.
B`cal: Why would I have a key to it?
Tamlen leads Callin to Briel's door and signals.
Callin hopes that Hajene Briel won't run around so much, even if she does stand on her Donor.
Briel: Come!
wisesnake: Because you work here?
B`cal sneers.
B`cal: I work with you.
B`cal: I'm only ASSIGNED here.
wisesnake notes Tamlen is gone and slides her picks out of her pocket.
wisesnake: I see.
wisesnake: Good [adds after a moment]
wisesnake picks the lock on the cabinet
B`cal: But only for another week or so....
Briel half stands... zlins, then reseats herself.
B`cal adds snidely.
Tamlen opens the door. Hajene Briel, a Miz Callin is here from the Fourth Estate.
wisesnake nearly breaks a pick in half.
wisesnake leans against the cabinet, trying to keep calm.
Callin: Umm....
wisesnake reminds herself that B'cal doesn't act like this to be mean, she just can't help it.
Callin: Actually, I'm from Eastcove High.
B`cal smiles with satisfaction at Snake's reaction.
Briel: Hello, Callin. How may I help you?
Briel looks at Tamlen quizzically.
wisesnake finishes unlocking the cabinet and puts the tools away.
wisesnake pulls the cabinet open and slides Turrie's file out.
Rapol tries to remain calm while also amazed at yet another of Snake's talents.
Callin: Umm....
Callin isn't quite sure how to explain, especially since she isn't quite so sure that she wants to donate, after all.
Tamlen: She's writing an article about... Faith day, wasn't it?
wisesnake opens the thick file and pages through its contents, reading.
Callin then remembers all the stories she loves to read about intrepid reporters who do whatever is necessary to get the story.
Callin: Yes.
Tamlen tries to tell from Briel's field reaction if Callin has Established.
Callin: It's for the school paper.
Briel: Ah....
Briel: And Tamlen was filling you in on everything?
Callin: Well, sort of.
Briel gives Tamlen a slight nod.
Briel: I see.
Callin: I wanted to get, like, a personal angle on the subject, if you know what I mean.
wisesnake: Huh.
Tamlen moves to help offset Callin's Gen field.
Briel: Personal?
Briel zlins Callin.
Briel: Oh, you want to donate?
wisesnake: Well, she's certainly been assigned to a lot of places.
Callin: ~~apprehension, guilt~~
Callin: Umm... yes, kinda.
Briel crosses her hands, her tentacles moving nervously.
Callin is having trouble picturing Briel standing on Tamlen.
Tamlen is ~~ surprised ~~ thinking Callin wasn't the type.
Briel: Why don't you tell me what's bothering you?
Callin stares at the writhing tentacles, thinking they look as yucky as her uncle described.
Callin: Huh?
Briel forces herself to still.
Briel: What is bothering you, Callin?
Callin: Bothering me?
Rapol tries to figure the schedule board out while maintaining support for Snake.
Briel: Yes, bothering you.
Briel: what are you so nervous? guilty?
Callin: Nothing. It's just... I haven't done this before, and my uncle said it was pretty yucky.
wisesnake finishes reading it and thoughtfully puts the folder back in the cabinet
B`cal: Well? What does it say?? [snaps]
wisesnake jumps
wisesnake: Pretty much what she said. Many different assignments in many different locations, both in- and out-Territory.
wisesnake: A lot of political stuff, some teaching positions.
Rapol notes that these other channels don't seem to do anywhere near as much work as wisesnake.
Briel: Ah... well, I suppose it depends on what you consider yucky.
Callin notes that Briel didn't deny the yuckiness factor outright.
Callin: But this guy I interviewed in the park the other day... he really got me thinking.
Briel: Yes?
Callin flips to the proper page in her notebook.
wisesnake: [to B`cal] Well, I'll see you later then.
Callin: It was a Mr. Perfor Manzart. He was talking about how as a Sime he can't live unless Gens donate, and it got me thinking.
Callin: ~~more guilt~~
wisesnake: [to Rapol] come on... let's go check in at the Rendery and see what's available for healings.
Briel ~~ curious over guilt ~~
Rapol really wishes B'Cal would stop spooking Snake and making his job harder.
Callin: It made me think about how much I and everybody I know are sort of standing by, letting other Gens take care of the problem.
Rapol: Certainly.
Callin: I don't like being a slacker.
Briel: Well no one likes that.
Briel smiles encouragingly.
Tamlen: That's to your credit, Miz.
Callin squares her shoulders.
Callin: So I decided I wouldn't be one any more.
Briel: Great.
Briel ~~ Wary ~~~ though smiling.
Callin 's guilt fades as she makes the announcement, even as her apprehension grows.
Briel stands and eases over toward Tamlen.
Briel: Why don't we go take your donation then?
Callin: OK.
Callin sees Briel move towards Tamlen, and wonders if she plans to stand on him now.
Tamlen ~~ supports ~~ Briel.
Callin can't quite envision how Briel could possibly reach her with those possibly-yucky tentacles from that position, however.
Briel signals Tamlen to go with her and then motions to the door.
Briel: Right this way, Callin.
Callin also wonders if Briel is going to cook fried food for a Gen friend on Faith Day, and if so, whether that friend will paint red marks on his or her arms.
Briel goes down the hall to the donation rooms.
Callin follows Briel and Tamlen out the door.
Briel: You'll see we are quite busy with people coming and going, all wanting to donate.
Briel trying to encourage Callin and put her at ease.
Tamlen follows Briel.
Callin: Oh? The lobby was empty when I came in.
Briel shoves open a donation room door.
Briel: Right in here.
Callin: Come to think of it, it was pretty much empty the other day, when I came with my friend Nemip.
Briel: Ah yes, Nemip is doing quite well by the way.
Callin: Oh. I'm glad.
Briel motions to the couch.
Callin looks at the couch for a moment, bewildered.
Callin: I'm not sick.
Briel: The cooperation that was exhibited on Faith Day....
Briel pauses.
Briel: You wanted to give a donation, correct?
Callin remembers how urgently Hajene Turrie tried to get Nemip to sit on a similar couch for an examination.
Callin: Umm....
Callin: Well, yeah.
Callin thinks it over, and the light dawns.
Briel: Then please, sit down.
Briel smiles.
Briel: This is simply the way we take a donation.
Callin goes over to the couch and sits, wondering if it wouldn't work better if she stood, so that Briel could reach her from on top of Tamlen.
Callin pats the couch, to make sure that she'll be able to recall it well for her article, and finds a ball of fluff.
Tamlen moves over behind the other end of the couch.
Callin: Cat hair?
Briel scowls
Briel: We have a resident cat.
Briel does not like being reminded of the cat which reminds her of yesterday.
Callin is alarmed at the scowl.
Tamlen wonders what is bothering Briel.
Briel gaze snaps up to Callin's and her features smooth out.
Briel takes a deep breath.
Briel slowly releases it.
Briel: Now, about donating.
Briel: I'll simply take your arms and wrap my tentacles around them.
Briel: There is nothing to be alarmed about.
Briel: Okay?
Callin thinks about it a moment, deciding that it sounds more like Serrin's description than her uncle's, except for the bit about standing on a Donor.
Callin: All right.
Briel holds her hands out for Callin's hands.
Callin holds out her arms, complete with winter coat, heavy sweater, and flannel shirt..
Briel sighs.
Briel rubs at her head.
Briel: Please remove your coat.
Briel: and push up your sweater and shirt so your forearms show.
Callin: Oh!
Callin: ~~embarrassment~~
Briel waves a tentacle.
Briel: it's quite all right.
