Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #162: Rosaria! (2/16/98)
Alea comes down the hall.
Alea heads into the lobby.
Matamio bursts in the doors of the Sime Center.
Matamio crashes to his knees clutching his heart, blood spewing everywhere.
<Matamio> Oh, the agony!! [loud howling scream]
Alea rushes forward, dropping to her knees.
<Alea> Are you okay?
<Alea> Someone get a channel!
Matamio spurts busily.
Alea reaches out for Matamio.
<Matamio> My dearest, I gave you all my love... and you gave me - urk....
Lanyi hears the scream and comes running.
Matamio collapses in a heap.
Alea looks for a wound.
Lanyi rushes up to Matamio and zlins.
Matamio groans horribly.
<Matamio> ~~~~~~hOrRiBlE aGonY~~~~~~~~~^~^~^~^
<Lanyi> Gunshot wounds.
Matamio 's blood bubbles and spurts out of all the holes.
Lanyi picks up Matamio and carries him into a treatment room, staggering at the nageric pain.
Alea offers support to Lanyi.
Nick arrives at the Sime Center about an hour before Snake is due back with Rapol and B'cal.
Alea ~~ support ~~
<Matamio> Oaaaaaaooaaaaahhhhh [agonized moans]
Nick is carrying a stack of books.
Turrie picks up on the disturbance and follows Lanyi's lead.
Nick drops his books in surprise, then runs down the hall looking for a channel.
Nick runs into Lanyi--literally.
<Nick> Ooof!
Turrie picks Nick up and places him to one side away from the injured person.
Lanyi falls, twisting to make sure Matamio lands on top of her rather than under her.
Nick sees that Alea has Lanyi supported, and raids a treatment room for basic supplies.
Nick finds bandages, painkillers, and so on, and brings them to the lobby.
Matamio calls out suddenly: Oh, Rosaria! Look what your baby has done to me! Ooaahahh!!!!
Turrie helps Lanyi up with the wounded Gen.
Matamio bleeds copiously all over Turrie and Lanyi.
Turrie works to control the bleeding.
<Nick> Here.
Matamio 's trembling hand reaches for something no one else can see. "So beautiful.... so beautiful"
Matamio slumps unconscious.
Nick sees that Turrie is working without a Donor, so he goes to support her.
<Turrie> Thank you Nick.
<Nick> That first treatment room is ready.
<Turrie> ~need~
Lanyi gives up on moving him for the moment and grabs gauze pads from Nick and presses them over the wounds applying pressure.
Lanyi uses tentacles to press in several places at once.
Turrie helps Lanyi and continues to project need in her show field.
NickRe lends Turrie strength while not interfering with her projection, working automatically to Farris standards of precision.
Lanyi zlins to tell if there are air pockets outside the lungs.
Lanyi doesn't zlin any, and concentrates on trying to get the blood vessels to contract.
<Lanyi> Turrie, do you zlin any exit wounds?
<Turrie> There appears to be some foreign matter still inside.
<Turrie> Here [points nagerically] and perhaps, yes - here.
NickRe reaches into his pile of loot and withdraws a forceps.
NickRe hands it to Turrie.
<Lanyi> Yeah. Shotgun. From a fair distance, I think.
<Nick> Here, this will help you clean it out.
Turrie takes the forceps and hands them to Lanyi.
Turrie concentrates on keeping the bleeding down.
<Lanyi> I'll try and hold the fields, see if you can get the shot out.
Nick is not fazed by the improvisational aspects of treating a major wound on the floor of the lobby; he's used to much worse.
<Matamio> Am I dead yet?
<Matamio> [weak rasping voice]
Nick automatically adjusts his nager to minimize interference from the lobby's other occupants.
Matamio realizes nobody heard him because he is floating in the air overhead.
<Lanyi> OK. Keep that up.
Matamio feels himself drifting away as if on a faint tugging wind.
<Lanyi> Ok. This will hurt.
Alea goes out of the room and down the hall.
<Matamio> Hey... hey....
Matamio passes through a wall and sees an office.
<Matamio> Where am I?
Matamio passes closer and closer to a channel sitting doing paperwork; passes right through him.
Lanyi releases pressure on the worst wound and zlins while probing with the forceps.
Matamio keeps floating.
Matamio seems to be accelerating.
Lanyi clenches her teeth at the transmitted pain.
Nick sees Alea leave and readjusts his field to try to support both channels, more or less adequately.
Matamio flies out of the building, tumbling over and over again.
<Matamio> Woooooowwwww
Matamio is hurled over the rooftops, rising.
Matamio flies high out over the city, then over the water.
Matamio starts to descend.
Matamio plunges into the Lake.
Lanyi pulls out a shot that nicked the pericardium.
Lanyi reapplies the gauze.
Alea goes back to finding her cloak and gloves.
Alea grabs up her scarf.
Nick thinks Matamio looks like he's AWOL.
Lanyi zlins that Matamio is in deep shock.
Matamio feels the cold, but not the impact.
<Matamio> Whhooooaaaa
Matamio sinks deeper and deeper into blackness, softness.
Matamio feels the feathery touches of sleeping fishes.
Matamio touches the lake bed with a gentle thud.
<Lanyi> We're losing him.
Alea slips the scarf around her neck.
Alea slips it up over her head.
Nick reflects that at least the lobby is warm, unlike the back alleys where Snake does a lot of emergency care.
Lanyi yells at a Gen orderly to go get an oxygen tank.
<Nick> Is it blood loss, or just shock?
Matamio gets up and starts walking along the bottom's surface.
Alea slips on her cloak.
<Lanyi> Shock. Losing blood pressure.
Matamio holds out his hands to feel his path through the slowly drifting silt.
Matamio's own breathing sounds unnaturally loud.
Alea buttons up her cloak and pulls on her gloves.
<Nick> Then he's still got a chance. Focus on these blood vessels in his abdomen, and see if you can get them to contract.
Matamio sees a deep gray light.
Lanyi concentrates on them.
Matamio sees the light grow stronger as he drifts closer, his spread fingers silhouetted against it.
Nick makes sure that no nageric chaos slips through to distract her.
Matamio removes a piece of seaweed that tries to drape itself over his head.
Nick absently retrieves a few books and stacks them under Matamio's feet, to aid blood flow to his head.
Lanyi wills the large vessels to contract, and try to make the adrenals secrete adrenaline.
PrettyBoy smiles at Alea from a doorway.
<PrettyBoy> Hello.
<PrettyBoy> Going somewhere?
Alea looks at the person.
<Alea> I'm on my way to visit my cousin.
Matamio sees a sunken castle, glowing atop a blackened hill.
<Lanyi> Come on you lorsh, don't wimp out on me now!
Matamio stares, panting harder.
<Alea> May I help you?
Matamio hears his breath gasping in and out as he staggers up the hill.
PrettyBoy 's eyes travel up Alea and he smiles again.
<PrettyBoy> Would you like an escort?
Alea thinks 'why me'
<Nick> Can you increase your need projection, Lanyi? His selyn production must be down to nothing.
Turrie shows ~hard need~
<Lanyi> Good idea.
Matamio 's head is thrown back to stare upward at the glittering sky of the ice on the lake surface.
Lanyi lets her ~~ Need ~~ show through.
<Alea> I'm so sorry, but I should really have a Tecton escort.
Matamio staggers to his knees in the spongy lake bed, wondering why this all seems so familiar.
<Matamio> ~~pain~~
<Matamio> ~~~pain~~~
Matamio groans.
PrettyBoy pouts faintly.
<Lanyi> Ok, adrenaline is helping some....
<PrettyBoy> If that is how it has to be... I will have to walk home myself.
PrettyBoy flings back his hair.
<Alea> I'm on my way to Snake's.
PrettyBoy appears a bit confused by the application of "Tecton Escort" to "visiting Snake".
<PrettyBoy> Is that how it's done? [disturbed frown]
Alea thinks if he keeps letting it grow, it's going to be as long as hers.
<Nick> The bleeding's stopped, too.
Matamio 's eyelids flutter.
Matamio 's lips move in silent words.
Nick puts careful hands on Matamio's shoulders, to keep him still if he should come fully conscious.
<Lanyi> There you are fella. Work with me here.
<Matamio> Oh....
<Alea> Do you know Snake?
<Lanyi> We've got you.
