Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #167: So Sad the Fall from Grace (2/21/98)

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Hostler heads up the steps of the Sime Center.

Hostler enters the lobby and looks around for someone in charge.

Alea goes through the lobby to gather her cloak.

<Alea> Oh, hello.

<Hostler> Hi there Miss, was wondering if you could help me.

<Alea> Yes?

<Hostler> I hired out a couple of horses to your staff members. The horses came back... the people didn't.

<Alea> Oh? Who?

<Hostler> One Mostan and his err friend.

Alea eyes widen.

<Hostler> Short skinny Gen with no control.

<Alea> Yes, yes. I know....

Alea also realizes what else that means and isn't looking forward to telling anyone.

<Alea> I believe Turrie is here.

<Alea> She might be able to help you.

<Hostler> They came back yesterday - I was waiting to see if the people followed.

Alea clasps her hands.

<Hostler> I probably should have come right away. [looks embarrassed]

<Alea> No, they're adults.

<Alea> Let me just get Turrie.

Alea hurries down the hall to get Turrie.

B'cal hovers over Snake.

Wise Snake dives after B'cal as the Donor slides on a patch of glare ice.

B'cal slides in her hovering..."Aaahhiii"

Wise Snake catches B'cal setting her gently on the ground.

B'cal turns on Snake.

<B'cal> Are you okay?

B'cal ~~ concern ~~ ~~ hovering ~~

Alea signals at Turrie's door.

<Wise Snake> Me??

<Wise Snake> I'm not the one who nearly fell on your ass.

<B'cal> Well I'm not the one with Transfer tomorrow.

<Wise Snake> They really should do something about this sidewalk....

<Wise Snake> Oh. That.

<Wise Snake> I'm fine.

Hostler takes a seat and waits.

<B'cal> My ass can take it... your nager can't.

<Wise Snake> ~~ Farris armor of invulnerability ~~

<Wise Snake> I'm perfectly fine.

B'cal nods, studying Snake closely.

<B'cal> Okay... okay.

Alea pushes the door open.

<Alea> Turrie?

<Turrie> Come in.

Alea steps inside.

<Turrie> Good morning Alea.

<Alea> We have a man here... it looks like, well, Mostan and Eliza are missing.

<Alea> Their horses came back, but they never did.

<B'cal> I wish Nick was here with you.

Wise Snake surveys the slippery walk between them and the Sime Center's steps.

Turrie finishes writing and puts the papers aside.

<B'cal> Maybe we should have waited and brought Nick with us.

<B'cal> You really shouldn't be alone.

<Turrie> I see. Are the Controllers not available at the moment?

<B'cal> Perhaps you're tired and want to lay down with me?

B'cal ~~ tired ~~

Wise Snake looks tense.

<Alea> I'm sure they only went riding... and well, just lost their horses.

<Wise Snake> We haven't even been home in hours. He'll be at the cafe waiting for me as usual.

Turrie seems to remember that they were due to transfer a day or so ago and wonders if that is all.

<Turrie> How long ago did the horses return?

<Alea> Yesterday.

<Alea> They've been gone a full day.

Alea shifts.

<Alea> Uh, it is, possible that they... well....

Wise Snake takes B'cal's arm.

<Wise Snake> Now don't fall. Walk carefully instead of stomping.

<B'cal> I can walk.

Wise Snake starts up the glassy walk.

Turrie raises her eyebrows. "So they were gone the entire night and no one noticed?"

B'cal rather indignant.

<Wise Snake> Fine... fine. [lets go of B'cal's indignity-radiating arm hastily]

<Turrie> I would suggest that a search party would be prudent then?

<Alea> It seems they were angry, and told they could not well... they had transfer together... and that new Tecton regulation....

<Alea> And both were angry... I don't think they'd just leave....

<Turrie> I see.

<Turrie> What channels would be available for a search party?

B'cal glares... and promptly slides....

<B'cal> Whhooooaaahahhooooh!

<Alea> And they both did have days off.

<Turrie> We can use anyone on donations - they can be rescheduled.

Wise Snake starts, and then dives after B'cal again.

<Turrie> Should the police be contacted - or would you like to keep it private for the time being?

Wise Snake augments to snatch B'cal's sleeve, and promptly loses her own footing.

B'cal makes a leap for Snake.