Tamlen moves around a bit so he can take Callin's coat.
Briel: No reason to be embarrassed.
Briel: This is your first time donating.
Briel attempts a smile.
Callin takes off her coat, and hands it to Tamlen.
Tamlen holds it over his arm.
Callin pushes up her sweater, and fumbles awkwardly with the cuffs of her shirt.
Callin: Darned buttons.
Tamlen is a bit surprised at a nice out-T girl using such language at her age.
Briel wonders what would happen if she just popped all the buttons off....
Callin finally gets one cuff to open, and laboriously rolls up the sleeve above her elbow.
Callin then starts in on the second, doubly awkward because she has to use her left hand for it.
Briel reaches out slips the button and shoves the sleeve up Callin's arm.
Briel: There you go.
Briel goes hypo in case she reacts adversely.
Callin blinks.
Callin: Your hands are burning hot.
Callin: Are you sick?
Briel: Sime temperature is higher than Gen's body temperature.
Briel holds out her hands.
Briel: Feel.
Callin reaches out and cautiously touches Briel's hand.
Callin: It is.
Callin pulls out her notebook to immortalize the observation.
Briel sighs thinking she should have just grabbed the girl's hands when she had the chance.
Callin finishes her notes and sets the notebook down.
Callin still thinks Briel looks unwell--thin and wasted, with circles under her eyes.
Callin recalls herself to business and holds her hands out, blushing.
Callin: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you waiting.
Briel smiles and takes Callin's hands, tentacles slithering out and slipping around Callin's arms firmly.
Briel goes duo, zlinning Callin again.
Callin tenses at the sensation, thinking that it's not quite as yucky as her uncle said, but it's yuckier than Serrin said.
Briel: The next step will be for us to touch lips. Just for a moment.
You won't feel a thing. Then, when I sit back, I'll be done.
Briel smiles tightly waiting for Callin to get used to it.
Tamlen watches Callin calmly.
Callin thinks about that for a moment.
Callin: All right.
Briel nods and leans forward placing her lips against Callin's and seating them firmly along with laterals.
Callin sees how calm Tamlen is, and decides that Briel probably won't be standing on him.
Briel waits....
Callin twitches at the feel of the lateral contact.
Briel begins to draw.
Callin decides that the tingly-wet feel of the ronaplin is probably what her uncle thought was so yucky.
Callin plays around with some other words for the feeling.
Briel draws as quickly as possible without causing any feeling of movement... then ebbs off.
Briel sits back and smiles.
Briel: All done.
Briel ~~ relief ~~
Callin wilts in relief at the news.
Briel: That wasn't so bad, was it?
Briel releases Callin's arms, retracting her tentacles.
Callin looks down at the wet smears on her arms, which are still tingling.
Tamlen hands Callin a towel.
Tamlen: Congratulations.
Callin: Thank you.
Callin takes the towel and scrubs at the wet spots.
Tamlen: You've just given a Sime life for the next month.
Briel snags an empty chart and fills out a voucher.
Callin looks up at Tamlen in surprise, then nods slowly.
Callin: I did, didn't I?
Tamlen: Yes, you did.
Briel tears off the voucher and hands it to Callin.
Tamlen: Luckier than me, I had to do it standing in the snow the first time.
Callin puts down the towel, looking at her arms.
Callin: You did?
Callin absentmindedly takes the voucher from Briel.
Briel smiles at Callin's reaction to Tamlen's statement.
Callin: Why were you in the snow?
Callin: Did the Sime Center burn down or something?
Tamlen: Yes. That was back during the Unity War up in the Rockies.
Callin 's reporter instincts are fully roused.
Tamlen: That was before Sime Centers.
Callin 's notebook appears like magic in her hands, open to a fresh page.
Callin: Would you tell me about it?
Tamlen: Sure, I'd be glad to.
Briel fills out the rest of what she knows on the chart.
Tamlen wonders if he should tell the whole story about his first transfer.
Briel stands and goes over to wash up.
Briel dries her arms.
Callin absently rubs her arm.
Callin: I got the stuff off, but it still tingles.
Tamlen: I was a one of Madison's Madmen then. The toughest guys in the whole Territorial Army. 1
Callin forgets the tingles and scribbles busily.
Tamlen: That's ronaplin, it helps the selyn conduction.
Callin: Oh. It feels weird.
Tamlen: You can wash up over there if you like.
Briel turns.
Callin: Thanks.
Callin moves to the sink and starts washing.
Briel moves over to Tamlen.
Briel: Please see that the rest of the information is filled out on this chart [low]
Tamlen: [low] ok.
Callin: So why did you donate, back then? I thought Madison's Madmen were Sime fighters?
Briel nods.
Briel: Excuse me, Callin. It was nice meeting you.
Briel smiles and nods to her.
Tamlen: That came later on in the story.
Callin: Oh. Goodbye.
Briel heads to the door.
Callin: Would you tell it to me from the beginning, then?
Briel leaves and goes back to her office.
Tamlen: Sure, if you want me to.
Callin smiles in anticipation, pencil poised.
Callin: It would be perfect for my article.
Tamlen: Come on, I'll show you where to cash your voucher.
Callin: All right.
Callin dogs Tamlen's heels, determined not to let him out of her sight until she has the story.
Tamlen walks along. "The Scouts told us that there was a big Sime army coming from the Northwest. We had to establish a blocking force to keep it from getting out of the mountains."
Callin nods in excitement.
Tamlen: We hoped we could push them into Nivet Territory, and solve the problem that way.
Callin: But Nivet Territory didn't want them?
Tamlen: No. Nivet Territory was in trouble too.
Tamlen: They didn't have enough Gens to kill, which was what they did then.
Callin shudders at the thought.
Tamlen: We were maneuvering when General Emstead showed up with a bunch of Simes to parley. From Nivet.
Callin: Simes? I bet that surprised General Madison.
Tamlen: The scuttlebutt had been that Emstead had gone turnie.
Tamlen: Yeah it did. They were under a flag of truce.
Tamlen: And they all had these fancy banners in all sorts of colors.
Callin: Banners?
Tamlen: Yeah. Nothing we'd ever seen before. Not from any Sime army unit.
Tamlen: Later we found out these were householding flags.
Callin: Householding flags?
Tamlen: This is Semla, she'll handle your voucher.
Semla: Hello. Thank you for donating.
Callin: Umm... Hello.
Tamlen: Yeah. Keon, Zeor, and others.
Semla: May I see your voucher?
Callin hands Semla the voucher.
Semla looks it over.
Tamlen: Do they teach you about Householdings in Eastcove?
Callin: A little bit.
Semla: Did you want that in Gen Territory or Sime territory money?
Callin: Gen Territory money, please.
Semla counts it out.
Tamlen: Well the Householdings had taken over Nivet Territory and stopped the other Simes from killing Gens.
Callin: They had?
Tamlen: Yes. Klyd Farris had taken over the Nivet Government for the Tecton.
Callin absently takes the pile of cash which Semla pushes her way, then blinks at the sum.
Callin: Are you sure this is right?
Semla looks at the voucher again, and recounts the money. "Yes, that's the fee for what Hajene Briel drew."
Semla: Don't worry it will be a little more next month.
Callin: Oh.
Callin isn't exactly sure that there's going to be a next month.
Semla: If you could sign here, please?
Callin signs where indicated.
Callin: So what did the Sime visitors want with General Madison?
Semla: Thank you.
Semla tears off a copy and gives it to her.
Semla smiles. "Thank you for supporting the Tecton."
Callin takes the copy and puts it into her pocket.
Tamlen: They said there was a Sime army coming from the northwest, which we knew.