PrettyBoy flings his boa around his neck a bit too casually.
<PrettyBoy> Well I, have been known to er, [fingers fumble for cigarette case]
<PrettyBoy> No! Not personally.
<Alea> Oh.
<Alea> Well, that's where I was going.
<Matamio> Why? [feeble whisper]
Matamio falls unconscious again.
Turrie slowly releases some of the control from the blood vessels around the wound as Lanyi applies bandages.
<PrettyBoy> Oh dear! Look at the time.
PrettyBoy hurries toward the door.
Alea smiles knowingly.
<Alea> I'll tell Snake you said hi.
<Lanyi> Good sign anyway.
<PrettyBoy> Oh, you do that! [voice going up an octave, as his speed doubles]
<Alea> Bye PrettyBoy.
Alea chuckles low.
Nick inspects the bandages.
<Nick> Well, the patch job is holding.
Whitewolf blinks at Alea calmly.
<Nick> He can be moved out of the lobby, I expect.
Alea sees white wolf and wonders if anyone else does.
Whitewolf was standing so that Pretty Boy obscured it... now visible only a few feet from Alea.
<Lanyi> Ok let's try and get him into a treatment room....
Alea pushes the door open and leaves.
<Turrie> I don't think we should lift him - is there a stretcher?
Lanyi yells for a stretcher and Gens to carry it.
<Turrie> The less he is jogged the less likely he will start to bleed again.
Nick wonders why Turrie is asking him; after all, she's the one who works there!
<Alea> So, white wolf, you still following me?
<Alea> Or is this because I stumbled into your house the other night?
Whitewolf looks at Alea, then over its shoulder down the hallway to the back door.
Alea looks at the wolf.
Alea pauses.
<Alea> Okay, then, lead the way.
Whitewolf is snow white, with icy blue eyes.
Whitewolf turns and pads slowly down the hallway, looking back at her.
Alea follows white wolf
Alea goes down the hall.
Nick sees two renSimes come with a stretcher and waves them over.
<Jirelle> Oh, Hi Alea!
Jirelle pops out in front of Alea
<Jirelle> Hey Alea, have you seen Arcadia around?
<Jirelle> I've been looking all over, and she's just nowhere to be seen.
<Jirelle> Are you okay?
Alea jumps.
Jirelle looking at Alea closer.
Turrie takes Matamio's shoulders and instructs one of the others to take his legs and lift him carefully onto the stretcher.
<Alea> Oh, I'm fine, fine.
Alea wonders where white wolf went to.
<Jirelle> What are you looking for?
<Alea> I uh...well....
Jirelle looks and zlins around, noting nothing out of the ordinary.
<Jirelle> You weren't going to go outside all by yourself, were you?
Alea looks down at how she is dressed.
Jirelle noticing Alea's cloak.
<Alea> Well of course not.
Alea smiles feebly.
Jirelle really relieved that Alea wasn't offended.
Alea smiles at Jirelle.
<Jirelle> Oh, good! Well, I mean, not that it would be any of my business or anything....
Jirelle blushes.
<Jirelle> Excuse me, I'm just a little bit nervous right now.
<Alea> Of course it's your business.
Alea ~~ soothing ~~
<Alea> You are a channel and I'm a Donor.
Nick watches Matamio being transported to the infirmary, then starts gathering up his dropped load of books.
Jirelle almost swoons as she feels the touch of the First's field.
<Jirelle> Wow, you are SO good at that. ~~luxuriating~~
<Nick> These are the books Linn borrowed from your library a while back. [to Lanyi] Would there be any problem with me browsing around for a few more?
Turrie goes with the patient to the infirmary.
Nick looks up, realizes that Lanyi has left, and catches a glimpse of Turrie disappearing down the corridor.
<Jirelle> So, where were you going then?
Nick shrugs, leaves the books with Clerk, and follows.
Nick enters the infirmary room, careful not to let his nager create a disturbance, just in case the channels decided to do a little more work.
<Alea> I was just going out for a walk.
Turrie checks that the Gen is sleeping and as comfortable as possible and turns.
<Turrie> Thank you for your help Nick.
Jirelle is standing closer and closer to Alea.
<Jirelle> ~~need~~
<Nick> My pleasure.
Alea ~~ promise ~~
<Jirelle> Well... if you see Arcadia out there...?
<Alea> I'll be sure to send her in.
Alea smiles thinking if she sees Arcadia she's gonna pin her ears back for leaving her channel like this.
Jirelle 's voice ends suddenly with the feel of Alea's Promise.
<Turrie> Where is Snake today - she isn't with you?
<Jirelle> ~~hovering on the edge of intil~~
Nick knows that Snake would never have quit when there was so much healing left to do, but reflects that the Center channels aren't quite as desperate for work.
<Alea> I will find her.
<Jirelle> Oh... thank you Alea.
<Nick> Rapol's with her. My shift won't begin for... [checks watch] Well, pretty soon now, I see.
Alea nods and goes out the back door.
Jirelle plasters herself against the back door, staring after Alea, her laterals making a mess on the glass.
<Nick> I see I'll have to check out the library some other day.
<Turrie> I see. Thank you again for your support - I can continue on my own now - was there something else you wanted?
<Bcal> My feet are wet.
Bcal ~~ cold miserable ~~
Wise Snake stops and looks at B'cal.
<Nick> No, I'd best be ready to meet Snake when she arrives. She's too far towards need to cope with not knowing where her Donor is.
<Bcal> The melt.
Bcal motions to the slushy snow.
<Wise Snake> Don't worry, spring doesn't really come for another two or three months. So it'll refreeze soon.
<Bcal> It's nasty out here.
<Turrie> I see. Good luck with your transfer too Nick.
Bcal sneers.
<Wise Snake> Do you want to go back now?
Turrie turns back to the unconscious patient and takes a seat by the bed - projecting need and watching for bleeding.
<Bcal> Back to the Center, where it's warm and dry and I can sleep?
Bcal gives snake a wide-eyed look of surprise.
Alea goes over to the Gnome and drops down by it.
Alea 's eyes widen and she jumps up and goes to the gazebo.
Alea digs through everything until she finds what she wants.
Wise Snake stares and zlins at B'cal, trying to decide if that was sarcasm or not.
Alea finds her paints and returns to the Gnome.
Bcal ~~ sarcasm ~~
<Wise Snake> Hmmm... that would appear to be a sarcastic response.
<Bcal> Yes.
Nick waves and returns to the lobby.
Jirelle, puzzled, watches what Alea is doing.
<Alea> You know, Gnome, I once heard a story about a short round man like you.
Alea opens her paints.
<Alea> He brought cheer to everyone around.
<Alea> That means he must have been a Gen.
<Alea> Yes, yes, it's an Ancient tale.
Gnome is resigned to being the principle of Alea's focus in her troubled times.
<Bcal> Well? [snaps]
<Bcal> Do we stand here until my healing rat bite freezes or do we go?
Wise Snake jumps
Wise Snake turns nervously in the direction of the Sime Center, not saying anything.
<Alea> It was a beautiful story, though.
<Bcal> Are you ready for your transfer?
Bcal ~~ support ~~
Alea finds the chisel.
<Alea> We have to make you Gen though first... so those tentacles have to come off.
Jirelle squints as Alea gets down on her knees in front of the stone figurine.
<Jirelle> Wow... it must be some sort of... religious rite or something!
Alea glances furtively around... then sneaks out the hammer and starts banging on the two exposed tentacles.
<Bcal> You know, I think this is going to be a wonderful transfer.
<Bcal> Though you don't think Nick is up to it... I disagree.
Wise Snake darts a worried glance at B'cal.
Bcal ~~ confidence ~~
<Wise Snake> That's going to be days from now. Can we avoid thinking about it until then?
Alea chisels away at the Gnome's arms.
Wise Snake relaxes a little because of B'cal's projecting.
Bcal ~~ support ~~
Nick looks around the lobby, checking for more disasters.
<Bcal> of course, Snake.
Jirelle realizes Alea is using a hammer.
Alea finishes, noting it's a bit rough around the edges but okay otherwise.
<Alea> There we go!
Alea smiles proudly.
<Jirelle> Oh no!
Jirelle has heard all about Alea and hammers.
Jirelle yanks the door open and runs out.
<Alea> You are now A Garden Gnome GEN!
