Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #164: Your Average Morning (2/18/98)
Eliza is waiting in the lobby for Mostan to return. She is still wearing the black leather pants and the red silk top - but the buttons on the top are firmly done up!
Mostan comes walking down the street.
Eliza gets up to look out -just one more time!- and sees him heading homewards.
Eliza flies down the steps.
<Eliza> Mos! what are you doing alone? You shouldn't be alone now! Didn't you take a Donor with you?
Mostan swivels suddenly towards Eliza, arms up.
<Mostan> Eliza....
Mostan reaches for her.
Eliza goes to him ~ support, affection ~
<Mostan> [ Eliza's nager is like cool water on a sunburn ]
<Mostan> Aahh....
<Mostan> Good to zlin you again.
<Eliza> Good to see you too. [smile] Have you told them yet about the, ummm, change in your schedule?
<Mostan> Yes. They uh, didn't like it.
<Mostan> But they're not making an issue of it.
<Eliza> Oh, good.
Eliza opens the door, glad to be back inside where it is warm.
Mostan follows her in.
Mostan zlins around the lobby.
Mostan hasn't noticed Eliza's new clothes.
<Eliza> I was talking to B'cal yesterday. She said that there would be another channel to monitor our transfer. Do you know who?
<Mostan> That would be normal in a problem case like mine. I'm not sure who was assigned, though.
<Wise Snake> You told her what?! [to B'cal]
Wise Snake is walking down the street with B'cal.
B'cal sneers.
<B'cal> What'd you expect me to tell her?
Mostan goes over to look at the schedule board.
<Mostan> It doesn't seem to say....
B'cal grunts when her shoe is filled with squishy slush.
<B'cal> Why didn't you mention my shoes last night when we left?
<B'cal> No... you allowed me to go out, not reminding me to put boots on instead....
<B'cal> Channels....
B'cal mutters.
Wise Snake looks at B'cal oddly.
B'cal shakes her foot.
<Wise Snake> I did so, but you gave me a dirty look.
<Wise Snake> Don't try to make me THINK I had a memory lapse when I didn't.
B'cal swells up, her eyes narrowing.
<Wise Snake> Yes! That's it. That's the look.
<B'cal> A memory lapse?
<B'cal> You think I was trying that?
<B'cal> Who is the one who wouldn't believe that little tart was dressed like a tart yesterday?
<B'cal> It wasn't ME .
<B'cal> You insisted you were hallucinating.
<B'cal> I think you make up half of these memory lapses.
<Wise Snake> This is exactly what I mean. With people doing their damnedest to make me THINK I'm crazy, it's no wonder I can't tell reality from hallucination.
<B'cal> And just who is trying to make you think you're crazy?
Jules Distect slinks down the street looking for the contact.
Wise Snake thinks 'you for one', but only sighs.
<Wise Snake> Just forget it.
<Wise Snake> Let's get you back to the Center.
<B'cal> Sounds fine.
B'cal sneers.
B'cal thinks Snake is imagining things.
Wise Snake zlins B'cal, then looks away.
<Wise Snake> Fine.
B'cal sighs.
<B'cal> Look, Snake....
Wise Snake turns and starts trudging (with catlike Sime grace of course) toward the Sime Center.
<B'cal> I should apologize.
<B'cal> You don't need my own worries while you are worried.
<B'cal> I suppose I'm too emotionally involved with you to be as professional as I should be.
<Wise Snake> What do you have to worry about? You're going home in 5 days.
Wise Snake [muttered]
B'cal lips tighten.
Wise Snake tries to stop thinking about it.
Wise Snake thinks about money instead, and how she has to find a whole lot of it really quickly, and various ways in which this could be done, without attracting the wrong kind of attention.
Wise Snake expands the list to include ways in which a larger amount of money could be obtained, some of which would be spent in distracting the wrong kind of attention.
Jules Distect crosses the street, zlinning.
Wise Snake does a double take.
B'cal trudges along.
<Wise Snake> What the... hey!
Wise Snake takes a beeline away from B'cal, heading quickly for Jules.
B'cal is startled into stopping.
<B'cal> Hey... wait!
B'cal hurries along.
Jules Distect hears something and turns zlinning.
Wise Snake is moving purposefully toward Jules Distect, looking right at her.
Jules Distect recognizes Snake and turns to augment off.
Wise Snake darts after Jules.
Jules Distect tries to blend into the crowd.
<B'cal> Oh, ugh... shen... blast it!