Callin nods.
Tamlen: But they said it was bigger than we thought, and offered an alliance with the Nivet Army.
Callin: And General Madison agreed?
Tamlen: Well, that idea sounded pretty ridiculous....
Tamlen: But he did, yeah.
Tamlen: General Emstead and his son, who was with him, convinced him that the Householders were telling the truth.
Callin: So they went to Sime Territory to fight the invaders from Norwest Territory?
Tamlen: So we hooked up with the Nivet army. Which had us real nervous, let me tell you.
Callin: You didn't like being with the Simes?
Tamlen: Yes. To save the new Tecton system of not killing.
Tamlen: Well, we *had* been fighting them as long as anyone can remember.
Tamlen: I doubt the Simes liked it either... all those Gens with guns right next to their camp.
Callin: Oh. I don't suppose they would like it.
Tamlen: But orders were orders, so we moved out....
Callin is suddenly struck by a thought.
Callin: Did they order you to donate, so the Simes would have selyn?
Tamlen: Not right then, but later, yeah.
Callin: They don't mention that in the history books.
Callin: The books say it was voluntary.
Tamlen: We tried to mousetrap the Raiders near Shen, but they outsmarted us. They broke through and got past us headed for the Nivet Capital.
Tamlen looks thoughtful. He was low field for other reasons, but doesn't want to tell her that part of the story.
Tamlen: Then there was a blizzard and no one could move at all.
Callin: You were stuck there?
Tamlen: My unit got snowed in with Sime unit.
Tamlen: We would have been there till spring if some gypsies hadn't helped us sneak back to the Capital.
Callin scribbles busily.
Tamlen: So we were in the Nivet capital under siege by the raiders.
Tamlen: And like you get in a siege, supplies were short.
Callin: So they didn't have enough food or selyn?
Tamlen: We were running out of food, and the channels were running out of selyn.
Callin thinks.
Callin: That sounds dangerous.
Tamlen: Yeah we were getting worried....
Tamlen: The general was arguing with Kyld Farris, trying to get food. But they didn't have much.
Tamlen: So they cut a deal.
Tamlen: Simes don't have to eat every day, though they should to stay healthy.
Tamlen: A Sime can go weeks without eating and keep going, if she has selyn.
Callin: But she has to have selyn?
Tamlen has been walking down the hall towards the lobby.
Tamlen: Yes. A Sime has to get a transfer of selyn every month. If she doesn't, she'll die.
Callin: So what was the deal?
Tamlen: Or she'll attack any Gen she can get to, if there isn't a channel available.
Tamlen: The deal was that the Simes gave us all the food they had in the whole city.
Tamlen: And we were ordered to donate to the channels.
Tamlen: We didn't like the idea, but we had been fighting alongside these guys.
Tamlen: And we had to pay for the food, somehow.
Callin: So you did it?
Tamlen remembers what he said about snow.
Tamlen: Yes. We lined up out in the snow. The tenant went first, to prove it really was safe.
Tamlen: The channel was from some place called Imil we'd never heard of.
Callin is hanging on Tamlen's words.
Tamlen: She was a tiny little woman. None of us really believed that she was gonna hold the stuff from all 20 of us. But she did.
Callin: Were you scared?
Tamlen: Here it is. This is a chart of all the householdings, with their colors and banners. [points to chart on the wall]
Callin looks at the chart.
Tamlen: Yeah. Real scared. But the tenant went first, like I said, and he came back and showed us he was fine.
Tamlen: Had the medic check him just to be sure.
Callin: So the rest of you did it, too?
Tamlen: So the non-coms went next, and got checked too.
Tamlen: Yup. Though none of really believed they did anything.
Callin: And the medic said they were fine?
Tamlen: But you know how that is now.
Callin nods solemnly.
Tamlen: Yup. He couldn't see any effect at all. And he'd treated guys who had been almost killed.
Alea hurries down the hall and to the lobby.
Alea is smiling.
Alea snatches up her cloak and her scarf, then her gloves.
Tamlen: hello Alea.
Alea grins.
Alea: Well, hello Tamlen.
Alea slips the scarf around her head and tosses on her cloak.
Alea nods to Callin.
Alea: Hello, dear.
Tamlen: This is Alea Farris, another of our professional Donors.
Alea pulls on her gloves, working her fingers into them.
Callin: Pleased to meet you.
Tamlen: Alea, this is Miz Callin, our new General donor.
Alea smiles.
Alea: Congratulations!
Callin isn't surprised that people become professional donors, since it appears that donating pays very well indeed.
Callin: Err...Thank you.
Alea works the frogs on her cloak.
Alea: Callin and I have met, Tamlen.
Alea smiles at Tamlen.
Tamlen: Oh, really?
Alea: Is she interviewing you for the....
Alea: Yes.
Alea: The day after her friend changed over, and then after that.
Alea looks at Callin to see if she remembers.
Callin nods confirmation.
Alea finishes with the frogs, and stands there, wrapped head to toe in outerwear.
Alea: You took my advice and are interviewing Tamlen about Faith Day?
Tamlen looks at Alea, trying to ask what happened to the friend without speaking.
Alea ~~ polite inquiry ~~
Callin: Yeah. He's given me a lot of material.
Alea: Great.
Alea: Your friend is doing great, by the way.
Alea: He came through wonderfully, with Tamlen's help here.
Alea: And a channel named Snake... and Turrie.
Tamlen: I was just telling her that she was lucky, I gave my first donation standing in the snow.
Tamlen: Oh! Nemip was your friend?
Callin looks sad.
Callin: Yeah. We were supposed to be doing this article together.
Tamlen: So? You still can write it together.
Alea: You still could....
Alea smiles at Tamlen thinking they are thinking along the same line.
Tamlen: Nemip might not want to go to the presentation, though.
Alea: Well then, if you'll excuse me....
Tamlen: See you later Sosu Farris.
Alea: Have fun Callin.
Callin: Thanks.
Alea goes out the door smiling and humming.
Alea goes down the steps... the sidewalk and heads off down the street.
Tamlen: So that was the first Faith Day. Didn't have paper hats for it yet, that came later.
Tamlen smiles.
Alea breathes in the chilly air, and smiles.
Callin: Thank you for telling me about it, Mr. Bobers.
Alea goes down the streets, ignoring the houses of ill repute, the hawkers selling their items....
Alea continues on... enjoying the day on her way to visit Snake.
Callin: I really should go now, though.
Tamlen: It was my pleasure, Miz Callin.
Tamlen: Ok. See you next month?
Callin: Umm....
Alea is distracted by some children sliding down a hill on pieces of wood....
Callin thinks about it for a moment, then realizes that the Simes who depend on her selyn don't have a choice.
Callin: Sure.
Alea grins and climbs the hill, and convinces a child to let her go down with her.
Alea seats herself, pulls the girl in her lap and shoves off
Tamlen: I look forward to it. Until then.
Alea screams loudly delightedly, as they go down the hill together.
Callin: Goodbye.
Alea hits the bottom of the hill and lands in the snow.
Callin hurries from the Sime Center, already composing her article around her own donation and Tamlen's story.
Alea releases the girl.
Alea chuckles and stands, brushing off the snow.
Alea moves her foot and realizes there is hardly any pain.
Alea continues happily on her way cutting down a side street to find Snake.
Alea suddenly stops... stunned at the house right there in the middle of all the whorehouses.
Alea: The witch!
Tamlen smiles and goes looking for Briel.
Alea looks quickly around to see who might be looking... and sidles over toward the door
Alea faces the street and reaches behind her feeling for the door handle
doorhandl is warm and vibrating.
doorhandl is almost breathing.
doorhandl is humming.
doorhandl is moist.