Gnome takes the transfer from Sime to Gen philosophically.
<Jirelle> Oh Alea!! [cheerful yell]
Alea drops the hammer in surprise and smashes a knee cap.
<Alea> Ouch!
<Jirelle> What are you... [stops stunned at the pain]
Alea thinks ~~ pain away pain away ~~~
Alea doesn't think it works very good.
<Jirelle> ~~intil~~
Jirelle waves her tentacles, and backs away.
<Jirelle> Oh I'm sorry! I see I've interrupted something private! Oh I'm so embarrassed well I'd better leave.
Alea ~~ pain - safety - ~~
<Alea> Yes... good idea [through clenched teeth]
<Alea> shenshensehnshen
Jirelle starts to flee but is held captivated by the combination of pain and safety.
Alea concentrates and forces her nager completely flat.
Jirelle 's tentacles wilt and she slinks away, utterly embarrassed.
<Alea> Shen... sweet girl... have to apo-lo-gize... later.
Alea rubs at her swelling knee.
Nick takes another look at his pocket watch, and changes his mind about meeting Snake in their regular tea shop.
Nick leaves a note for Snake with Clerk, then goes down the hall to the library.
Bluebird flies down and lands on Alea's shoulder.
<Bcal> I wonder where Nick is?
<Bcal> Those two been fighting over you still?
<Bluebird> Tweet! Twitter twitter tweet! [musically]
Alea wonders where a bird comes from this time of year
Bunny hops up and looks at Alea quizzically.
Alea pulls out her red paints.
<Alea> Hello bunny.
Deer steps softly through the snow and poses between two trees to look at Alea.
Alea turns back to the Gnome and begins painting the outfit the Gnome wears as red.
Alea 's eyes widen.
<Alea> Where in shenned are these animals....
<Alea> That shendoni Witch!
Alea finishes painting the Gnome red, watching the animals.
Owl alights silently on a tree branch.
Alea repaints the hands and face....
Alea makes rosy cheeks.
Alea paints the eyes blue.
<Alea> Do you look Jolly enough now, Gnome?
Gnome wishes people would stop painting him and just take him inside out of the cold.
<Alea> The ancient story was called saanda klahz....
<Alea> He took joy to everyone.
<Wise Snake> No! Nick and Rapol have been perfect gentlemen.
<Alea> As a Gen, maybe your advice will now be joyous instead of doom.
Alea smiles sweetly at the Gnome.
<Alea> Oh, yes... and he always said to... um... have a fun night.
Alea nods.
Winter Mink watches Alea with inquisitive black eyes.
Alea packs up her paints and goes to the gazebo.
<Alea> Shenned witch.
Alea ~~ getting angry at the animals ~~
<Alea> What do you think I am, Snow Blonde and the Seven Gnomes?
Nick searches through the library for information on a little-used technique.
Alea shoves her paints back into the cubby hole.
Alea turns and heads toward the gate.
Alea shoves at her sleeves thinking she is going to have it out with that witch.
Icicle falls suddenly with a large crash, scaring away all the animals.
<Alea> So, I invaded your house.
<Alea> That's no reason to haunt me now....
<Alea> You started this, you know. [muttering]
Passerby hears Alea talking to herself and hurries on past.
Bcal turns into the Sime Center.
Wise Snake looks over to say something to B'cal, and sees the Sime Center instead.
Wise Snake jumps.
Bcal looks at Snake, eyes narrowing.
<Bcal> What?
Alea stalks down the sidewalk toward the bad part of town.
Wise Snake is astonished and a little nervous as the Sime Center speaks to her.
Wise Snake shakes her head in denial.
<Wise Snake> This is not happening.
<Bcal> You losing it again?
<Bcal> What's going on with you?
Wise Snake carefully turns and walks into the REAL Sime Center.
Bcal gapes, then hurries after Snake.
Clerk waves at Snake.
<Clerk> Hajene Snake! I have a message for you.
Wise Snake stops suddenly as soon as she gets into the lobby.
Wise Snake looks around at the place, neck hair raising.
<Wise Snake> [to clerk] What?
Bcal runs into Snake.
<Bcal> Well just stop right in the door.
Wise Snake stumbles forward suddenly with the impact.
Clerk is a bit taken aback by Snake's appearance.
Wise Snake runs into Clerk.
Bcal grabs at Snake.
<Wise Snake> Excuse us. [dryly]
Clerk slips and falls.
Wise Snake catches Clerk with one hand.
Wise Snake plucks the note out of the Clerk's hand with her other.
Bcal ~~ indignant support ~~
<Clerk> Er... That was left for you about ten minutes ago.
Wise Snake reads the note.
<Clerk> [note explains Nick's current location in the library, rather than the tea shop]
<Wise Snake> Nick says to meet us in the... I can't read this... Public Libation?
<Wise Snake> Pubic Liberation?
<Wise Snake> Wait a minute, that's "public"
<Bcal> Bathroom?
<Clerk> Well, if you can't read it, he's down the hall in our library.
<Wise Snake> Ah... thank you.
Bcal nods.
Bcal turns to go upstairs.
Bcal pauses.
Bcal ~~ hunger ~~
<Bcal> Do you want to eat first Snake?
Bcal ~~ projected hunger ~~
<Wise Snake> No!
<Wise Snake> [desperately, as her stomach growls unnaturally]
Bcal doesn't want Nick saying she's not taking care of her Channel.
Bcal scowls.
<Bcal> You tell Nick you want to eat with him then.
<Bcal> I won't have him thinking I'm sloughing off.
<Wise Snake> He always makes me eat with him.
<Wise Snake> All three of you all think you're the only one feeding me.
<Bcal> Fine.
<Wise Snake> Look... fine... let me go get Nick first and then we'll eat.
Bcal sniffs and leaves, going up the sitars
<Bcal> As long as he understands it wasn't my lack of doing a job.
Wise Snake waves her hands
<Wise Snake> No!
<Bcal> Fine..fine...
<Wise Snake> No, he doesn't think that at all.
<Wise Snake> Wait!
Bcal mutters as she goes up the stairs
Wise Snake massages her forehead in eloquent silence.
Briel wanders into the library and sees Nick.
Briel zlins Nick.
Nick is poring over some musty volumes in a far corner of the library.
Briel ~~ need ~~ three days away.
Nick feels Briel's need and looks up.
<Nick> Oh! Briel. Good morning.
<Briel> Hello Nick.
<Briel> Waiting for Snake?
Nick carefully adjusts his nager to be comfortable but not tempting.
<Nick> Yes. I wanted to look some things up before I discussed them with her.
<Briel> I see.
<Briel> Well, I'm glad you're making use of the library here.
<Briel> Do you know who Snake is going to get to monitor this next transfer?
Briel worried about Snake.
<Nick> I believe she's still considering that.
Wise Snake sighs, removes her hand, and begins to walk toward the library, hoping nothing too alarming happens on the way through the Sime Center alone.
<Briel> I was thinking of Tramila.
Nick sighs and puts the books back.
<Briel> She is a Farris.
<Briel> And she is probably the most sensitive and capable around.
<Nick> Well, she'd probably be a good choice, but I'd rather have no monitor at all than someone Snake isn't comfortable with.
<Briel> I would like to be there... but have no reason to.
<Briel> I'm sure Veraik would like to be there.
<Briel> But like I said....
Briel shrugs
<Briel> Any of us would be willing to help.
<Nick> I'm sure Snake knows that.
<Briel> Well then.
<Briel> If you'll excuse me.
Wise Snake enters the library.
<Nick> Of cour... Snake!
<Nick> ~~welcome~~
<Wise Snake> Hello, Nick, Briel.
Briel sees Snake and zlins.
<Briel> Hello Snake.
<Wise Snake> ~~field controlled~~
Nick goes over to Snake, offering support.
Nick forbears from commenting on what was obviously a rough night, because of Briel's presence.
Briel nods.
<Briel> If you'll excuse me, then.
Briel realizes Nick wants to talk to Snake alone.
<Briel> I'll see you two later.
Briel leaves.
Wise Snake looks after Briel.
<Jirelle> Oh! Briel?
Jirelle hurries after the Controller.
<Nick> She was wondering who you wanted to monitor your next transfer.
Briel pauses.
<Briel> Yes?
Briel zlins Jirelle and gets concerned.