Wise Snake and B'cal collide.

<Alea> The Tecton can handle it's own problems.

<Wise Snake> bOOOF

B'cal conks Snake's chin.

<B'cal> Uuuummph!

<B'cal> Ooowwwwuuugh.

B'cal scrabbles.

Wise Snake gyrates wildly and manages to land on her feet, supporting B'cal [barely].

Wise Snake breathing wildly.

<Alea> I would suggest one or two really good channels... and perhaps their Donors.

<Alea> We can't spare any more.

B'cal breathing harshly glares up at Snake.

<B'cal> Not one word, my little Farris.

B'cal ~~ support ~~ ~~ adrenaline rush ~~

Turrie looks outside at the weather - very cold with a refreeze. "I think it prudent to take as few Gens out into this as possible."

Wise Snake opens her mouth, then closes it again.

Wise Snake notes that they have thus far only made it 3 feet up a 20 foot walk.

<Alea> Exactly... but the channels will need their Gens.

Wise Snake helps B'cal regain her feet.

B'cal holds onto snake and tries to twist around.

Turrie raises her eyebrows again.

Wise Snake's feet fly out from under her as B'cal twists.

<Alea> If they find them and have to do... healing... or the such.

<Wise Snake> What the... Eee!

<Turrie> Perhaps we could use the horses that were returned.

B'cal swings back around, locking her arms around the smaller channel's neck.

<B'cal> Shen it!

Wise Snake falls into B'cal.

<B'cal> Will you be stiiiiiilll....

Alea looks wary.

Wise Snake tries to keep her head up, clawing her way up B'cal.

Wise Snake panting.

<Alea> Horses?

<Wise Snake> Don't strangle me! Help! [claustrophobically]

<Alea> I don't like horses....

<Turrie> The ones that you mentioned were returned?

B'cal shoves back... and quickly jerks back one arm, then latches it around Snake's waist....

<Turrie> Alea - it would be VERY unwise for you to even consider joining the search.

<Alea> But... I'm suppose to be training Eliza.

Wise Snake finds herself swept off her feet again by B'cal's arm.

<Alea> I should be there.

Turrie thinks that it would probably turn into a rescue party for Alea.

Wise Snake grabs wildly for anything solid - finds B'cal's head.

<B'cal> SnnaaaAAAAaaaake....

<Wise Snake> WHAT are you doing???

<Turrie> Alea - as well as being Gen and more susceptible to cold, you are also pregnant.

B'cal scrabbles with her other arm and slides it down... and is now holding Snake around the waist.

<Turrie> It would be preferable for you to coordinate from here.

<B'cal> You said I was choking you!

Alea sighs.

Alea knows exactly what that means.

<Alea> Fine.

<Turrie> Safer for you and the baby. [thinks, 'and everyone on the search party']

<Alea> Would you come talk to this man...?

<Wise Snake> Put me down?

<Turrie> Of course.

B'cal head is buried in Snake's stomach.

Turrie stands and waits for Alea to lead.

Wise Snake clings to B'cal's head like a cat.

Alea turns and leaves the office, knowing they don't trust her.

Alea is upset about this....

Alea goes down the hall.

Hostler sees the pretty Donor returning with a tall skinny Sime woman.

Wise Snake would push herself away from B'cal but is afraid that would make the Gen lose her footing again.

<B'cal> Eeemmm ccuuaaannt... .mreeeth... [into her stomach]

Wise Snake sighs and does push herself away.

<Wise Snake> There. Is that bet --

B'cal falls backward and goes sliding toward the stairs.

<Alea> Sir, this is one of our channels, Turrie Foxness....

<Alea> I'm sure she'll be able to help you.

Wise Snake grabs wildly for the railing and halts their slide before B'cal's skull can be cracked by the bottom step.

<Turrie> Thank you for bringing us the news.

<Wise Snake> Congratulations. You've reached the stairs. [dryly]

Alea grabs her cloak and swings it on, then opens the door to leave.

<Turrie> Would it be possible for us to hire the same horses?

Wise Snake gets off B'cal and climbs to her feet.

<Alea> Good HEAVENS! SNAKE!

<Alea> What are you doing to B'cal!

<Hostler> Sure - if you think that would help.

Wise Snake jerks around startled.

B'cal hears the voice and looks up

<Wise Snake> Helping her up.