Alea feels it and a shiver goes all the way down to her toes before shooting up her spine and making her hair near stand on end.
Alea: Yep.
Alea: This IS the place.
Alea turns the door handle.
hinges let out a horrendous scream.
Alea whistles as a shiver passes through her.
hinges: OH gaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwddddd!!!!!!!!
Alea looks left and right... then shoves the door, jumping inside.
Alea slams the door and whirls around, ready to confront... she's not sure what
darkness is thick as soup.
Alea reaches out....
darkness contains many lumpy strange objects, piles of things, heaps of things... and dust.
Alea wishes she were Sime right now so she could zl---takes back that wish.
Alea: Be careful what you wish for... [sings softly]
darkness contains the squealings and scrabblings of rats, the creeping of insects....
Alea: oooh oooh!
Alea jumps, suddenly realizing what that sound is.
Alea: Oh... I forgot about the RATS!
Alea takes off at a dead run.
eyes glow from the darkness.
Alea hits a wall... something brushes her.
Alea sees eyes and whirls trying to find a light.
eyes close and open, appearing and reappearing and rearranging...
rat scurries.
Alea grabs at the wall....
Alea: Yikes!
rat: [gnawing sound]
Alea lifts her foot, then the other one....
cobwebs drape over Alea's hand, brushed from the wall.
Alea shoves at the cobwebs that entangle her....
Alea: oh shen!
cobwebs wrap around her wrists, lie across her hair....
Alea: I should have waited to come in... I should have waited... I should have... I should NOT have come in!
rat: [squeaking]
Alea dances across the room, panic building.
Alea: Listen rats....
Alea: you don't want my cloak this time..
Alea gets he cobwebs off her.
rat freezes and listens.
junkstuff rattles, clanks, slides as Alea crashes into it.
Alea throws her arms out... trips over junk....
junkstuff is slippery and difficult underfoot.
Alea: aaaaaaggggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!
Alea goes down with a loud CRASH!!!!
Alea throws her arms up, curling to keep it from hitting her.
rat runs off.
junkstuff slides down to form new configurations.
Alea loses her scarf and grabs for it, feeling around.
fur comes to touch.
fur is warm, silken, alive.
fur is too long to be a rat's.
Alea feels the fur and jerks back.
wolfseyes open.
Alea: YOU!
Alea jerks up, junk scattering everywhere.
Alea: I KNEW you'd be here.
Alea: I finally found you.
wolfseyes fade, although the sound of something breathing is still there.
Alea feels the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.
Alea: Shen... idiot Gen!
Alea struggles up.
wolfseyes linger burned into Alea's vision in green and red.
wolfseyes echoing... fading.
Alea reaches out in front of her and staggers toward the door.
Alea: Impulsiveness is the beginning of disaster.
Alea: Repeat that, Alea.
Alea: Impulsiveness is the beginning of disaster....
Alea suddenly stops.
Alea: You're sounding like that idiot Gnome!
Alea realizes she is talking to herself.
Alea decides talking is perfectly fine, you don't hear the other sounds.
Alea: So, just take one and two and three steps....
Alea finds the door.
Alea jerks it open.
daylight reveals a street and snow.
Alea jumps back outside, throwing up an arm at the brightness.
daylight reveals absolutely nothing within, as if the darkness is somehow impenetrable.
Garon zlins the Gen babe stumbling into his arms....
Alea blinks.
Garon: Heeellloooo Babbb - AAHHHHHH!
Alea brings the person into focus.
Alea gapes.
Garon recoils from the Slamming Gen.
Alea stumbles when Garon releases her so quickly.
Alea grabs frantically, grabbing him by the shirt.
Alea: Ouch!
Alea: Careful!
Garon turns and augments off.
Alea staggers
Garon falls down from the pull on his shirt.
Alea falls face first in the snow, shirt still gripped in her hands.
sledboy caromes down the hill at high velocity.
Garon: Let me go!
Garon: Please!
Alea: Thanks a lot for knocking me down!
Alea glares at Garon.
sledboy is heading straight toward them, the curled prow of his toboggan poised to scoop them up.
Garon quails.
Alea: What happened to gentlemanly manner... OH SHEN!
Alea eyes widen in horror at Sledboy.
sledboy: Oh shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Alea lets go and rolls.
Garon rolls over onto his stomach to push himself up.
Alea covers her head and prays as she tries to roll out of the way.
Garon hasn't zlinned the oncoming sledboy.
sledboy flies at Garon seemingly at the speed of light.
Alea sees a flash of clothes and sled and body.
Garon s world goes into slow motion as he tries to augment out of the way.
Alea sticks out a foot at the sledboy.
Alea trying to knock him out of the way.
sledboy 's world goes in fast motion as he sees a blurred figure, hears a thump and then is suddenly thrown off course.
Alea shrugs... oh well, I tried....
Garon is hit in the shoulder and spins away.
Garon: ~~ Pain ~~
sledboy: Oh noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaiiiiiiiiigggh!!!!
Alea rolls up onto her knees and heads toward Garon.
sledboy crashes through the front windows of a ski shop.
Alea looks at sledboy and gasps.
Alea alters course toward sledboy.
sledboy skids on its hardwood floor, shoots out the other end of the store, knocking the door back.
sledboy: Motherrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!
sledboy disappears in a downhillwardly direction.
Alea blinks as she watches him.
Alea looks at the shaken Sime in the store who goes after him... turns to look back at Garon.
Alea drops carefully to her knees by him.
Alea: Are you okay Garon.
Garon painfully pulls himself to the curb.
Alea crawls along beside Garon trying to examine him.
whitew0lf watches from the shadows
Garon's left arm is dragging.
whitew0lf grins a leering, white-toothed, black-lipped wolf grin.
Alea looks at the arm and grimaces.
Alea: Dislocated?
Garon starts to roll over.
Garon: ~~ PAIN ~~
Garon: AHHH!
Alea reaches out and touches his shoulder feeling it.
Garon decides to stay face down.
Garon jerks.
Alea: Be still.
whitew0lf turns and pads slowly away.
Alea ignores the people around them.
Alea shudders as she sees the wolf.
Garon really really hopes he doesn't know that voice....
Alea: YOU did this didn't you!
Alea: [to wolf]
whitew0lf slinks into the darkness between two buildings.
Garon: What! You stumbled into me!
Alea growls low.
Alea: What?
Alea confused, then indignant.
Alea: You grabbed me!
Alea grabs Garon's arm at the elbow.
Garon: No! No, PLEASE!
Alea: Roll over onto your good side.
Alea: Oh stop it for pity sakes!
Alea: You'd think you were a little boy.
Alea grumbles
Alea: come on, Garon, trust me.
Alea: I know what I'm doing
Fise waits for Loylic to come out of that dive he lives in.
Loylic 's scarf is wrapped entirely around his face and his hat pulled down low so only a slit of eyeballs is showing.
Loylic is wearing a big brown trench coat that hideously unflatters his bulging figure.
Loylic exits his building, smelling like cheap cigars and salami.
Loylic belches.
Fise: Good morning Sosu. ~~ sarcasm ~~
Loylic: Morning. [grunts]
Loylic has had the requisite 3 cups of coffee and is as conscious as he ever gets.
Garon is sure Alea knows what she is doing, but doubts he wants her to....
Alea shoves Garon over when he ignores her.
Fise: We're late. Come on.
Alea gives the arm a gentle pull, twist... POP!
Fise starts off down the street.
Garon: EEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Loylic lumbers after Fise, his big belly wagging.