<Jirelle> Have you seen Arcadia anywhere about? I can't seem to find her.
<Jirelle> I know I should have been keeping better track, but I was just finishing up with a patient and it was her break time....
Jirelle realizes she is blaming others for her own lack of attention and blushes.
<Nick> She recommended Tramila, but said that she or Veraik would be willing to help if you'd prefer.
<Jirelle> I mean to say... I just....
<Jirelle> Have you?
<Wise Snake> Ah.
<Briel> No, I haven't.
<Nick> Have you eaten yet?
Wise Snake gulps looking green.
Jirelle looks downcast.
Nick missed out on his usual muffin and tea in the shop.
Jirelle attempts to rally her spirits so she won't depress Briel.
<Jirelle> Oh.. I see... well, I'll just have to keep looking then! [bright smile]
<Nick> ~~concern~~
<Nick> You don't look at all well.
<Jirelle> She's probably holed up somewhere around here.
<Nick> Have you had another... incident with your time sense?
<Jirelle> I just have to pay more attention.
Briel offers ~~ support ~~
<Wise Snake> No! No. Nothing like that.
<Wise Snake> Well... nothing EXACTLY like that.
<Wise Snake> It's just that B'cal fed me three times tonight, and was trying to do it again just now. You'll do the same, then Rapol will... it's endless.
<Briel> You're doing fine.
Nick grins.
<Briel> I'll find Arcadia and talk to her.
<Nick> Well, if that's what the trouble is, why don't you limit yourself to a cup of tea? It might settle your stomach a bit.
<Briel> Do you want me to assign you someone else right now?
<Jirelle> Would you?
<Jirelle> ~~need/guilt~~
<Jirelle> I mean... I don't want to offend her or anything.
<Briel> Until I can find Arcadia?
<Jirelle> Do you think it would be all right, just for a few minutes?
Briel nods.
<Jirelle> She really is a dear, sweet woman.
<Jirelle> I like her ever so much, and she's a sort of okay Donor too.
<Briel> Of course it will.
<Wise Snake> That doesn't sound too bad. [cautiously]
<Briel> Well then, I'll send a Donor to you immediately.
Briel smiles at Jirelle through her own need, knowing what it's like to be without a Donor.
<Jirelle> Thank you. ~~relief~~
<Jirelle> I'll be working in transfer room 5.
<Briel> That's fine.
Briel turns toward the lobby.
<Briel> Someone will be right there.
Nick smiles and leads the way to the cafeteria.
Briel goes to the lobby and looks up at the board.
Briel sends Darron to work with Jirelle.
Arcadia is camped out in Alea's soundproof, nager proof office, reading "By the Short Tentacles"
Briel figures Jirelle will like working with someone over rating her and who is good too.
<Arcadia> Ho ho ho! I love this part.
Briel goes through the personal files on the desk.
Arcadia has her watch turned so the clock part is against her wrist.
<Wise Snake> Um... Nick?
<Wise Snake> About this transfer.
Nick piles his plate with a hearty breakfast, then gets two teas to go with it.
<Nick> Yes?
Briel finds one on Alea, opens it... and realizes she has missed an appointment for a prenatal check up.
Wise Snake makes sure nobody's attention is on them, and lowers her voice.
Nick encloses Snake in a bubble of nageric quiet--incidentally ensuring that no one can zlin them.
Nick thinks, or at least, not in enough detail to guess the subject of the conversation.
Briel turns and goes to Alea's office and pushes the door open.
<Briel> Alea, I....
Briel zlins.
<Briel> Arcadia!
Arcadia looks up guiltily.
<Arcadia> ~~state of intense arousal~~
Briel goes over and grabs the book.
<Briel> I've had enough of this.
<Briel> Your books are confiscated until after Jirelle's transfer.
<Arcadia> ~~~state of intense contrition~~~
<Arcadia> I'm sorry, Controller.
<Briel> I'll just bet.
<Arcadia> I didn't mean to be so late... [turns watch around and sees just how late she is -- blanches]
<Briel> But not as sorry as Jirelle who is suffering without her Donor.
<Wise Snake> I... I haven't decided whether to try you or Rapol.
<Briel> Please go report to her and work with her, and Darron for the rest of the day.
<Briel> At that time, I'll talk with Jirelle and see if she still wants you as her Donor this month.
Arcadia looks alarmed.
<Arcadia> Yes, Controller. [meekly]
Nick nods in understanding.
Briel nods.
<Nick> How will you decide?
Briel steps aside so Arcadia can leave.
<Wise Snake> I want to ask Tramila to zlin the both of you and offer advice.
<Wise Snake> And whichever of you doesn't get his turn this time, I'd like to ask her to take her next transfer with him.
Wise Snake adds quickly, "I have no idea if she'll do either of those things, yet."
Arcadia creeps out of the room.
Arcadia thinks it's a good thing she had some books stashed in secret places.
<Nick> It's a good idea, if Tramila will go for it. She's the only one around who can zlin with enough precision to do you any good.
<Wise Snake> Yeah.
Wise Snake sips her tea.
Nick starts hungrily on his breakfast, knowing that it will be a long, cold day.
Nick concentrates on his eggs and cereal, letting the plate of toast sit halfway between him and Snake.
Weiner Dog approaches Alea on the street, from behind.
Weiner Dog sniffs a grate, and then a sign post.
Weiner Dog waddles along the sidewalk again.
Weiner Dog hurries forward between Alea's legs and then turns a sharp corner into a small restaurant.
Wise Snake swallows queasily and reaches for a piece of toast.
Alea stumbles her arms windmilling.
Wise Snake smells the toast and can't bring it any closer to her mouth.
Wise Snake shudders.
Alea sits down hard in the snow.
Nick looks up at Snake.
Swanman catches Alea before she hits the ground.
<Nick> If it makes you that nauseated, don't eat it.
Swanman is a young, handsome renSime.
Alea smiles at Swanman.
<Alea> Thank you.
<Swanman> Are you all right? [brushing snow off Alea's cloak]
<Alea> I wasn't paying attention.
<Alea> Why, yes.
<Alea> Thank you.
<Nick> Shall we see if we can find Tramila before we leave today?
<Wise Snake> Umm.... maybe.
Wise Snake puts the toast back on the plate and takes a few breaths.
<Wise Snake> How about a little less "starvation" and a little more "soothing"?
Nick finishes the cereal and eggs, and reaches for the toast.
Swanman looks around to see who is with the beautiful Gen lady.
Nick adjusts his showfield as specified.
<Swanman> Would you allow me to buy you a tea?
Alea thinks she really wants to have it out with that witch.
Wise Snake massages her forehead and sighs.
<Nick> How's that?
<Wise Snake> Ah... thank you.
<Wise Snake> Much better.
Alea wonders just how close to need this renSime is.
Nick reminds himself to tell Rapol that Snake didn't eat breakfast, so he'll know to make sure that she doesn't skip dinner as well.
Wise Snake puts the tea down as it suddenly tastes like gnu lard.
<Wise Snake> Ucch.
Alea thinks of Tarsh and how he is in need.
Alea finally nods.
<Alea> Very well.
Alea is confident she can handle this renSime if anything happens.
Swanman 's face is transformed by a pleased smile.
Nick finishes demolishing the toast, and swallows the last of his tea.
<Nick> Are you finished?
Swanman gestures at the "Silver Ball" up ahead.
Alea walks along with Swanman.
<Swanman> Have you tried that place?
<Alea> No. I don't believe I have.
Alea ~~ field carefully controlled ~~
<Swanman> Neither have I. It is supposed to be fairly good, would you like to try it now?
<Alea> Certainly.
<Wise Snake> Ah... yes. ~~relieved~~
<Alea> So, tell me, what do you do for a living Swanman?
Swanman walks with Alea to the teahouse.
<Nick> Well, then, let's see if we can find Tramila.
Nick busses his dishes.
<Swanman> I own Carfwim Farms a few miles south of here. We specialize in exotic livestock.
<Alea> Really?
<Alea> Like what?
Alea goes into the tea house.
<Swanman> Tigers, snow leopards, baboons, ostriches, peacocks, swans, bears.
<Alea> really?
Alea smiles.
<Alea> How interesting.
<Swanman> We also do special orders shipped in from other parts of the Territory.
Alea 's smile fades and she looks at him....
<Alea> You wouldn't have happened to supply someone named "exterminator" would you?