B'cal shaking her feet in disgust.
Wise Snake moves easily through the crowd, trailing Jules.
Jules Distect keeps glancing over her shoulder, zlinning.
Jules Distect shoves at Crowd.
Crowd shoves back.
Jules Distect staggers, turning wildly.
Wise Snake moves in on Jules.
<Jules Distect> Stay away from me!
<Wise Snake> Why are you here? I thought we had a deal.
<Jules Distect> Well....
Jules Distect ~~ resentment ~~
<Wise Snake> I promised Briel that you two would get lost and stay lost if she released you instead of turning you in to the Tecton Marshall.
<Jules Distect> I... I....
Jules Distect looks away.
<Jules Distect> I'm meeting someone here.
<Jules Distect> I had to meet them here.
<Jules Distect> And we did have an agreement... but I... don't have a Gen.
Wise Snake studies Jules Distect minutely.
<Jules Distect> He was killed and I'm looking for someone, a new person.
<Wise Snake> So you took our agreement to mean that you should not enter Bender Cove unless you felt like it?
<Wise Snake> Unless it was convenient?
<Wise Snake> Do you know what is going to happen to you if you get caught again?
<Wise Snake> I did this for your protection!
<Wise Snake> I did it so you could get away. And look what you are doing. Coming where they already know what you are.
<Jules Distect> And what am I suppose to do without a Gen?
<Wise Snake> Find one elsewhere!
<Wise Snake> Take Tecton transfers until you find another, and do it in another city. Not here.
Jules Distect ~~ resentment ~~
<Jules Distect> I guess I have no choice.
Wise Snake looks at Jules closely.
<Wise Snake> Unless... you felt that your promise to me was made lightly, or unfeelingly?
<Wise Snake> Unless you never intended to stay to it?
Jules Distect ~~ wary ~~
<Jules Distect> No... no.
Wise Snake zlins Jules Distect
<Wise Snake> Then go. Before you are caught again.
Wise Snake thinks, by either the Tecton or by Snake.
Jules Distect ~~ angry ~~ turns and runs off.
<B'cal> Who the shenned was that?
B'cal comes puffing up.
Wise Snake turns and looks at B'cal.
<Wise Snake> Nobody.
B'cal looks strangely at Snake.
B'cal thinks it looked like somebody to her.
<B'cal> Fine.
<B'cal> She wasn't threatening you?
B'cal snorts.
<B'cal> Huh.
<B'cal> Only and idiot would threaten a Farris.
<B'cal> Of course, she did look like an idiot.
B'cal turns back toward the Center.
B'cal grimaces and looks at her feet.
Wise Snake follows B'cal, occasionally looking back over her shoulder.
Jules Distect goes down the street and ducks down a side street.
<Wise Snake> I honestly don't know why I put out any effort sometimes.
<B'cal> What's that?
B'cal glances up at Snake.
B'cal studies Snake.
<Wise Snake> People are basically self-destructive and apathetic. If you try to help them, they resent you. If you don't try to help them, they resent you. What's the point? May as well ignore them and feel good about yourself.
Wise Snake realizes, after a pause, that B'cal probably already does that.
<B'cal> You're a Farris.
<B'cal> Farrises don't ignore anyone.
<B'cal> They think they're God and try to save the world.
<Wise Snake> Is that what my problem is? Shen.
B'cal chuckles.
Wise Snake has a further thought.
<Wise Snake> I have to save the whole world??
B'cal grins.
<B'cal> It's in the Genes.
<Wise Snake> Ucch... you're giving me a head ache.
<B'cal> Well.
<B'cal> I certainly don't want to do that.
Wise Snake walks the rest of the way to the Sime Center.
Wise Snake holds the door for B'cal.
<B'cal> Thank you.
B'cal goes inside.
<B'cal> Are you hungry?
Wise Snake follows her.
<Wise Snake> You're asking me? [surprised]
<B'cal> Well, I don't want to get chewed out like yesterday.
<Wise Snake> Hey, uh, you should get out of those wet shoes before you get sick.
B'cal looks down and growls and turns toward the stairs.
<Alea> Snake!
Alea hurries forward.
Alea today is dressed in a tan dress down past her knees, and her hair is flowing loosely behind her.
Wise Snake recoils, then grimaces, slightly embarrassed by the reaction.
<Wise Snake> Oh... Alea. How are you?
Alea 's make-up is also very light and a radiant smile graces her face.
<Alea> Much better today.