B'cal sneers.

Wise Snake offers B'cal her hand, holding onto the railing with the other.

Alea sees the stairs and is furious.

<Alea> That renSime is going to be on kitchen duty for a MONTH.

Turrie hears Alea's shout. "Excuse me a moment." [goes to door and checks the situation]

B'cal takes her hand and staggers up, slipping and sliding on the way.

<Turrie> [returns to the Hostler] That's fine, thank you. When were the horses taken out?

Wise Snake clings to the railing and helps B'cal the rest of the way up the slippery steps, augmenting as necessary.

Alea slips her scarf over her head and goes out onto the porch.

<B'cal> Shendoni idiots let it freeze like that.

<Hostler> Yesterday morning - umm midmorning - not sure what time exactly - closer to noon I guess.

Alea sits down on the stairs and sorta.... slides down them.

Wise Snake lets go of B'cal once they are in the lobby.

<Alea> Excuse me Snake... coming by....

<Turrie> I see - and what time did the horses return?

B'cal straightens her jacket.

B'cal reaches up and pats her hair back into place.

<Wise Snake> Are you all right?

Wise Snake sees B'cal flushed red and white, with individual hairs sticking out from her head in different directions.

Wise Snake concerned.

<Hostler> Well, Snappin Anni went out about an hour before Blackwell - they didn't go out together. But they came back together - about 4 hours I guess.

<B'cal> Perfectly fine.

<Wise Snake> Ah. Good.

Wise Snake 's heart is still pounding.

Alea pushes off from the steps with her feet and slides to the end of the walkway.

Turrie calculates.

B'cal pats her hair again to make sure if feels right....

B'cal nods.

Alea grabs the pole and pulls herself up.

<Turrie> Do you know what direction they were heading when they left?

<Alea> What's the used of staying around when they refuse to even allow me to work?

<B'cal> What's going on here?

B'cal sees the average dressed man being grilled by the new channel.

Wise Snake frowns as B'cal's hairs stick up again, one by one, but prudently says nothing.

B'cal looks at Snake.

Wise Snake hastily averts her eyes from B'cal's head.

<Alea> I have better things to do than just sit around if they're going to act that way....

B'cal wonders at her look... and smoothes at her hair again, thinking Snake is just trying to make her nervous.

<Hostler> Uptown and out, I'd guess.

<Wise Snake> Um... do you want to have breakfast? I'd be glad to sit with you.

Alea starts down the street.

B'cal eyes gleam.

B'cal ~~ sudden hunger ~~

<Alea> What use is a Donor who isn't Donor-ing?

<Wise Snake> Or... do you want to... er... freshen up first?

Turrie sees Alea leaving and goes to the door "Alea!"

Wise Snake gulps.

Alea waves goodbye as she hurries on down the street.

<Turrie> Hello Snake - could I have a word to you in just a moment please?

<Wise Snake> Sure. ~~ relief ~~

B'cal turns attention to Snake.

B'cal ~~ concentrated Support ~~

Wise Snake leans on B'cal's support with relief.

Turrie turns from the door and returns to Snake.

<Turrie> this gentleman has brought us some disturbing news. I would like your opinion please.

<Alea> I'll just watch out for myself, since no one there trusts me, nor wants me to work, or help, or anything. [muttering as she goes on down the street]

<Wise Snake> Certainly.

<Turrie> Perhaps we could go to my office and clear the lobby?

<B'cal> No. We can't go to your office, but we can go to the cafeteria.

<B'cal> Snake is on a strict schedule with me.

<B'cal> She has to eat breakfast with me.

<B'cal> As a channel, you understand these things.

<Turrie> I see - of course. [looks at the Hostler] Would you care to join us in the Cafeteria?

<Hostler> Sure! thanks.

White Coach is waiting on a side street, its driver huddled under a plaid blanket drinking tea, its horses standing idle.

Turrie indicates to B'cal to lead the way.

Wise Snake gulps in despair, manages to hide it from her nager.

White Coach's driver spots Alea and tips his hat before going back to his newspaper and tea.

Wise Snake follows B'cal looking subdued.

Alea nods back.

<Alea> Hello.

B'cal leads the way to the cafeteria.

<B'cal> It is important a Donor take proper care of their Channel.

Turrie indicates for the Hostler to follow.