<Swanman> Not that I know of.
Alea ~~ relief ~~
<Alea> You haven't had a sudden release of animals... and trouble finding them, have you?
Swanman 's perfect brow furrows in concern for Alea.
Alea goes over to a table, releasing the frogs on her coat.
<Swanman> No...?
<Alea> Ah, good. Good.
Swanman follows Alea.
Swanman takes her cloak.
<Swanman> May I?
Alea slips the scarf from her neck.
<Alea> Thank you.
Alea smiles, relaxing.
Swanman hangs Alea's and his own cloaks on a hook.
Alea thinks maybe this guy isn't going to be crazy like everyone else she always meets.
Swanman pulls out a chair for Alea.
Alea surprised, accepts it.
Alea sits.
Swanman makes sure Alea is settled, then sits down opposite her.
<Swanman> I inherited the business from my father, actually. Our family has been in the same business for as long as anybody can remember.
<Swanman> I hope that my son... if I ever have one... will do the same.
<Alea> A family business.
Alea smiles.
<Swanman> Yes.
<Alea> I guess I'm in a family business too.
<Alea> I'm from Zeor.
Swanman gestures to the waiter.
<Alea> Donors and Channels are our business.
<Swanman> [to Alea:] is Trin fine with you?
<Alea> Perfect. Thank you
Swanman gestures for trin for two.
<Swanman> How fascinating. What brings you to Bender Cove?
Swanman seems to be under the impression that someone from Zeor would only be here on a temporary basis.
<Alea> I work here, at the Sime Center.
<Alea> I've been here several months now.
<Swanman> I see. How interesting. Are you a Donor yourself?
<Alea> Yes. I am.
<Alea> You know....
<Alea> I've seen several odd animals running around the Center today.
<Alea> Mink, deer, all kinds of things.
<Alea> You might want to send your workers over to trap some for your shop.
<Alea> If you take in wild ones, that is.
<Swanman> Deer and mink are native to this area, although they wouldn't ordinarily be seen in the city.
<Alea> Oh really?
<Swanman> Yes... you can often see deer in the woods up on the headlands.
<Nick> Snake, I've been doing some research, and I think I've found a way for you to get satisfaction from me or Rapol without injuring us. At least once we're up to your speed and capacity.
<Wise Snake> Oh?
Wise Snake warily.
<Alea> I'm not from here so I didn't know.
<Alea> This is my first real winter.
<Alea> With it this cold, that is.
<Swanman> I enjoy walking in the woods in winter. Everything is so clean, and clear... would you like to join me sometime?
<Nick> Yes. I've been looking at accounts from Gulf Territory, just after Unity.
Alea smiles, then pauses.
<Alea> I'm not so sure.
<Alea> I mean, I'd love to... but Donors keep really busy.
<Swanman> There are a surprising number of wild things that make their homes in and around Bender Cove.
<Swanman> Oh. I understand.
Alea accepts the tea from the waiter.
Swanman nods thanks to the waiter.
Swanman pulls something out of his pocket.
Alea takes a sip of her tea and enjoys the feel of the warmth.
<Nick> They were matching Gens with semi-juncts for a while. Most of them were just able to go a little longer between kills, but some actually were able to give transfers which starved off disjunction indefinitely.
Swanman shows it to Alea: it is thin gold ring, with a tiny swan made of freshwater pearls riding proudly on it.
<Alea> Oh, how beautiful.
Alea reaches out to touch it, then pauses.
<Alea> The craftsmanship is exquisite.
Swanman reaches out to Alea's hand.
<Swanman> May I?
Alea confused, holds out her hand, thinking he is awfully trusting to let a stranger examine the ring.
Swanman takes her hand gently and slips the ring onto her littlest finger.
<Swanman> Beautiful things should belong to beautiful people.
Alea gapes.
<Nick> The technique they used seems to have been lost; I expect the Tecton thought it was never worth preserving.
<Alea> Oh dear... I can't possibly accept this.
<Alea> It's just too beautiful... too special.
<Nick> However, if those Gens could simulate an actual Kill, without injury, surely we should be able to figure out how Rapol and I can simulate the pain you require--without hurting any of us?
Alea looks at it and sighs, before moving to take it back off her finger.
<Wise Snake> Ummm... [dubiously] well... I suppose it's possible.
Alea looks up, touched by what Swanman said and allowing it to show in her nager.
Alea pulls off the ring. "I do thank you, though."
Swanman accepts it back.
<Swanman> ~~regret~~
Alea ~~ regret ~~
<Swanman> If that is your wish, of course I will not press it on you.
<Alea> It is my wish.
Swanman returns it to its place of safekeeping.
<Alea> Did you make that?
<Swanman> No. It was given me as a gift.
<Alea> Oh really?
Nick is glad that Snake didn't reject the idea outright.
<Swanman> We deal with many far-off places. In some of them, the exchange of gifts is an essential part of civilized business.
<Alea> Really.
<Nick> It will take a lot of work, to recreate a dead technique that was never well documented. However, knowing it's been done is a good head start.
<Alea> You know, we have a nice man at our Center who is from a far off place.
<Alea> He too, is a Donor.
<Wise Snake> Knowing there is a rumor it's been done anyway.
<Alea> He has odd ways about him.
<Wise Snake> It will take quite a while to get a letter back from Gulf at this time of year, if you're planning on writing there.
<Swanman> Is that so?
Dru walks into the Sime center and looks around.
<Alea> Yes, it is.
<Alea> Came here on a boat.
Dru begins walking the halls.
<Swanman> Where did he come from?
<Alea> Across the ocean as far as I know.
<Nick> I know. It might be faster to just experiment on our own.
Dru is disheveled and dirty and hungry.
Dru is also cold and exhausted.
Alea sips her tea.
Eliza walks out of the cafeteria and stops in surprise at the appearance of the Gen in front of her.
<Eliza> Hello - you all right?
Clerk finishes his break-time tea, and heads back for his desk.
<Dru> I'm looking for work. Do you speak Genlan?
Eliza switches to English, thinking "thank goodness."
<Dru> Oh, good.
<Eliza> Sure. You look cold - come and have some trin while we talk.
<Dru> I'm from out-Territory and just arrived here. I didn't know where else to go.
<Dru> Thank you.
Eliza can sympathize with that.
Alea sets the tea down.
Eliza leads the Gen into the cafeteria and grabs a couple of mugs of tea.
<Eliza> Here, sit down here and tell me all about it.
Nick looks up as Eliza comes in with a stranger.
<Dru> Thank you.
Dru mouth waters at the smell of food.
Eliza hands the Gen the tea.
<Alea> He's a big man with a deep voice.
<Alea> Dark skinned.
<Nick> Hmm, that looks more like one of our customers than the Sime Center's usual clientele.
<Alea> Very nice man.
Dru takes the cup and smiles his thanks, shaking as he drinks it down.
Eliza looks at him curiously.
Dru finds himself acting with bad manners and sets the mug down.
<Swanman> There are strange places in the world where wondrous beasts live.
<Dru> I'm Dru.
Wise Snake glances at the person Nick is referring to.
Wise Snake zlins Dru and Eliza.
<Eliza> Pleased to meet you Dru. Would you like something to eat maybe some soup?
Dru stomach growls.
Dru flushes.
<Eliza> ~ high field and (as usual) excitable ~
<Dru> That sounds great.
Wise Snake moves closer to Nick's field.
<Eliza> I'll get you some - you just stay here I'll be right back [smiles]
Eliza jumps up and runs to the kitchen.
Dru [high field Gen]
<Dru> Uh I can get....
Dru looks around embarrassed.
Alea finishes her tea.
Wise Snake studies Dru.
Nick puts a steadying hand on Snake's arm, and offers support.
Eliza comes back carefully carrying a bowl of soup and some bread.
<Alea> Thank you so much for the tea, and catching me... and allowing me a chance to warm up.
Alea smiles.
Eliza puts it down slopping a bit on the table.
Dru politely doesn't notice.
<Eliza> There you go.
<Swanman> Would you like a ride? I have a carriage waiting.
<Dru> Thank you.
Alea pulls out a business card.
<Eliza> Eat up - then you can tell me what brings you here.
<Nick> Something interesting?
Dru begins to eat greedily, though he tries to hold himself to a normal pace.