<Alea> I had time to sleep on your advice and I wanted to say thank you.
<Wise Snake> Oh... you do?
<Wise Snake> I mean, you did?
<Alea> Yes, I do and yes, I did.
<Alea> Thank you.
<Wise Snake> Ah... you're welcome.
<Alea> Can I offer you breakfast?
<Alea> I was just on my way.
Alea smiles and pats her tummy.
<Wise Snake> B'cal already asked me.
<Wise Snake> If you and she don't mind, we could all eat together...?
Wise Snake sounds a little vague at the end because it occurs to her that this may not be such a good idea.
<Alea> Ah well... perhaps, after yesterday, I'd better not.
<Wise Snake> Okay.
<Alea> So, how are you feeling today?
<Wise Snake> I'm fine.
<Alea> How did the Ladies Aid Society function go?
<Wise Snake> The what??
Wise Snake remembers her small fib of the day before, when she was frantically trying to escape the competing Donor fields.
<Wise Snake> Oh! Er, that.
<Wise Snake> It went well.
<Wise Snake> [weakly]
<Alea> I'm glad to hear that.
<Alea> I'm sure that will look good on your application for buying the Ferry Building.
<Wise Snake> Um.
<Alea> Yes?
Alea 's smile fades and she looks concerned.
Wise Snake glances anxiously at the hallway to the stairs, as she realizes B'cal is going to be a while.
<Wise Snake> Oh... nothing. Just a bit on edge is all.
Alea ~~ support ~~
<Alea> I see.
<Wise Snake> B'cal said the reason I think I'm God is because I'm a Farris.
Alea smiles.
<Alea> She would feel that way.
<Wise Snake> And not only that, but she said that I will feel like I have to save the world because I'm a Farris.
<Alea> Some people simply don't understand the burden being a Farris carries.
Alea ~~ empathy ~~
<Wise Snake> I thought it was only Bender Co -- [pauses at Alea's words]
<Wise Snake> You mean... it's actually an obligation?
<Alea> No, I would imagine you feel like you have to save the world to keep from going crazy by what the world is doing to you.
<Alea> Every person sees it differently.
<Wise Snake> Ugh... next subject, please.
<Alea> The drugs.
<Alea> I haven't found any of the Farris drugs tampered with so far.
<Alea> You should be sure to check yours out too.
Wise Snake blanches.
<Wise Snake> Do you have any reason to believe this is still happening?
<Alea> Other than the painting on the one in the cafeteria?
<Alea> No.
<Alea> But that was certainly scary enough.
Smitty Roach slides down a curl of the lobby chandelier and lounges there, waving his antennae as he contemplates the two down below.
<AleaF> Well?
<Alea> What do you think?
<Alea> Should I worry that this is a matter of sabotage or not?
<Wise Snake> I really have no idea.
<Wise Snake> ~~worried~~
Alea nods
<Wise Snake> It doesn't seem like the sort of thing that would be happening in Bender Cove, but somewhere else farther up the chain.
<Alea> In that case, I should think it would be wise for me to finish checking out the drugs.
<Alea> And not that I don't trust anyone here....
<Alea> But, you can never be too careful.
<Smitty Roach> Look at those Fools that linger 'neath; they'll be my Tools for mirth and grief!
Smitty Roach rubs his forelegs together gleefully.
<Wise Snake> You're probably right.
Wise Snake wonders what's taking B'cal so long.
B'cal takes a quick shower washing the mud from her.
<Wise Snake> I hope she didn't expect me to meet her in the cafeteria.
<Wise Snake> ~~worries~~
Alea ~~ soothing ~~
<Alea> I'm sure she didn't.
Smitty Roach runs across the ceiling and conceals himself in a soffit nearly over Snake and Alea's heads.
B'cal dries off and pulls out a fresh suit to go down to breakfast.
B'cal worries that Nick might move in on the breakfast if she doesn't hurry.
<Alea> And Fise... have you talked to him lately?
<Alea> He was awfully upset about being late to the um....
<Alea> Well.... 1
Wise Snake gives Alea a hard look.
<Wise Snake> The what?
<Alea> Where he was going....
Alea shrugs.
<Smitty Roach> Methinks these two are much too square. Let's catch a ride in this one's hair!
<Alea> When he stopped to help Garon and me, that is.
Smitty Roach drops down into Alea's long, flowing hair, and burrows inside.
Alea feels something moving in her hair and reaches back....
Alea 's eyes widen....