Turrie nods in agreement.

<B'cal> And since I can't be there to make sure the others do, I must work three times as hard with this one.

Wise Snake mutters something under her breath not looking at them.

B'cal smiles at Snake.

B'cal ~~ hunger ~~

Alea walks on past the coach, thinking it looks somehow familiar.

Wise Snake feels distinctly nauseated, in addition to ravenous.

<Wise Snake> ~~ pale green ~~

<B'cal> She works me like a slave... I'll tell you, all of that walking... makes a person downright starving by morning.

Turrie pours the Hostler a cup of trin and one for herself and indicates a vacant table that will allow them some privacy.

Alea goes on down the street heading toward the pond.

<Alea> I can at least take care of my baby.

<Alea> Exercise.

B'cal ~~ hunger ~~ begins filling her tray.

<B'cal> Come on, Snake... get some food.

Wise Snake wonders how much it would cost to rent B'cal a howdah or a litter on a daily basis.

B'cal gets three bowls of cereal and fruit, as well as toast... and a cup of trin.

Wise Snake picks out an apple and some tea.

<Turrie> Apparently Mostan and Eliza have disappeared. They hired a couple of horses of this gentleman and the horses returned without them.

Wise Snake sees B'cal's tray and puts the apple back.

<Alea> No one else wants help... that is perfectly all right with me.

B'cal walks over to the table and takes a seat.

B'cal projects ravenous hunger to everyone at the table....

B'cal passes the bowls to the other two Simes and then toys with hers, so her hunger will be prolonged.

Wise Snake sits as far from B'cal as she can without anybody sitting between them, and sips her tea quietly looking long suffering.

Turrie passes her bowl to the Hostler who suddenly looks hungry.

B'cal passes Turrie her bowl and goes back to get a couple of more bowls and fruit, and toast....

Hostler thanks Turrie and starts eating the warm cereal - thinking that it isn't unlike what he feeds the horses....

Alea trudges along the road, extra careful not to slip on the ice as she goes.

Wise Snake avoids Turrie's look nervously.

<Wise Snake> Mostan and Eliza... imagine that.

B'cal seats herself and smiles ~~ starving ~~

<B'cal> Oh, my, doesn't this look good.

<B'cal> Mostan and Eliza?

<B'cal> What about them?

Wise Snake picks at some cereal.

B'cal stirs her cereal inhaling the sweet aroma.

B'cal 's mouth waters.

Wise Snake finds the combination of B'cal's starvation and the sick feeling engendered by thinking about Eliza and Mostan to be quite unpleasant.

Wise Snake looks pale.

<Turrie> They haven't been seen since after their transfer apparently.

B'cal reaches out and takes Snake's arm.

<B'cal> Are you okay?

<Wise Snake> Oh... really? [weakly]

Wise Snake jumps at B'cal's touch.

<Wise Snake> I'm fine... I'm fine.

Wise Snake picks up her spoon again so B'cal will believe her.

<Turrie> I would suggest that we form a search party - but as I am new to the area, and you are a Farris, I was wondering if you would care to head it.

B'cal slips an arm behind Snake, laying it up on her shoulder. ~~ comfort ~~ ~~ hunger ~~

B'cal note Turrie isn't eating and focuses on her, projecting her hunger that way too.

Wise Snake eats her cereal.

Hostler finishes his bowl and picks up some toast wondering why he is so hungry this morning.

Alea slips down to the pond and finds her skates hidden in the bush.

Turrie feels hungry and pointedly ignores it - it is not yet time to eat.

<Wise Snake> Uh... I... are you so sure you want them back?

<Wise Snake> If they ran, it was probably to the Distect.

<Alea> I'm going to have to take you two back and shine you up or you're going to rust....

B'cal ~~ alarm ~~

<B'cal> Distect~

<B'cal> DISTECT!

Wise Snake annoyed pushes B'cal's alarmed arm off her shoulders.

B'cal glares to make sure everyone is as alarmed as she is.

B'cal slips her arm back up. ~~ soothing comfort ~~ ~~ hunger ~~

Turrie clears her throat.

<Turrie> We don't know for sure that is the case.

Alea sits down and slips her skates on.

Wise Snake examines a piece of fruit more closely than is really necessary, trying to hide from the situation.

<B'cal> And if it is, then we could bring them back and have them questioned....