Eliza wonders where Alea is. [she has the idea that Alea is in charge of stray Gens]
Alea thinks of the witch's house....
Alea really wants to talk to her... but decides perhaps she should go back to the Center.
<Alea> Fine. Thank you.
<Dru> Thank you for the soup. It's been a couple of days since I've eaten.
<Eliza> That's ok. What's up?
Swanman accepts the business card.
Swanman pulls out a silver card case and slips one of his own out, offers it to Alea.
<Swanman> Thank you.
Alea accepts it graciously.
<Alea> Thank you.
Alea slips it into her pocket.
Swanman 's card is a white engraved card with a crest showing a great cat and a swan.
<Alea> My card simply has the Zeor crest.
Eliza sips her tea.
<Alea> I like the swan better.
Swanman pays for the tea and rises to get Alea's cloak.
<Dru> I left Gen territory, kicked out by my family.
<Dru> I have to find work.
<Dru> I didn't know where else to go, so I came here.
Eliza wonders why he got kicked out.
<Eliza> What sort of work can you do?
<Dru> My father told me, when he kicked me out, this is where I BELONGED.
Alea stands.
<Eliza> Why did he say that?
Alea slips her scarf around her neck.
Alea slips her gloves back on and then accepts the cloak.
Swanman assists her, then dons his own cloak.
<Dru> This young kid... a friend... turned, you know... and well, I was trying to help him to the border before he... well... before he hurt anyone else.
Alea smiles sweetly at Swanman.
<Eliza> Oh no! Where is he?
<Dru> He was beaten to death.
Swanman holds the door of the teahouse open for Alea.
Alea leaves.
Eliza feels sick.
<Alea> I'll have to come by and visit your shop sometime.
Swanman gestures at a coach waiting up the street, which the driver turns around and comes in their direction.
<Alea> I had a kitty at one time, but maybe it's time for me to get a new animal.
<Swanman> We don't really have a shop, per se. But you are welcome to a tour of the farm.
<Alea> Oh.
<Eliza> That's dreadful.
<Dru> Yes, it was.
<Swanman> [it is a white coach drawn by white horses.]
<Dru> He was crying when I found him, saying how sorry he was to have killed... that he just wanted to go to Sime Territory.
<Alea> How lovely.
Alea feels like a fairy princess.
Eliza is close to crying herself.
<Swanman> [the horses blow steam and toss feathered heads as the coach slows and stops]
Eliza is glad that Mostan isn't here.
Swanman offers Alea a hand up as the coachman opens the door for them.
Eliza pulls herself together.
<Dru> He told me to leave, so I did... and now I need work.
Wise Snake turns to Nick.
Alea goes over to the coach and looks inside.
<Wise Snake> Well... let us go see if Tramila is available before I lose my nerve.
<Nick> All right.
<Dru> Do you know if they're hiring here?
<Eliza> Well I think we have to get you seen by a channel first... [looks around and sees Snake]
<Swanman> [rich upholstery]
Alea ~~ impressed ~~
<Eliza> You stay here a moment while I see someone OK?
<Dru> Of course.
Eliza weaves between the table towards Nick and Snake.
Dru finishes his soup.
Wise Snake starts to stand, then sees Eliza heading purposefully toward them.
<Wise Snake> Uh-oh.
Nick sees Eliza wave and pauses.
<Eliza> Hello Snake [smiles at Snake]
Alea goes over to climb in.
Swanman gives Alea a hand up, then gets in himself and sits opposite to her.
<Swanman> Where would you like to be taken?
Alea thinks she just might swoon from the nice treatment this Sime is giving her.
Alea wonders why he is being so nice.
<Alea> The Sime Center--lower town.
Nick cocks a resigned eyebrow in Snake's direction.
<Eliza> Got a moment Snake?
Eliza doesn't think that Snake looks too good.
Wise Snake nods irresolutely.
<Wise Snake> Sure.
Dru looks around wondering who the people are she is talking to.
<Wise Snake> ~~nervous~~
<Nick> ~~support~~
<Eliza> I don't know what to do with this person who just wondered in.
Swanman instructs the driver, and the door is closed.
<Swanman> [the coach starts moving]
<Eliza> He doesn't have anywhere to stay... got kicked out of home.
<Alea> Thank you for the ride.
<Swanman> It is my pleasure.
<Eliza> What is the correct thing to do?
<Swanman> Such a beauty as yourself should not be made to walk these streets alone, except by choice.
<Swanman> And I hope you are never driven to such a choice.
Tramila walks into the cafeteria for a cup of trin and zlins Snake, Nick, Eliza, and an unknown Gen.
Alea looks at Swanman incredulous.
Alea thinks she should get him a mirror.
Nick sees Tramila enter.
<Swanman> ~~sincere~~
Tramila goes to Snake. [worry]
Alea thinks he is much more gorgeous than her... which makes her nervous.
Alea thinks men shouldn't be prettier.
Wise Snake studies the Gen, then turns to Eliza.
<Wise Snake> Let him donate, and give him his money. Then, have him talk to one of the counselors for Gens. They can tell him how to find housing and a job.
<Wise Snake> Have you met the counselors yet?
<Eliza> You mean like Alea?
Wise Snake zlins Tramila approaching and glances in that direction.
Tramila approves of Wise Snake's handling of the Gen.
<Wise Snake> No, there are special employees of the Sime center for counseling new Gens and Simes trying to start out on their own.
<Eliza> Oh no - I haven't met them - but I'll get him to donate first [smiles] Thank you Snake! I knew that you would know what to do.
<Wise Snake> Ah, Tramila. Could you possibly introduce Eliza to the counselors so she'll know what to do next time?
<Wise Snake> Have you two met?
Wise Snake looks between Eliza and Tramila.
Eliza smiles at Tramila. "Not really - but I've seen you around."
Swanman smiles at Alea.
<Tramila> No, I haven't.
<Eliza> Pleased to meet you Tramila
<Wise Snake> Tramila, this is Eliza, she just came here two weeks ago and is in Donor training.
<Alea> How large is this farm?
<Wise Snake> Eliza, this is Tramila Farris ambrov Zeor.
<Wise Snake> She was my mentor at Zeor.
Wise Snake doesn't know why she added that.
<Tramila> And you Eliza.
Tramila smiles.
<Eliza> oh [impressed]
Dru gets nervous the more they talk and thinks they are planning something like his father.
Tramila thinking. ~pride~
Dru stands and calmly and quietly walks out of the cafeteria.
Nick sees Dru leave.
Eliza sees Dru exiting and calls after him.
Dru heads toward the exit.
<Eliza> Hold on Dru.
<Nick> Umm, I hate to interrupt, but your friend there is leaving.
<Eliza> Yes.... [races after him]
Eliza catches up to Dru in the hallway.
<Dru> Oh uh what.
Tramila turns to Wise and Nick. "Will she be able to help him?"
Nick shrugs.
<Dru> I was just afraid you... well, it is possible that, I don't understand much of the language, you might now want
<Nick> If nothing else, they're almost of an age.
<Wise Snake> She can probably help him find a channel and donate. But if she doesn't know the counselors, she will require help in connecting him with one.
Alea smiles.
<Alea> I thank you again for the ride.
<Tramila> Yes.
<Alea> If you ever want transfer, please stop by and allow one of our Channels to help you.
<Tramila> I was just going to have a cup of trin. Care to join me?
<Eliza> Dru - I don't speak much Simelan myself! But there is nothing to be afraid of.
<Wise Snake> Um... sure.
Wise Snake sits back down again.
Wise Snake shrugs at Nick.
Dru remembers the dangerous looking Sime and Gen and isn't so sure.
<Dru> Okay.
<Eliza> Come sit in the lobby and I'll tell you what Snake suggested.
Eliza leads Dru to the couch in the lobby.
Nick shrugs back.
Dru goes with Eliza.
Tramila quickly gets a cup of trin and joins Wise and Nick.
Clerk looks up as Eliza enters with a stranger.
<Clerk> Can I help you?
<Eliza> OK now, Snake suggested that you donate here first. That will lower your field and give you some money.
Wise Snake lowers her voice so their conversation will not be heard over the general noise of the cafeteria.
<Wise Snake> Tramila, I've been meaning to come and talk to you.
Eliza smiles at the Clerk. " I think we are right for the moment - but who is taking donations today?"