<Alea> Oh..oh..oh....!
Alea ~~ building panic ~~
<Alea> Get It OUT!! GET IT OUT!!!
Alea starts pulling at it...
<Smitty Roach> Aha! A cave, a nest, a find... but better still this one's behind!
Smitty Roach darts down Alea's back to hide in a different location.
<Alea> Oh shen!
Alea starts jerking at her clothes
<Alea> Oh shen Snake! HELP ME!
Wise Snake 'e eyes widen in panic as she has absolutely no idea what Alea is freaking out about.
Alea jerks her skirt up and dances around.
Alea screams.
Alea screams
<Wise Snake> Alea... what is... [flinching back, zlins nothing but panic]
<Alea> Oh shen!!!!!
Alea starts to cry and jerks her undergarments off.
<Smitty Roach> Woo hoo! What fun. I'll make her dance, until I fall out of her -
<Smitty Roach> Whoa!
Alea tosses them, screaming and hopping up and down.
Wise Snake drags herself hypo and grabs Alea.
<Alea> BUGS! I HATE BUGS!
<Wise Snake> Alea! Please... please... what is the matter?
Wise Snake barely glances at the thrown underwear.
<Alea> place was sp-p-prayed... and shendoini bugs in my hair down my... unmentionables.
Alea shuddering.
<Alea> Where the shenned do they come from?
Wise Snake steers Alea in the direction of her office.
B'cal comes down the stairs at the shrieking
<B'cal> What in shenned is it this time?
<Wise Snake> Um, Alea, maybe you'd better have a seat okay? [hurries her in that direction]
<B'cal> Where are you going with MY CHANNEL AGAIN!
<Wise Snake> B'cal, go get Alea's underwear before a donor slips on them. [low voice as B'cal passes]
B'cal flies down the stairs....
<B'cal> Her... WHAT!
Wise Snake hustles Alea into Alea's office.
B'cal 's eyes widen.
<Wise Snake> Just do as I say! Please....
Smitty Roach notes B'cal's approach.
Alea shuddering.
<Smitty Roach> Oh no... an ogre! I'll cover over.
B'cal sees the scrap of lacy nothing and sneers.
Smitty Roach crawls between two folds of lace.
<Alea> Oh shen oh shen oh shen....
<Alea> Stupid bugs.
<Alea> How do they find ME?
<Alea> You were standing right there too!
Wise Snake slams Alea's office door and pulls Alea over to her couch, sits her down.
Alea still breathing hard.
<Wise Snake> Please... please, Alea, calm down. [soothing voice]
<Alea> I'm so sorry.
<Wise Snake> Everything is all right. You weren't harmed, right. You're all fine.
<Alea> This isn't good for you or the baby.
<Alea> I'm sorry.
B'cal picks up the scrap of lace.
<Wise Snake> No, it isn't. But you're all okay now, right? You can calm down now because there's nothing else to be afraid of.
Alea ~~ subsiding panic ~~
<Smitty Roach> Methinks this ugly baggish witch has never worn so fine a stitch!
<Smitty Roach> [to himself]
<Alea> I... oh shen, I'm never going to be a good enough Donor for a Farris if I don't learn to tap down on that panic.
B'cal holds the underwear out so anyone coming in can plainly see it and starts to Alea's office.
<B'cal> Little tart stripping right here without a care.
Wise Snake hadn't realized Alea had such goals.
<B'cal> Now she's in there with Snake.
<B'cal> Farrises.
B'cal Sneers.
Wise Snake puts her hand on Alea's leg, soothingly.
Alea takes in a deep breath trying to calm down.
B'cal shoves the door open.
<B'cal> Here you....
<Wise Snake> Just take some deep breaths... think about how well everything has been going and how far away all your problems are.
B'cal gapes.
B'cal doesn't like her channel around the Donor.
B'cal thinks she always runs from her... why not this time?
B'cal sneers.
<Smitty Roach> Well well! A feast! of gossip's fare... it seems the Beast is now a spare! Donor, that is.
Alea thinks the problems just got a lot closer.
Smitty Roach slips out of the underwear and runs up B'cal's arm, into the sleeve.
Alea closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.
<B'cal> WHOA SHEEEEEEEEEEEN!
Wise Snake leaps out of her skin
B'cal throws the Underwear and curses a blue streak.
Alea jumps back up and onto the couch, dancing.
Wise Snake covers her head with her hands and leaps behind Alea's desk.
<Alea> Oh shen!