Alea: There you go!
Garon: YARGGGG!
Alea: ALL Better.
Alea: Yes, I know.
Alea: It'll only hurt for a moment though.
Alea offers ~~ soothing ~~
Fise hears yelling as he comes to the corner.
Loylic hears somebody making a racket.
Alea: That's it, Garon... see... you're all better.
Alea: The shoulder is now back where it should be....
Alea: in the socket....
Alea nods.
Alea: It'll only hurt for a bit.
Loylic sees a bodacious woman.
Fise sees some woman leaning over some horribly overdressed Sime.
Alea works to block the pain....
Loylic: Hey! ~~sluggish lust~~
Alea smiles at Garon.
Alea: Can you sit up now?
Fise remembers Snake is always nudging him to get more healing work.
Alea: You'll just get cold lying there.
Fise goes over to them, motioning Loylic to follow.
Alea shoves her long hair over her shoulder and glances up.
Loylic follows, paying a good deal of attention to the chick and some to Fise as well, since you know, that's his job, or something.
Alea does a double take.
Alea: Fise!
Garon curls up and gets his good arm under himself.
Alea goggles.
Alea falls against Garon in total shock.
Loylic gives his full attention to Fise as he wonders why the woman is so surprised to see him.
Alea is actually trying to protect him from Fise.
Loylic studies Fise wondering what the woman could possibly see in him, if anything.
Fise stops and looks at Alea.
Garon collapses again YYYIIIII!
Loylic feels a surge of brotherly oneness with Fise as he decides Fise is no more likable than himself.
Alea turns back to Garon.
Alea: Oh!
Alea grabs at him trying to protect the injured arm.
Fise stands stark still.
Alea really doesn't trust Fise... but....
Garon: No!
Loylic comes to a stop looking over Fise's shoulder.
Alea: Can you... uh... help him?
Garon is breathing in gasps of pain and fear.
Alea silently thinks, Or should I send to the Center?
Alea ~~ soothing calm ~~
Loylic sees a sick Sime and realizes this is supposed to be work already.
Loylic sighs.
Fise: What?
Alea pushes up to her knees and stands, stepping over Garon to the other side to make room for Fise.
Alea drops down on Garon's other side.
Alea: Will you help heal him?
Alea: [bluntly]
Loylic feels a familiar dull lassitude and habitual semi-attention fall over him at the thought of work.
Fise is dazed as he moves towards Garon....
Alea works on Garon to get him calmed down.
Loylic follows Fise.
Garon wonders who these accomplices of Alea's are....
Loylic projects his sincere wish to pay attention against an incredible handicap.
Alea offers control to Fise.
Fise realizes that the Tecton has found him again. He decides to go along until he sees his chance to break for it.
Alea moves her hand to Garon's shoulder -- good shoulder.
Loylic: ~~~ennui/duty~~~
Fise reluctantly extends his tentacles, wincing at the cold.
Alea ~~ soothing comfort ~~
Alea eases back to give Fise room to work.
Loylic stares at the woman's chest and begins to remember fondly a lady he dated once.
Loylic: ~~~ lazy fondness/fading duty~~~
Fise zlins Garon.
Alea smiles at Garon trying to be reassuring.
Alea: You'll be fine.
Loylic chiefly remembers that she used to serve him breakfast in bed... eggs Benedict, french toast, pancakes....
Loylic: ~~~ super relaxed enjoyment/anticipation~~~
Alea: Fise, this is Garon.
Alea: He dislocated his shoulder.
Alea: I managed to slip it gently back in to place.
Alea: Can you zlin it, and then perhaps hurry it on toward healing?
Alea: A kid ran him over on a sled.
Fise: Yeah. Hard blunt blow to the upper arm.
Alea looks up impressed.
Fise: Friend of his?
Alea: You are a friend of his?
Alea is surprised.
Fise: No, on the sled. Never mind.
Alea stares curiously at Fise.
Fise: Some bleeding into the socket... hold on.
Alea reluctantly take's Garon's other hand and holds onto it.
Alea projects confidence.
Loylic focuses his eyes on Fise's hands and tentacles as his mind wanders into the ecstasies of breakfast AND Shelana in bed.
Alea: you'll be fine, Garon.
Loylic: ~~~ contentment ~~~
Fise screws up his face as he tries promote clotting in the joint.
Alea is truly surprised that Fise is trying....
Loylic lets out a large musical toot.
Fise: Loy... focus here, inside his shoulder.
Loylic looks at the guy's shoulder, wondering what is supposed to be so interesting about that.
Alea looks at Loylic, shocked.
Loylic remembers Shelana's shoulders... creamy, brown, smooth.
Garon's fear is starting to crumble under the optimistic nager....
Loylic: ~~~ yummmm.... shoulders ~~~~
Alea: So, Garon, what have you been up to lately?
Alea: Since Fast Eddie's that is.
Fise: yeah, hold that.
Garon: Uh, like, stuff, you know. Business.
Alea: Uh huh... business.
Alea: You know, what you should do is go sledding.
Alea: it would certainly get your mind off work.
Alea thinks and maybe make him see there is more to life.
Garon is incredulous. "I though I just did...."
Garon: There was a sled in it somewhere.
Alea smiles
Alea: Was there?
Alea: Hmmm.... I don't know... I was too busy hiding to see exactly what the kid was riding.
Fise reaches out and moves the arm to another position.
Garon: GRYeeeee!!
Fise: Quiet.
Alea looks up at Fise.
Alea bites off what she starts to say and looks back down at the man who's hand she is holding.
Loylic 's nose is whistling a tune as he concentrates.
Alea: It's quite all right Garon... you'll be fine.
Alea ~~ promise ~~
Loylic 's body odor is really quite... impressive.
Fise: I want something to make a sling.
Alea breathes through her mouth.
Alea reaches up and slips the scarf from her neck.
Alea: Here.
Alea: can you use this for his arm?
Fise takes the scarf and measures it against Garon.
Fise: Loylic. Come help me sit him up.
Alea: Come on, Garon. Help us sit you up.
Loylic notes Fise is getting the woman to take clothes off and begins to project ~~support and encouragement~~ at Fise.
Alea moves back.
Loylic moves over to Garon and assists him to sit.
Loylic is amazingly strong for a Gen, probably from having to lift himself all the time.
Alea releases Garon's hand.
Alea: Come on, Garon.
Alea ~~ encouragement ~~
Garon winces at the movement.
Loylic 's hands are warm and sticky.
Fise threads the scarf around behind Garon.
Alea sighs as she watches her new and favorite scarf wrap around the garishly dressed Garon.
Garon smells something hideous... He can't have gas gangrene so soon after the injury....
Loylic belches up salami aftertaste from his breakfast.
Loylic: Ahhh... [wipes mouth with free hand]
Alea leans back, her eyes watering.
Fise is saddened to realize that he doesn't really notice these smells anymore.
Fise ties up Garon's arm tight against his chest.
Alea sits back against a post thinking he surely must be dying to smell like that.
Alea waves her hand in front of her face
Fise realizes it is Alea's nager that is making it noticeable now....
Alea realizes that must be... meat... and her stomach turns at the thought of someone eating meat.
Garon: What do I.
Loylic realizes it is Fise who makes this great gig possible, therefore making all these great meals possible.
Loylic: ~~~ brotherly affection/mutual support~~~
Alea forces her field under control, ignoring what she is certain she doesn't want to know--that this man eats animals.
Alea thinks wonderful kind happy thoughts.
Fise: Ok. Keep that shoulder immobilized for at least a week, even when it feels better before that. That Fosebine for the pain. No aspirin... you couldn't get it here anyway.