Nick spreads his nager to blur their fields.
<Dru> But that kills humans.
<Tramila> Oh really? What about?
Eliza blinks.
Alea looks out the window at the Center.
<Eliza> No it doesn't, Dru.
<Eliza> Not when a Channel does it.
Clerk looks at the board, then decides that he might as well not bother, with the way it keeps getting rearranged three times a day.
<Eliza> It doesn't even hurt.
Dru confused.
<Dru> I saw a channel change and kill someone.
<Dru> So I know that is the truth.
Swanman looks over at Alea as the coach pulls up in front of the Sime Center.
<Swanman> Thank you for lending me your company.
<Eliza> How do you know it was a channel Dru?
<Alea> And you for rescuing me.
Alea pushes open the door.
Swanman smiles at Alea's humor.
Alea thinks only once in a lifetime is a girl treated to such and smiles dreamily.
Eliza is pleased to see Alea.
Alea turns back.
<Swanman> [the coachman is disconcerted by the door opening from the inside, but stands properly next to it, offering his hand.
Eliza jumps up and embarrasses her.
<Swanman> I hope I will see you again one day?
Alea nods her thanks.
<Alea> I'm sure you will.
Swanman smiles.
<Alea> I'd like to take a look at some of your animals.
<Alea> Goodbye.
<Swanman> And so you shall. Goodbye.
Dru jumps too.
<Swanman> [the white coach pulls away]
<Dru> What?
Dru looks around.
Clerk looks hopelessly around for a channel.
Alea watches the coach... only now wondering if that was another trick of the witch.
<Eliza> Oh Alea I'm glad you are back.
Jirelle runs out into the lobby a bit harried.
Alea turns, slowly focusing back on Eliza.
Dru jumps up and backs away.
Clerk see Jirelle, and sighs in relief.
Dru [fear]
<Eliza> Look, we have a visitor.
<Clerk> Hajene Jirelle?
<Alea> Really?
<Alea> Why?
Eliza points to Dru who is cringing against the wall.
Alea looks around.
Alea goes inside and sees where Eliza is pointing.
Alea ~~ alert ~~
Jirelle looks in her basket for incoming paperwork, finds one, then looks curiously at Alea, Dru and Eliza.
Alea assesses the situation.
Jirelle notices the Gen is afraid.
<Jirelle> Oh, that poor man!
<Jirelle> Somebody go help him!
Dru realizes she isn't going to attack him and gets embarrassed.
Alea hurries over to the Gen.
<Alea> It's quite all right. [English]
<Alea> How may we help you?
Alea motions for Jirelle to come over.
Dru watches warily.
Jirelle approaches, trying to look as nice and cheerful and friendly as she possibly ever could.
<Dru> I am, Dru. I am suppose to donate. Eliza said you would pay me... and not kill me.
Eliza smiles encouragingly at Dru.
Dru looks at the small odd channel and smiles.
<Dru> [worry]
Clerk realizes that nobody is paying attention to him, and sits back down at his desk, muttering to himself.
<Jirelle> Hello! Oh, Dru, I am so glad you've come. Of course neither I or anybody else here would ever dream of laying a finger on you in harm!
<Alea> Oh my... No, we won't hurt you.
Dru tries to follow the conversation nodding and shaking his head.
<Jirelle> Listen to what Alea says, you won't find a kinder or gentler soul anywhere.
Dru thinks she seems nice... just like his friend.
Alea grimaces.
<Alea> Except for Jirelle here.
Jirelle beams happily at the compliment.
<Jirelle> Why thank you, Alea!
<Alea> You're quite welcome, Jirelle.
<Jirelle> Now, Dru, would you like to talk about it a little bit first?
Alea notes she has no Donor with her and motions Eliza to support her.
Eliza moves over and does what Alea asks.
<Jirelle> You seem just a tad anxious, and of course I would never want to make anybody in the least bit nervous.
Eliza ~~supports~~ Jirelle.
Dru wonders if he should, then shakes his head. He's going to starve if he doesn't get money so it's either do it or die...or die either way possibly.
Jirelle feels considerably better as the Donor starts working to her.
<Dru> No. Let's just do it.
<Dru> I'm glad to hear you say that.
<Wise Snake> My next transfer.
<Wise Snake> I would like you to monitor, if you would.
<Wise Snake> It would be a great favor to me.
Alea sees everything is going fine and goes to her office.
<Jirelle> Sure... sure, if that is what you'd be most comfortable with. Have you filled out the forms?
<Dru> Forms?
Nick studies Tramila's Farris-revealing features for clues to her answer.
<Jirelle> Well, here at the Sime Center we keep medical records for everybody, so that if you ever get sick you can come here for free healing.
Jirelle beams.
Tramila nods. "Of course, Wise. I would be honored."
Wise Snake anxiously.
<Wise Snake> ~~relief~~
<Eliza> Oh Jirelle - can I fill them out for him? Practice my writing?
Nick hopes the second half of Snake's proposal will be as successful.
<Wise Snake> I also wondered if you'd be willing to zlin Nick and my other Donor, Rapol, and determine which one of them would have the best chance of surviving the transfer.
Wise Snake winces as she realizes her thoughts came out a little too accurately.
<Wise Snake> I mean, which one would be best for me.
<Nick> ~~concern~~
<Jirelle> ~~surprised~~
Jirelle looks to Dru.
<Jirelle> Are you okay with that?
<Dru> Yes.
<Tramila> All right. Let's arrange it.
Eliza scampers over to the desk and gets the papers and a pen off the Clerk.
<Jirelle> Go ahead then. Take the forms and go into room 4 with him. I'll be along shortly.
<Dru> I would appreciate the help.
<Dru> Thank you. [to Eliza]
<Wise Snake> Nick is available now. I could bring in Rapol either tomorrow evening or the following morning.
Eliza takes Dru's hand and leads him to room 4.
Eliza sits at the desk and indicates that Dru should sit on the chair on the other side.
Jirelle goes to room 5 to find out if her Donor is still there and if her substitute Donor is still in a screaming argument with her Donor.
Tramila looks at Nick.
<Eliza> OK now. Name... Dru... [looks up] Dru what?
Dru looks around the strange room, seeing the way it looks almost like a hospital room or lounge....
Jirelle sees they are both gone.
Jirelle sighs.
<Tramila> Perhaps we should do this in my office.
Dru sits down.
<Dru> Linsone.
<Dru> Dru Linsone.
<Wise Snake> Whatever room is insulated to our standards would be fine.
<Eliza> Dru Linsone... How old are you Dru?
<Nick> Certainly.
<Dru> Twenty-five.
Tramila stands. "Let's go."
Eliza writes a wiggly 25 that looks more like 72.
<Dru> You can write their language?
Wise Snake stands to follow Tramila, bussing her tea cup automatically.
<Eliza> Oh Address - I'll just leave that blank.
<Eliza> Well - I'm learning to write it.
<Eliza> I write it better then I speak it.
Nick stands as well, having already bussed his dishes.
<Eliza> Any illnesses... Have you been sick lately?
Tramila leads the way.
Nick follows Tramila to her office.
<Dru> No.
Eliza writes "no"
Tramila closes the door behind Wise and Nick.
<Eliza> Are you pregnan... errr guess not.
<Tramila> Nick? Come here.
<Wise Snake> Perhaps... whichever one of them I did not try... perhaps you could take in your next transfer?
Dru looks shocked.
Wise Snake nervous at the subject.
<Dru> No. Nor do I have any children.
Nick goes over to Tramila.
<Dru> I am single.
Wise Snake sits down to be out of the way.
Tramila looks to Wise and smiles.
<Dru> I have lived alone, not finding a wife yet.
Eliza looks for where it asks for marital status.
Nick holds out his hands for Tramila.
Eliza writes "signal"
Tramila takes Nick's arms and wraps tentacles.
<Tramila> Are you ready?
Jirelle drags herself toward room #4, then stops, carefully recomposing her joyous and helpful facade.
<Nick> Certainly.
Jirelle works herself up to going in there.
Eliza looks at the form.
<Jirelle> Wow... it will be so great helping that poor man get his life together!
Tramila leans in and makes fifth contact.
Wise Snake looks the other way, nager firmly controlled.
Eliza wonders what the writing down the bottom says
<Dru> Just how much does this pay?
Eliza looks at the words she recognizes as "no responsibility... every care...."