<Alea> She's gone crazy. I knew it!
<Wise Snake> I don't want to die!
<B'cal> Aaaayyiyiiiieeeeyiiiieee!
Eliza hears the yelling and runs to investigate.
<Smitty Roach> How she doth jiggle when I wriggle!
<B'cal> Shendoni... beeeuuuuuugg....
Smitty Roach runs figure-eights under B'cal's shirt.
B'cal jerks at her jacket.
<Eliza> What on earth!!!
B'cal tosses it out the door and jerks at her top.
B'cal slaps at her shoulders her chest, her tummy.
<B'cal> Shendonii stupid DONOR FARRIS'S FAULT!
Eliza runs into Alea's office to see B'cal doing a strip tease....
<Alea> NO NO NO!
<Alea> Oh shen Snake!
Alea jumps down behind Snake to hide.
<Smitty Roach> Like a Great Ape you strike your chest, whilst mine six feet tickle your... whoops!
Smitty Roach runs over B'cal's face and back into her collar.
Smitty Roach is a large (3"+) cockroach.
Eliza can't work out why B'cal is getting undressed and Alea is 1/2 naked.
Eliza looks at the underwear hanging off the light.
Smitty Roach runs out of B'cal's pants leg and under the desk.
<Eliza> What is happening? Alea! Snake? ~confusion ~
Wise Snake is curled up on the floor behind Alea's desk covering her head with her hands.
<Wise Snake> This isn't happening to me... this isn't happening to me....
<Smitty Roach> Hmmm... a third... what shall I do? Sing, play, or dance? Or bid Adieu...?
Smitty Roach studies Eliza from beneath the desk, leaning casually on a desk leg.
Wise Snake looks up cautiously as silence reigns.
Eliza walks over to where Snake is laying.
<Wise Snake> Are they done yet? [to Eliza]
<Eliza> Are you OK Snake?
<Wise Snake> I....
<Eliza> I think they are done....
Wise Snake isn't sure.
Eliza puts a hand out to help Snake up.
Wise Snake takes Eliza's hand and gets up cautiously.
<Wise Snake> [sweaty palms]
Alea ~~ support ~~
Alea shivering.
<Eliza> ~calm ~
Wise Snake looks between Alea and B'cal, pale.
<Wise Snake> Do you two have some kind of an explanation for me?
Alea shakes her head and runs out of her office.
Alea heads up the stairs, crying.
B'cal grabs her top, glaring at Snake.
<B'cal> This place is a menace.
Eliza looks at Snake and tries to think of nothing.
B'cal slips her top and jacket on.
<Wise Snake> What in the world were you doing?? And how is the Sime Center responsible?
<B'cal> How are they....
<Smitty Roach> This Farris does not zlin me here, perhaps I should be much more near?
<B'cal> Shenned roaches.
Wise Snake looks at B'cal oddly.
<Wise Snake> Roaches? What on earth are you talking about?
<B'cal> Bugs.
<B'cal> Running up arms and legs.
<B'cal> Farrises fault.
<B'cal> Can't spray because of them.
B'cal tries to restore her hair to some order.
Wise Snake looks disgruntled by B'cal's explanation.
<Wise Snake> I see.
Alea hurries up the stairs and to her room, slamming the door behind her.
Wise Snake sees an apology is not forthcoming from B'cal, and sighs.
B'cal realizes a strand of hair is out of place and glares.
<Wise Snake> Very well, are we still going to breakfast then?
<B'cal> Of course.
B'cal glares.
B'cal tucks in her shirt.
Smitty Roach runs up the inner lining of Snake's cloak.
<Smitty Roach> Now, food I like. No need to hike; I'll hitch a Farris. Nothing comparris!
B'cal turns and starts down the hall.
B'cal looks at Eliza.
Wise Snake frowns, seeing B'cal's jacket lying in the hall.
<B'cal> Are you coming too?
Wise Snake picks up the jacket.
B'cal sneers and takes the jacket.
Wise Snake withdraws her tentacles as B'cal snatches the jacket.
<Eliza> Well....
Wise Snake makes an "eek" expression and looks away, hoping B'cal calms down soon.
<Eliza> Snake - you want me to come, or should I go see if Alea is OK?
<Wise Snake> Um.... [glances at B'cal]
B'cal ~~ indignant ~~
B'cal ~~ outraged ~~
<Wise Snake> Are you going to be able to control yourself if ... er... nevermind.