Alea thinks it's such a sunshiny beautiful day out.
Alea thinks the snow is absolutely brilliant.
Alea: Do you require help Garon?
Alea looks at Garon.
Alea realizes just who she is offering help to and scowls.
Fise: Eat a lot and a varied diet to get the nutrients for repairs.
Garon: no, I can walk, I think.
Alea thinks 'I think' is good enough for her.
Alea nods.
Alea: Good.
Fise: Loylic, help him get up. don't touch the arm.
Loylic thinks he wouldn't have turned down an offer of help from that particular source, but there's no accounting for tastes.
Alea stands and brushes her legs and skirt.
Loylic hoists Garon up by the other arm.
Loylic: Hup you go!
Alea shakes out her cloak
Alea feels air whooshing in at her neck and looks longingly at her scarf that Garon now has.
Garon: Geeee!
Garon stands unsteadily.
Loylic sees the woman shiver and gallantly pulls off his own, much more utilitarian plaid scarf off and offers it to her.
Alea straightens her gloves.
Alea 's nose twitches.
Alea: Ah, thank you so much, but no.
Alea: You will require that much more than I.
Loylic grunts.
Fise: If you get sharp pains unrelated to movement or contact, or if there is an irregular purple swelling, go see a channel or your Doc-* A channel.
Alea thinks no way is she taking that lice infested meat infested thing.
Garon: OK.
Loylic refastens the scarf elaborately around his face and neck.
Alea nods to Garon.
Alea: Be careful going home.
Loylic remembers to direct his attention over in Fise's direction, although it is difficult.
Alea: Don't let people bump that.
Fise: and be careful at your next transfer. No rough stuff.
Garon nods. "Thanks."
Fise: Post too.
Loylic snickers
Garon: ~~ disappointment ~~
Alea thinks great three lowlifes.
Garon walks off carefully.
Alea turns to Fise
Alea: So, Fise....
Alea studies him.
Loylic goes over to stand by Fise.
Alea: What have you been up to lately?
Loylic does how Snake told him... looks at the back of Fise's head and thinks about how strong and powerful and great Fise must feel after helping the poor patient.
Loylic: ~~support colored by many various positive emotions~~
Fise knows there is something he forgot to say to Garon and tries to place it.
Loylic: ~~~and some completely irrelevant ones~~~
Fise turns to look at Alea. "Working. I'm a channel, remember. A Third, but still a channel."
Alea: I'm glad to hear that.
Fise: I doubt that.
Alea: Well then, I'll let you get back to work....
Alea stares at Fise.
Alea: Why?
Alea knew it was too good to be true.
Fise: We've been over that ground before.
Loylic: ~~~for he's a jolly good fellow~~~~for he's a jolly good fellow~~~
Alea: Yes we have, you stubborn mule.
Alea: And I have nothing against a channel working.
Fise feels emboldened by Loylic's support and optimism.
Alea: They NEED to work.
Alea: They SHOULD work.
Alea: And I am HAPPY you are working and not dying from entran.
Alea fists her hands and puts them on her hips in agitation.
Fise: You'd never guess where I do it, though.
Alea: Oh really?
Alea waves a hand.
Alea: The whorehouses?
Alea: The ships?
Fise: Nope and nope.
Alea: Who cares as long as you are doing it.
Fise: You get one more.
Loylic runs through the list of tricks Snake tried to beat into his head with indifferent success.
Alea: With Snake.
Loylic: ~~~~how impressive... you are a God channel... I worship you~~~
Alea takes a wild guess but knows Snake has her hand in everything so figures that's a pretty good guess.
Alea figures she is involved--some way.
Fise: That's a who, not a where. Thank you for playing.
Fise wonders where the HELL she heard that.
Alea looks down her nose at Fise, and then turns and starts down the street.
Fise watches her go.
Alea trips over the sled and falls flat. 2
Loylic thinks they're not working anymore and lets the hurrah parade die down.
Alea ~~ pain ~~
Fise: Loylic, do you know what I forgot to say to that guy?
Loylic: No?
Fise guffaws at Sosu High'n'Mighty pratfalling.
Fise: Me neither.
Loylic laughs at Fise's joke.
Alea rolls over on her back and stares over at Fise and the Gen angrily.
Fise walks over to Alea.
Loylic sees Alea is mad
Loylic hurries (it is not a pretty sight) after Fise.
Alea shoves up onto her elbows.
Fise: Any injuries? We may be here all day at this rate....
Alea smiles snidely.
Alea: I don't know....
Alea: Oh... my... I think my leg hurts.
Loylic examines his watch.
Alea: Perhaps you ought to check it out?
Alea smiles innocently projecting hurt and pain.
Fise grins widely at Alea asking *him* for help.
Loylic thinks of what Snake would do to Fise if they are late to the hospital and immediately feels protective of the channel.
Alea thinks anything to try to irritate him.
Fise squats down and ostentagiously clears his arms and extends his tentacles.
Fise zlins Alea's right leg.
Fise wonders if he should misdiagnose or treat her....
Alea: no no... not THAT leg.
Alea sighs and points to the one that has the ankle still wrapped.
Loylic looks at Alea's leg and the wrapping and remembers Shelana's long, luscious legs.
Fise shifts. [ mutters ] "Why didn't you say so."
Alea: But I just did.
Alea blinks at Fise.
Fise zlins Alea's left leg.
Loylic also remembers the white ankle socks with the lace around the ankle part... grrrrrrrowl!
Fise ignores that statement.
Alea ~~ leg is fine with an almost healed ankle ~~
Alea: You know, my arm is hurting too....
Alea: It's... why... it's cold....
Alea lifts her left arm and looks where it's red from being in the snow.
Alea smiles at Fise.
Fise realizes that if he deliberately does something wrong and Snake gets wind of it she'll pitch six kinds of a fit over it. Yelling about "trust" and "Professional Ethics" and all that pentrash.
Fise: Your leg is healing without additional injury.
Alea: Ah...I see.
Alea pushes up to a sitting position.
Alea: And my arm...?
Loylic attempts to pay attention to Fise rather than the ankles.
Alea holds it out.
Fise: For your cold leg and arm I prescribe warmth, available at your friendly neighborhood... anything.
Alea smiles sweetly.
Alea: Why, thank you so much Fise, for your help.
Loylic feels a sense of comradeship with the channel as he imagines himself touching the woman's leg and arm instead of Fise.
Fise: Help her up Loylic.
Loylic: ~~~vicarious enjoyment~~~
Alea curls her legs to get them under her.
Alea: Oh, I'm sure I can manage by myself.
Loylic takes Alea's other arm and pulls her up, bracing himself.
Fise thinks Loy will get a charge out of touching Alea, and she'll hate it. A double win.
Alea: Aaaiiih!
Alea gets up.
Loylic thinks she screams and squirms just like Garon.
Loylic grunts.
Alea: Thank you for your help, Loylic.
Alea staggers trying to right herself.
Fise: So how's your boyfriend?
Loylic: Anytime, lady. [holding onto Alea's arm until she is stable]
Alea freezes.
Alea slowly pivots.
Alea: Me?
Alea: Or are you speaking to Loylic?
Loylic's eyebrows twitch upward as he wonders how the woman could possibly have any question on that account.
Fise: If you could have zlinned just now, you would know he doesn't go that way.
Alea: Ah well... I'm one of the lucky ones. I'm a Gen.
Loylic 's preferences are clearly visible.
Fise: Lucky? With all those allergies?
Alea: Yes, lucky.
Alea: And proud.