Nick holds steady.
<Jirelle> And won't it be a great learning experience for Eliza too!
<Eliza> Well it depends how much selyn they take.
<Eliza> I don't really know the rates.
Tramila uses his field resistant to judge approximate flow rate.
<Jirelle> And... wow... I love helping people. Maybe I will learn something too!
<Dru> Don't they take it all?
Jirelle puts on a happy nager and walks into the room.
Jirelle waves at the two, and sits down to wait for the paperwork to be completed.
Dru is nervous though putting on a brave front.
Tramila zlins the selyn capacity.
<Eliza> I think that is all Jirelle - you want to check it?
<Tramila> Finally, Tramila releases Nick.
Eliza hands the papers to Jirelle.
Nick raises a questioning eyebrow towards Tramila, asking for her verdict.
Dru looks with doom and gloom at Jirelle thinking it's better to die like this than to be beat to death.
Jirelle takes the papers and scans them.
<Jirelle> Wow... 72 years old? You must be very wise!
Dru thinks at least it will be fast...and on the off chance he lives, he'll get paid.
<Dru> 72?
<Dru> I'm twenty-five
Eliza sees Dru looking like death warmed up.
<Eliza> 72? no that's 25.
<Jirelle> Oh dear! Silly me. I must be completely blind.
Eliza blushes.
Jirelle erases the 72 and writes 25.
<Eliza> ~ embarrassed ~
<Jirelle> And I see you're signal, here....
Jirelle does a double take, then corrects the spelling.
<Jirelle> Great! Ready to go, then?
<Tramila> Wise? He has the capacity but I would like to zlin Rapol because I say anything more.
Eliza blinks and wishes the ground would swallow her.
Dru nods and closes his eyes.
<Jirelle> Could you come over here and sit on the transfer couch?
Jirelle pats on the donor part of it.
Dru opens his eyes, realizes she hasn't attacked and goes over to the couch.
Jirelle sits down opposite to him.
Eliza moves over closer to Jirelle to ~support~ her.
<Jirelle> Now, has anybody explained to you about donating yet?
Dru thinks that's a nice word for killing him, or trying to.
<Dru> I know what it is.
<Dru> You don't have to explain it.
Dru thrusts out his arms and closes his eyes again.
Nick is glad that Tramila intends to do a thorough job.
<Jirelle> All right. All you have to do is sit very still. You won't feel a thing. I'm going to hold onto your arms and touch my lips to yours. When I have let go of you again, it will be okay to move. Do you understand?
Dru nods still not opening his yes, beginning to sweat.
<Tramila> Tramila zlins Nick.
Tramila smiles, thinking.
<Wise Snake> Well?
Dru wishes the channel would hurry and get it over with before he loses his nerve and runs out of here.
Jirelle takes Dru's arms firmly.
Dru trembles.
Jirelle wonders where all the shidoni Firsts are when you actually need them.
Dru thinks be brave be brave.
<Eliza> ~ confident support ~
Jirelle is immediately embarrassed by herself.
Jirelle uses Eliza's support as her laterals make contact.
Jirelle takes a 5th contact.
Dru shivers.
Jirelle draws slowly.
Dru thinks be still, don't fight. Die bravely, not like the coward your father said you were.
<Tramila> Well what Wise. You said you wanted me to zlin both Nick and Rapol.
Jirelle leans on Eliza's field heavily as the Gen's fear increases.
<Tramila> I will reserve judgment until I have had a chanced to zlin Rapol.
Dru wonders why she hasn't hurt him yet.
Jirelle brings the draw to a close, and releases Dru.
<Jirelle> There. You're all set!
Dru blinks.
Eliza hands Dru a towel with "Don't Panic" on it.
Jirelle reaches for a pad of vouchers and a pen and fills one out, feeling tired and needy.
<Dru> But you didn't do anything.
<Jirelle> Well, there isn't much to donating, really.
<Jirelle> Just zip zip, you're done!
Jirelle tears off the voucher.
Eliza steps over and puts her hand on Jirelle's shoulder [whispers] "Are you all right?"
Dru is surprised.
<Dru> Thank you.
<Jirelle> Now, you'll want to take this to the Bursar's office. I'm sure Eliza can take you there on your way to see the counselor.
Jirelle leans on Eliza's support.
<Eliza> If you are all right Jirelle...?
Dru nods in a daze.
<Dru> Thank you.
Eliza wonders where Jirelle's Companion is.
<Jirelle> I'm fine. [in quick Simelan] It's just need. I'm due tonight.
Dru wonders at the odd words.
<Wise Snake> Good. I will bring him as soon as possible.
Eliza runs what Jirelle said through her head and translates it to herself
<Eliza> Where is your Donor then?
Jirelle shrugs helplessly.
<Jirelle> Help Dru. I'll go look for Arcadia again.
Eliza looks from Dru to Jirelle helplessly.
<Dru> Is something the matter?
<Eliza> Jirelle - why don't you come with us - I don't like leaving you in this condition.
Dru is nervous again.
<Tramila> I'll be ready.
<Jirelle> No! no no. [in English] Everything is fine. I just have to go do work somewhere else now.
Jirelle flees the room.
<Tramila> Just don't make it too close to your transfer. I zlin how you are how and not knowing is making it worse.
Eliza sighs.
<Dru> Did I do something?
<Nick> Thank you for your help, Tramila.
<Eliza> No! Not at all. She is just in need.
Tramila nods. "You're welcome Nick."
<Eliza> Let's go see if we can find a counselor or maybe one of the Controllers.
<Wise Snake> It will be some time in the next couple of days. [promises]
<Tramila> Take care of her.
Dru doesn't understand what need is but nods thinking she must be needed somewhere.
<Dru> Okay.
<Dru> Actually, I just want to cash this.
<Nick> I will.
<Dru> Maybe I'll come back tomorrow and talk with the Controller.
<Eliza> Where are you going to stay tonight then?
Wise Snake rises.
Tramila turns to Wise. "I'm sure you will have a good transfer this month if Nick is any indication."
Wise Snake looks haunted.
<Wise Snake> I hope you're right.
<Dru> The Friend Sheep Inn.
<Tramila> Just try to relax as much as possible.
Nick moves closer to Snake, offering support.
Eliza wonders what a sheep inn is....
<Eliza> OK then - if you are sure....
Tramila steps back.
Eliza takes Dru back to the lobby.
<Tramila> Soon, Wise. I will be expecting you.
Wise Snake accepts the support.
Dru gives the voucher to Eliza so he can get his money.
<Wise Snake> Tramila? I was wondering if I could ask you one other favor.
Eliza looks at it.
Eliza hands it to the Clerk.
Tramila looks at her. "What is it?
Clerk sighs, and hands the voucher back.
<Clerk> The bursar's office is around the corner there, Eliza. you know that.
Eliza hands the voucher back to Dru.
Eliza blushes.
<Wise Snake> There is a channel here... Turrie. She says she can teach me some kind of... control... that would fix all my problems. Could you talk to her and tell me if you think it would help me?
Dru takes it wondering why he didn't get paid.
<Eliza> Come over here Dru.
Dru goes with Eliza.
Eliza goes into the Bursar's office and looks around.
<Tramila> Yes. I will. but....
Dru gets his money and leaves.
<Dru> Thank you.
Dru goes out the front door.
<Eliza> That's OK bye!
<Tramila> I haven't heard of anyone that can fix anything control problems better than the Farris healers at Zeor.
Eliza wonders back to the Clerk
<Eliza> He sure was in a hurry!
<Wise Snake> I know, but I thought it might be of some limited use. To control nervousness perhaps.
<Wise Snake> Can you talk to her about it, just as a favor to me? I value your advice.
Tramila smiles. "I promise Wise."
<Wise Snake> Thank you.
<Wise Snake> I will see you soon, then.
<Tramila> Yes soon.
Wise Snake leaves with Nick.
Eliza wonders down the hall to Alea's office and signals.
Jirelle searches.
Jirelle finds various books of Arcadia's, and throws them away.
Jirelle asks everybody she sees if they've seen either Arcadia or Darron Gor, in a polite, restrained fashion.
Eliza gives up the silly signal thing and knocks loudly.
Jirelle gives up and goes to Briel's office, signaling.
Eliza gives up and wonders where Alea is.
Eliza misses Mostan.