<Wise Snake> Um, Eliza... yes, that's a good idea, why don't you go visit Alea?
B'cal [flat nager, instant support]
<B'cal> Of course, I can control myself.
Eliza hurries off to see where Alea got to.
Alea looks through her drawers and finds another pair of underwear and slips into them.
<Wise Snake> I'm glad to hear it. [tightly, to B'cal, as soon as Eliza is out of earshot]
Alea combs her hair to make sure nothing is in it.
<Wise Snake> Here I am grovelling on the floor, while you are ripping your clothes off and screaming like a banshee.... and you wonder why I question your self control!
Alea then painstakingly ties her hair into a tight knot on her head.
<B'cal> I was TRYING to kill the bug.
<B'cal> How was I to know what kind it was?
Wise Snake stalks towards the cafeteria.
<B'cal> And besides, if it had been poisonous, where would you have been THEN!
B'cal hurries after Snake.
<B'cal> I'd be dead... that's where!
<Wise Snake> Good grief... is this going to happen every time you feel something move on your skin when you're around a channel?
<B'cal> Not at all.
B'cal [tightly under control]
Eliza signals at Alea's door.
Alea hears it and debates answering it.
Eliza knocks.
Alea finally pulls it open.
<Alea> Yes, Eliza?
<Eliza> Are you all right, Alea?
<Alea> I'm perfectly fine.
<Alea> Why wouldn't I be?
Alea clasps her hands together tightly.
<B'cal> Well?
<B'cal> No answer?
B'cal grumbles.
<B'cal> Guess you prefer dead Donors.
B'cal goes in and smells the food and turns hungry.
<Eliza> Well you ran out of there... without these. [hands Alea her underwear]
B'cal ~~ hunger ~~
<Alea> Thank you.
Alea takes the scrap of lace and tosses it over her shoulder.
<Alea> I've replaced them already, thank you.
<Alea> They could have stayed in my office.
<B'cal> Are you going to eat, Snake?
Wise Snake picks out a piece of toast and some tea.
B'cal looks at what she has and gets double portions on her tray.
<Alea> How may I help you?
Wise Snake sees what B'cal is getting and groans.
B'cal goes over and seats herself and sets out food for both of them.
<B'cal> No groaning.
<B'cal> You need your strength for what is coming up.
B'cal places three times more than she would normally get for Snake in front of her.
Wise Snake looks shocked.
<Wise Snake> B'cal! Are you nuts!
<Wise Snake> I can't eat all that.
<B'cal> Try.
B'cal ~~ hunger ~~
<Wise Snake> No!
B'cal picks up a spoon and then waits.
Wise Snake goes hypo.
B'cal ~~ thinks of the starving in the street ~~
B'cal nudges Snake
<Wise Snake> B'cal, please. Please?
B'cal ~~ offering ~~
<B'cal> Come on, Snake...
<B'cal> You know you can't stay hypo that long
<Eliza> Sorry Alea - Snake just suggested I come see how you are.
<Alea> I see.
<Alea> Well, I was on my way to breakfast.
<Wise Snake> Why are you doing this to me? [pleading]
<B'cal> To keep you healthy.
<Eliza> OK well - would you like company?
B'cal smiles.
<Alea> That's fine
<Wise Snake> But it makes me feel miserable.
<Eliza> OK.
<Alea> So, what have you learned so far?
<B'cal> I only said try.
Eliza thinks she has learned to stay away from Snake but doesn't say it.
<Eliza> About what, Alea?
<B'cal> I don't want you hungry later when Nick shows up.
<Eliza> Simelan? being a Donor?
<Alea> In your training.
Alea shrugs.
<Alea> Whatever.
Wise Snake picks up a piece of toast and nibbles on the corner with considerable lack of enthusiasm.
<Eliza> Well I know that when a channel is in need they can get really edgy - nasty at times.
<B'cal> Now, tell me about these hallucinations you say you're having.
<Eliza> Why do they have to be in such need, Alea?
<Eliza> Why can't they have transfer sooner?
<Alea> They have to be in need because they are dying, using up the last of their reserves.
<Alea> And if you think this is need, you should see one in hard need.
<Alea> It is NOT a pretty sight.
<Wise Snake> You want to hear about those?
Wise Snake puts down the toast.
<B'cal> Yes.
<B'cal> I do.
<Alea> Mostan's need isn't so bad.
<Alea> He is simply focused on it at the moment.
<Eliza> It isn't?