Alea ~~ arrogantly ~~ smiling smugly
Alea: and he is fine.
Alea: Just fine.
Loylic belches stentoriously.
Loylic: Umm.
Fise shrugs.
Alea stiffens.
Fise: Like he said.
Alea: So where are you going that Loylic is so worried about that he kept checking his watch earlier?
Loylic automatically looks at his watch again at the mention of it.
Fise stops to think of time.
Loylic 's eyes bugg as he sees they are already 20 minutes late.
Loylic knows better than to swear in front of a lady so he prudently keeps his mouth shut.
Fise: You had your three guesses. That would be telling. But Loylic is right, we do have to go.
Alea shrugs.
Loylic: ~~support/agreement~~
Alea: Snake won't like it if you're late.
Loylic doesn't want to lose his easy gig.
Alea ~~ smug satisfaction ~~
Loylic pales at the thought.
Alea: as a matter of fact, I'm on my way to visit her now....
Loylic: ~~alarm~~
Alea: I'll just mention I saw you.
Loylic glances at Fise.
Fise: Well then you'll see we aren't there. If you make it without further incident.
Alea smiles again.
Alea: Have a nice day.
Fise: [super exaggerated courtesy] If you will excuse us, Sosu Farris ambrov Zeor?
Loylic scratches his butt.
Alea: But of course.
Alea: I know how important a channel's job is... and his Donor.
Fise makes a wildly overdone bow.
Alea turns to leave.
Alea: You look good doing that Fise....
Loylic is impressed by Fise's energy.
Alea: Keep practicing.
Fise: Come, Sosu Loylic, we must repair to the Garden.
Alea starts down the street.
Fise turns the other way.
Loylic follows Fise in full agreement, although unclear as to what the Garden is.
Alea thinks as she goes down the street, that the day certainly has been filled.
Alea concentrates on hurrying down the street to Snake's.
Fise: After they turn a corner. "Shidoni!"
Loylic looks at Fise.
Loylic: Who's she?
Fise: Now I know what I forgot.
Loylic displays lackadaisical semi interest.
Loylic: Oh?
Fise looks at Loylic "What?"
Loylic: What did you forget?
Fise: We didn't get paid.
Loylic: Oh!
Loylic smacks himself on the forehead with the heel of his hand.
Fise reflects that he wouldn't have known how much to ask for anyway.
Loylic: That was stupid of us.
Alea goes down the street feeling rather glad to have seen the obnoxious channel and know he is okay.
Fise: yeah. remember that next time.
Loylic: Okay.
Fise resumes walking towards the border.
Loylic falls into step beside him, projecting ~~rueful acceptance~~
Alea sees the Ferry Building and goes up and pulls the bell.
Alea jerks hard in case Snake isn't in the room.
Alea slaps her hands together to warm them
Alea jerks on the gloves at her wrists.
wisesnake flies out of her chair as the bell goes off.
wisesnake: Wha! Who! Wow.
Alea grabs the bell and jerks again--twice--very hard, thinking Snake must not be in the room.
wisesnake clutches her pounding heart with one hand and the paper she was writing on (now sadly crumpled against the desk) in the other.
Rapol wakes up from his daze.
wisesnake: Shen it! I'm coming, I'm coming.
Rapol jerks and then relaxes.
Alea listens, but doesn't hear anything and wonders if she should jerk again.
Rapol gets up to follow Snake.
wisesnake unsticks the paper from her sweaty hand, then goes to look out the window.
Alea grabs the rope to pull again.
wisesnake: It's just Alea.
wisesnake slaps at the switch to disable the bell.
Alea jerks.
wisesnake pulls open the window.
wisesnake: I'm coming! Hold your horses.
wisesnake: [to herself]
wisesnake calls down "Be right there!"
Alea looks up.
Alea: Hi Snake!
Alea: It's me... Alea!
Alea waves her arm wildly.
Alea slips and falls.
wisesnake flinches back from the window, then slams it shut hurriedly.
Rapol thinks it's bad enough going to the Sime Center without having it come after them.
wisesnake runs down the stairs, trying not to kill Rapol in the process.
Rapol flattens back as Snake runs past, then charges after her.
Alea stands up and rubs the bruised area.
Alea looks at the sidewalk.
wisesnake arrives at the bottom of the stairs and unlocks the door, opens it.
wisesnake: Alea?
wisesnake is relieved to see Alea is all right.
wisesnake: What are you doing out alone?
Alea: Alone?
Alea thinks uh oh.
Alea smiles brightly.
Alea: I only wanted to come see you.
wisesnake looks and zlins carefully around, sees nobody else.
Alea: Then I won't be alone.
wisesnake grimaces at Alea's casual throwing the rules of safety out the window, as usual.
wisesnake: I see.
wisesnake: Well, come on in.
Alea goes in.
wisesnake relocks the door.
Alea: My foot is much better.
Alea: And walking is good for it.
Alea: Exercise.
Alea amends that as she remembers everything she has done today... and that has happened.
wisesnake climbs the stairs.
Rapol notices that the dropcloth has slid off his carousel horse, and tries to replace it.
Alea: Yes, exercise is very good for my....
Alea tries to hurry after Snake... OH MY!
Alea makes a u-turn to the horse.
Alea: Wow... it's beautiful.
wisesnake flinches at Alea's exclamation, instinctively.
wisesnake is relieved it was a GOOD exclamation.
wisesnake stops and waits.
Alea goes over and touches the horse.
Alea: Is this yours?
Rapol holds the dropcloth.
Alea [to Rapol]
Rapol: Certainly.
Alea runs a hand reverently down its neck.
Alea: Where did you bring it from?
Rapol is still worried about what Nick implied about it.
Alea: I've never seen one before like this... you know, outside of a fair.
Alea wonders if she could climb up on it....
Rapol: Came in by ship. From the East.
Alea: Wow.
Alea thinks if she tries, Snake might just collapse in fear so she reluctantly tamps down her desire.
wisesnake collapses in relief.
wisesnake sits on a stair step.
Alea looks at Rapol.
Alea: Have you ever sat on it?
wisesnake holds her head in her hands and quietly tries to keep a grip
Rapol: No.
Alea: Really?
Alea is surprised.
Alea: Why not?
Rapol: Just got it. Don't have stable mount.
Alea: Ah... I see.
Alea nods.
Alea strokes it gently again then sighs and turns toward Snake.
Alea: It is beautiful. Take good care of it.
Alea: So, Snake....
Alea goes over to where Snake is sitting.
Alea: You don't look very good.
wisesnake looks up haggard.
Alea ~~ support ~~
Rapol: Certainly.
Alea ~~ strong offer of support ~~
Rapol cares for it immediately by covering it up.
wisesnake: Just....
Alea ~~ soothing relaxing comfort ~~
Rapol turns as he realizes this hussy is supporting Snake.
wisesnake flinches back from Alea's offer to avoid insulting Rapol, then succumbs when Alea comforts her anyway.
Rapol barely catches himself from grabbing for the ambient.
Alea reaches out and touches her elbow, totally blocking out everything offering support.
Alea ~~ concern ~~
wisesnake: Thank you, Alea [with difficulty] but Rapol is my Donor right now.
Rapol calmly, but quickly moves into position by Snake.
Alea looks at Rapol curiously.
Rapol: ~~ relaxed support ~~
Alea hesitates, then releases Snake and pulls back her support.
wisesnake stands.
wisesnake relaxes somewhat with Rapol's support, though he is no Farris by any means.
Rapol: ~~ pride and satisfaction ~~ at Snake choosing him over Alea.
wisesnake: But thanks anyway.
Alea: Of course.