<Turrie> It is just as likely that they are holed up somewhere - perhaps one hurt the other unwilling or unable to return for help.

<Turrie> It would be unwise to jump to conclusions

B'cal looks at Snake ~~ HUNGER ~~

<Wise Snake> At any rate, I am sure I am the last person either of them would want to see at this p...

<Wise Snake> [interrupted as she suddenly uncontrollably takes a bite of the outside of the orange]

B'cal ~~ satisfaction ~~

B'cal takes a small bite of her cereal... ~~ intense pleasure as the sweet taste is savored in her mouth ~~

<Turrie> Perhaps, but you are the best to lead the search. You know the area, and with your sensitivity, particularly sharpened by need, you are more likely to zlin them at a further distance.

Wise Snake never realized the peel of an orange tasted so good.

Alea eases onto the ice....

Wise Snake eats the orange compulsively.

Alea tests the skates.

<Wise Snake> Um... mummm... oh really?... mmumm

B'cal ~~ ahhhh ~~

Alea pushes off in a straight line, carefully working her way out, trying to check for any thin areas.

Wise Snake sees her plate is empty and looks appalled.

<Wise Snake> What the... B'cal!

<Wise Snake> Would you turn it off! shen.

Turrie has never seen anyone eat an orange skin and all before and is fascinated.

B'cal takes another bite of her cereal ~~ absolute HEAVEN ~~

B'cal looks over at Snake.

Wise Snake turns bright green.

B'cal smiles savoring the bite before it slowly slides down her throat.

<Wise Snake> Excuse me.

<B'cal> Ummmmm.

Wise Snake crawls from the table and disappears into a small room across the way.

Turrie turns to B'cal. "Do you really think it is advisable to force her to eat so much when she is in such need?"

<B'cal> Considering what she has to face tomorrow... YES.

B'cal turns off the hunger.

Alea doesn't find any really thin spots in the ice and starts skating.

B'cal looks at Turrie.

Wise Snake washes her face while she hides in the restroom.

<Turrie> It won't help her to be nauseated.

<B'cal> You could do with a little food yourself....

Wise Snake looks at her dripping reflection in the mirror and blanches.

<Wise Snake> ~~~pale green~~~

Hostler finishes his 5th piece of toast and belches.

<B'cal> It won't help her to constantly think of her transfer coming up either.

<B'cal> Nausea is much preferable than to be thinking about tomorrow.

Alea throws out her arms and shouts in total abandonment.

<Turrie> Perhaps we could get her mind of it in a move productive fashion - as in the search.

B'cal sneers.

<Turrie> Thank you for your concern, B'cal.

<B'cal> For the two little Distect trouble-makers?

<B'cal> huh

Wise Snake washes her face again, notes that it doesn't make her look any better.

Alea pushes her speed up, making a large circle around the pond.

Wise Snake sags against the wall wondering how she ever thought she could make it on her own, as a rogue.

<Wise Snake> This is crazy.

<B'cal> Give me one good reason why she should even bother herself with looking for those two?

Wise Snake says it as if only realizing it for the first time.

<Wise Snake> I must be insane. What in shen was I thinking?

Wise Snake grips her head.

<Turrie> Because she is the most logical one to do so.

<B'cal> well anyone knows that... I want to know why should she waste her time?

<B'cal> What's in it for her?

Wise Snake slides down to the floor, where there is no mirror to see herself.

Turrie raises her eyebrows and thinks of the futility of discussing karma with this person.

<B'cal> From what I heard, they did their best to toss her out of the room, were totally ungrateful to her for monitoring... and are probably out now... having a merry old time... against Tecton policy.

B'cal doesn't give two flips for Tecton policy.

Alea decides to try some twirls and works on skating backwards....

Wise Snake notes that the undersides of all the fixtures have not been washed in weeks... ugh.

Alea smiles.

Wise Snake shakes her head as she realizes Linn's teachings were more long-lasting than she had ever feared.

<Alea> Hey... I'm getting pretty gooOOOoooooo----

Alea slips and goes down on her rump.

<Alea> OWWWW.

<B'cal> Tell me... one good thing she'll get out of this besides frozen tentacles?

B'cal thinks about her sentence and frowns.

Wise Snake drags herself to her feet and gets some towels to mop off her face.