<Alea> It is your job to help him not focus on it, by offering him support.
<Eliza> You know - [small voice] the transfer is tomorrow.
<Alea> The promise of that selyn will help stave off that gnawing within.
<Alea> Oh?
<Alea> No, I didn't.
<Alea> You'll do fine.
<Wise Snake> Well, the worst one was like a waking needmare. A kid dying in changeover. I saw it happening at the Sime Center while I was walking down the street with Nick.
B'cal 's brows furrow.
<B'cal> Yes?
<B'cal> And others, have you seen others that have come true?
<Wise Snake> Well, there are a lot of things I would swear are hallucinations that turn out to be true, especially around the Sime Center.
<Wise Snake> Like that striped gnome. Egads! I was sure I was losing my mind when I saw that.
<B'cal> You know, Snake... you aren't going to like to hear this....
<B'cal> Well, most of that is Alea trying to drive you insane.
Wise Snake pauses.
Alea goes down the stairs and to the cafeteria.
<Wise Snake> It is? [confusion]
<Wise Snake> Why would she try to do that?
<B'cal> Because she's insane herself.
<B'cal> Not a brain in her head.
Wise Snake looks a bit offended.
<Wise Snake> What!
B'cal realizes she has offended Snake.
B'cal ~~ hunger soothing ~~
<B'cal> You won't want to hear that I've worked with other Farrises, some who have seen things just like you.
Alea goes into the cafeteria and for a cup of tea.
Eliza grabs some fruit, she isn't really hungry.
<Wise Snake> You have?
<B'cal> Two or three... and there is a rumor that the little tar--Alea has done something similar, though I can't get anyone to tell me what.
<B'cal> A couple.
Wise Snake eyes an apple, then picks it up.
<B'cal> They don't like it known.
<Wise Snake> I can see why.
<Wise Snake> [with feeling]
<Wise Snake> Shenned embarrassing, if you want to know the truth.
Alea gets her some breakfast and moves over to sit with Snake, determined to put B'cal in her place.
<B'cal> Or something more....
B'cal sees Alea and Eliza and sneers.
Eliza smiles back at B'cal.
Wise Snake thinks of her nameless father, who decided to plant his seeds without a care that the presumably genetically passed mental defect would be given to a child.
Wise Snake grits her teeth.
<Alea> Hello Snake.
Wise Snake belatedly notices Alea and Eliza and tenses up.
<Alea> May we sit with you?
<Alea> Ah....
<Wise Snake> H-hello, Alea, are you feeling better?
<Alea> I see not.
<Alea> Excuse me then.
Wise Snake zlins very carefully.
Alea turns and walks off.
<Wise Snake> Wai -
B'cal stunned, then smug.
B'cal ~~ hunger support ~~
<Wise Snake> B'cal, would you stop it.
Eliza looks between the two and decides to sit down.
Wise Snake sounds tired.
Alea goes across the room and sits down.
Alea begins to eat.
Wise Snake bites the apple and chews as if it's more trouble than it's worth.
B'cal wipes the smugness off her face and out of her nager.
<B'cal> Hello Eliza.
<B'cal> Are you ready for the transfer?
<Eliza> In a way I'm looking forward to it - but I'm still nervous.
<B'cal> You'll do fine. I hear Lanyi is monitoring.
<B'cal> She'll make sure everything goes right.
B'cal looks at Snake.
Wise Snake thinks that's not what she'd heard.
<Eliza> It wasn't on the board - I don't know who is.
Wise Snake inspects the bitten place on the apple.
Eliza looks at the pear in her hand and puts it down.
<B'cal> She is scheduled to transfer with Mostan.
<Wise Snake> I know.
<B'cal> Ah, I see.
<Wise Snake> Briel told me.
B'cal nods.
Eliza feels numb.
B'cal finishes her breakfast.
<B'cal> Are you done eating?
<Eliza> I guess I am not hungry for some reason. I'm usually ravenous.
B'cal studies Snake.
<B'cal> If Nick isn't here, I'd be glad to work with you.
Alea finishes her breakfast and gets up to leave.
Eliza looks at Alea leaving.
<Eliza> Well - I'll go now if you will excuse me?
Alea goes down the hall and into her office.
Alea sits down to start her work for the day.
<Wise Snake> Yeah.
Wise Snake puts down the apple.
<Wise Snake> I guess I should go back to work. Sitting here isn't doing me a bit of good.
B'cal stands with Snake
<B'cal> You aren't going alone
Eliza stops and turns. "Are you working in the Center today?"