Alea: This is the new Donor? Rapol?
wisesnake: Yes.
Alea trying to remember if she met him but after today just can't be sure.
Alea: Ah, good, good.
Rapol bows curtly.
wisesnake looks at Alea oddly.
wisesnake: What's wrong with you? You seem....
Alea sees the action and looks down her nose coolly at the impertinent Donor.
Alea turns back to Snake.
Alea: Yes?
Alea looks at Snake.
wisesnake goes silent as Alea gives Rapol the look.
Alea: I thought I had kept my soreness from my nager.
Alea relaxes her control.
wisesnake: ... I was going to say, you seem disturbed.
Alea grabs back control.
Alea: Ah... well....
Alea: maybe just a bit.
wisesnake catches a good zlin of Alea's aches and pains while the nager is open.
wisesnake grimaces.
wisesnake: Why don't you take care of yourself?
Alea: Hey, is it my fault that a kid on a sled ran me and Garon over?
Alea looks outraged at the suggestion.
wisesnake 's eyes widen.
Alea realizes she mentioned Garon and winces.
wisesnake: Why are you hanging out with Garon again?
Alea: He grabbed me.
wisesnake associates Alea and Garon together with being slammed, a bad thing.
Alea: I had nothing to do with it.
Alea: Honest Snake.
Alea: I was only coming out of the witch's house and he grabbed me.
Alea shrugs as if that explains it all.
wisesnake: W - !
wisesnake: What?
wisesnake: Did you say "witch"?
wisesnake looks at Alea as if she has three eyeballs.
Alea: Yes, with the white wolf.
Alea: I found the house and went in to confront her....
wisesnake aghast.
Alea: I wasn't thinking. I was relaxed after sliding down the hill with some kids.
wisesnake doubly aghast
wisesnake: You went sledding?
Alea: I only wanted proof that I'd changed over... that the witch had given me some potion so I could prove to you....
Alea: Oh, NO!
Alea: NO... I did NOT go sledding.
Alea: A kid hit Garon with a sled.
wisesnake: I thought you just said you slid down the hill with some kids.
wisesnake suspiciously.
Alea: That's why I had to pop his shoulder back in. He'd dislocated....
Alea: Oh that....
Alea: We used pieces of wood and cardboard.
Alea: Not the same as sledding... we were sliding....
Alea smiles sweetly.
wisesnake: Alea! That's really dangerous!
Alea: what? Popping Garon's shoulder back into socket?
Rapol can't fathom Alea's talk of changing over and magic potions.
Alea: Not really.
Alea: Donors do have training you know.
wisesnake realizes that either Alea knows this and did this anyway, or she is utterly incapable of common sense.
wisesnake is not sure which one is more disturbing.
Rapol: [Has she been believing those gypsy fairy tales?]
wisesnake: No
wisesnake: I mean sliding down hills.
Alea: Anyway, I was on my way to visit you....
Alea: Oh, that....
Alea: It wasn't a steep hill.
wisesnake: You can get hurt... you can hurt other people....
Alea: And besides... if I hand't been held up, I couldn't have helped Garon.
Alea: Or well... helped Fise help Garon.
wisesnake 's eyes show white and her tentacles start waving in agitation.
Alea shudders.
wisesnake 's tentacles freeze.
Alea: I didn't know he was working for you.
wisesnake: Fise? Fise help Garon? Help Fise help Garon?
Alea: Yes.
wisesnake: Working for me? Fise working for me? Fise said he works for me?
Alea: He helped Garon.
wisesnake: Did he say where?
Alea: He healed him.
Alea: Yes.
wisesnake stares at Alea.
Rapol: What was he doing over there?
wisesnake: He said where?
Alea: Fise....
Alea looks from one to the other.
Alea: He was late.
Alea smiles.
Alea: That man should really learn some manners.
wisesnake: Well, you should learn to behave responsibly, but people don't always learn what they should. [angry]
Alea 's eyes widen.
Alea: Why are you angry at me?
wisesnake is very worried.
Alea: Well that's fine... be angry.
Alea getting upset.
Rapol projects ~~ calm alertness ~~
Alea: See if it bothers me.
wisesnake fidgets nervously, like a chafing horse.
Alea: I almost get attacked by a rat... by rats... and a wolf....
Alea: I get accosted by Garon.
Alea: Then I help him.
Alea: And that nasty Donor is so disgusting and rude.
wisesnake feels a panic attack trying to start at Alea's story highlights.
Alea: And jerks me around when I am pregnant!
wisesnake takes some deep breaths, clutching Rapol's arm.
Rapol: ~~ Calm ~~
Alea: And I come all the way here just to visit you.
Alea: But that's fine.
Alea: You're angry
wisesnake closes her eyes
Alea: You don't care that I was worried about Fise.
Rapol gently puts a hand on Snake's arm.
Alea turns and goes toward the door.
Alea: I'll see you later.
Alea ~~ hurt anger ~~
Alea grabs the door and shoves.
Alea: By the way... should I take a message to Fise?
Alea: If I see him?
wisesnake hides behind Rapol's nager.
Alea holds the door open and starts out.
Alea pauses and looks back at Snake.
wisesnake continues to breathe deeply.
Rapol puts a wall of nager up.
Alea: Well Snake? What message do you want me to give to Fise when I see him?
wisesnake loosens her grip slightly, so Rapol's arm can get circulation.
wisesnake: W-why do you think you will see Fise again?
Alea shrugs.
Alea: No message then? He said I'd see him later.
wisesnake leans on Rapol's field.
wisesnake: I speak to Fise directly.
Alea smiles.
Alea: Fine.
wisesnake wonders why Fise is going to see Alea later.
Alea turns and lets the door close.
wisesnake starts shaking
Alea grumbles
Alea: [she'd almost had the information from Snake]
Alea thinks if it hadn't been for Rapol to hide behind....
Alea remembers she forgot to tell Snake her news.
Rapol carefully picks Snake up.
Alea: Well shen
wisesnake: Rapol... lock the door.
Alea goes back to the door and shoves it open.
Alea: Snake?
Alea goes in....
wisesnake clings to Rapol in surprise as Alea bursts back in.
Alea: Oh.
Alea blinks.
Rapol thickens his field and carefully puts Snake on her feet again.
wisesnake faces Alea.
Alea: I guess it's not that important.
Alea: It can wait.
wisesnake: What is it, Alea?
Alea: Nothing.
Alea backs out the door.
wisesnake shivers.
Alea: I'll come back later and tell you.
Alea: Bye.
wisesnake 's eyes shine with a weird light.
Alea lets go of the door and watches it close.
Alea meets Snake's eyes.
Alea turns and starts down the street.
Alea sighs.
Rapol looks at Snake.
wisesnake: That woman is going to drive me crazy. Mark my words.
wisesnake walks forward and locks the door.
Rapol stays tightly focused on Snake.
Alea ~~ lonely ~~
wisesnake turns back to Rapol.
Alea turns back toward the Center, sighing despondently.
Alea: Ah well....
Rapol: Come on upstairs. I want you to lie down.
Alea watches the road as she walks.
wisesnake: That doesn't sound so bad, actually.
Alea thinks of the news she wanted to share with someone... and thinks it'll have to wait until Tarsh has transfer.
Alea heads reluctantly back to the Center.
wisesnake follows Rapol up the stairs.
Rapol tries not to think about his thought on Alea, lest it disrupt his nager.
Notes:
1) Most of the people, places and events in Tamlen's story are background information from the Sime/Gen universe and can be found in the published novels. [return]
2) Leave it to Alea to trip over a nonexistent sled! [return]