Wise Snake looks at Eliza.
<Wise Snake> Why do you ask?
<Eliza> I was just wondering if I could come and watch - observe - for a while.
<Eliza> If you were in the Center that is.
Wise Snake considers.
<Eliza> I'm not suppose to leave at the moment.
<Wise Snake> Umm... well....
Wise Snake glances at B'cal.
B'cal gives her an I-don't-care look.
<Wise Snake> Provided everybody can maintain good professional relationship, and provided that any work is available, I suppose we could do that for a short time.
<Eliza> Thank you.
B'cal falls into support behind Snake.
Eliza tags behind.
Wise Snake goes to the lobby and ignores the clerk in favor of looking through the in basket for interesting cases.
Gef walks in looking haggard.
Gef is a renSime who is more into need then he is used to, due to some augmenting to keep up with work.
Gef walks over to the Clerk.
Wise Snake turns to Gef.
<Wise Snake> Hello, may I help you?
<Gef> Hi - I'm Gef Nodas. I'm know I'm early but.... [turns to Snake]
<Gef> Oh please. I had an appointment for the day after tomorrow - but I don't think it's safe to wait and I was wondering if I could move it forward.
B'cal harrumphs.
<Wise Snake> Um, sure.
Wise Snake looks at B'cal
<Wise Snake> Yes?
Gef slumps with relief.
Wise Snake reaches for some forms.
B'cal ~~ attention solely on supporting Snake ~~
<Wise Snake> Okay, come right this way?
Gef follows Snake gratefully.
Eliza follows them all.
Wise Snake pokes through the transfer rooms until she finds one unoccupied.
Wise Snake ushers Gef in.
Gef goes in and takes his position on the couch.
<Gef> You want me to fill out the forms first or after?
<Wise Snake> Gef, I am Hajene Farris and this is B'cal, my Donor. Eliza is here just to observe.
<Wise Snake> Ah... after is fine.
Gef nods to everyone
<Wise Snake> Please, have a seat. [gestures at transfer lounge]
<Wise Snake> Need anything special this time, or just your regular type transfer?
Wise Snake takes her position.
<Gef> Just regular.
Gef reaches for Snake.
Wise Snake offers her arms, projecting ~~willing high field Gen~~
Gef gratefully takes her arms and entwines laterals.
<Gef> ~~ need ~~
Gef reaches for 5th.
<Wise Snake> ~~~strength/optimism/caring~~~
Gef draws slowly.
<Wise Snake> ~~~pleasure~~~
Gef draws greedily.
<Wise Snake> ~~~ecstatic joy~~~
Gef pulls for just a bit more....
<Gef> ~ completeness joy ~~
<Wise Snake> ~~~fulfillment~~~
Gef sits back slowly and sighs.
Gef retracts his laterals
Wise Snake waits for Gef to disengage at his own pace.
<Gef> Thank you - I'm sorry I was in early this month - but my boss has been setting such a pace anyone would think he has selyn on tap.
<Wise Snake> I see.
Wise Snake pulls out the forms.
<Wise Snake> Well, just fill these out... this is the regular monthly form, and this one here is a petition for early transfer, and just list your reasons down here.
Gef takes the forms.
<Gef> Thank you again
Wise Snake watches Gef and Eliza leave.
<Wise Snake> Shen, I hate the Tecton. Let's get out of here.
B'cal nods and follows Snake.
Wise Snake heads for the front of the building, then looks down at B'cal's feet.
<Wise Snake> Are you going to wear THOSE?
Wise Snake points at the bunny slippers.
B'cal looks at her feet and sneers.
B'cal flushes.
B'cal ~~ defensive ~~
<B'cal> They were the only ones I could find.
<B'cal> They're not MINE.
B'cal ~~ lie ~~
<Wise Snake> I mean, they'd probably be great around the Ferry Building, but maybe some galoshes over them or something while outdoors....
Wise Snake zlins the lie and grimaces.
<Wise Snake> Sure they aren't.
B'cal stomps over to an office... grabs someone's boots, and slips them on, even though they don't quite fit.
B'cal walks out, trying not to hobble.
<B'cal> Let's go.
Smitty Roach watches this all from the vantage point of Snake's collar.
<Smitty Roach> I've had enough of this old boob, I'm off to watch some other tube.
Smitty Roach runs away.
Notes:
1) Alea is still trying to find out where Fise is working for Wise Snake. [return]