<B'cal> How about I talk to her?

<Turrie> Perhaps we could just leave it to her?

Alea pushes herself up, rubs the injured part, and starts skating again.

Turrie thinks Snake has been gone rather longer then she would have expected.

<Alea> I'm gonna get this backward thing down....

B'cal smiles smugly.

<B'cal> As you wish.

B'cal stands.

Wise Snake realizes she's not going to be able to hide in the bathroom forever, as they both saw where she went.

B'cal goes over to the door and pounds on it.

<B'cal> Snake!

Wise Snake looks at the bathroom's extremely small window and wonders if -

<B'cal> Get outta there!

Wise Snake jumps violently.

Wise Snake clutches her heart.

Turrie thinks that no Channel should have to put up with a Donor like that.

<Wise Snake> Shen!

B'cal figures this will put Snake in a better mood... lesser of two evils when she is asked.

<B'cal> Come on, Snake!

<B'cal> Hurry it up!

Turrie considers meeting B'cal in a dark alley....

<Wise Snake> Trust Veraik to have insulated the bathrooms for Farris zlinning and not for sound.

Turrie dismisses the thought.

B'cal wonders... thinks something isn't right... and pounds HARD.

<B'cal> SNAKE!

Wise Snake opens the door.

B'cal shoves on the door and promptly falls into Snake.

Wise Snake leaps back as B'cal pounds the door into Snake and then screams in Snake's face.

<Wise Snake> [and then falls in Snake's arms]

<Wise Snake> ~~ shock ~~

Alea pushes off again, going faster and faster until she can glide around and go backward.

Turrie puts her head in her hand and shakes it.

Alea thinks this isn't so bad... until she hits a chunk of ice and goes sliding again.

B'cal shoves out of Snake's arms.

<B'cal> It's about time.

<B'cal> What were you trying to do? Climb out that window?

Turrie turns to the Hostler. "Thank you for your information. If you would just give my your address, I see no reason you should be exposed... err... detained any longer."

Wise Snake pushes B'cal away from her and walks quickly out of the bathroom, looking distraught.

<Wise Snake> Of course not! what a ridiculous idea.

B'cal looks snake up and down. "Woulda had to augment to do it... and your hips woulda gotten stuck."

Wise Snake thinks she should have thought of it sooner.

Hostler looks pale and nods, tells Turrie the address of the stable and hurries out.

B'cal reaches out and grabs Snake's hips, measuring.

<B'cal> Yep.

<B'cal> No way could those have fit through.

Wise Snake jerks away from B'cal, shocked.

<Wise Snake> What are you doing!

Alea gets up, and tosses the piece of ice out of the way.

Wise Snake flees back to the table.

Wise Snake hides behind Turrie.

B'cal lifts an eyebrow and follows.

<B'cal> Only my job.

B'cal seats herself.

B'cal ~~ support ~~

Alea begins skating again....

Turrie turns to Snake. "Would you be willing to lead a search party?"

<Wise Snake> ~~ perfectly controlled nager ~~

<B'cal> You know, Snake, I think we should talk, work on something at the Center here, while we wait for Nick.

<B'cal> After all, they'll be shorthanded if they have to send out all of those channels....

<B'cal> And I really have some things I want to work with you on....

Wise Snake looks between the two of them, visibly nervous.

B'cal smiles with anticipation.

Turrie waits for Snakes decision.

<B'cal> Yeah, all kinds of things, like table manners, routines in the Sime Center infirmary....

<B'cal> packing and storing....

<B'cal> Things you have never learned since you weren't in the Center long enough.

Wise Snake cringes away from B'cal's words.

Turrie ignores B'cal.

<B'cal> It's certainly better than us going out and freezing our tentacles off, isn't it?

<B'cal> For a couple of Distect rabble....

<Wise Snake> Well... ah... I suppose I could be persuaded to... [pauses at the mention of frozen tentacles]

Turrie begins to think that B'cal in a dark alley is looking more and more possible.

<Wise Snake> On the other hand, it isn't really MY probl -- [pauses at something she zlins in Turrie's nager]

<B'cal> Heard they got a new shipment of fosebine... fosebine gauze, suppositories... liquid....

<B'cal> Yep... and it all has its place.

<B'cal> Oh, and there is the filing....

<B'cal> You really should learn the filing system....

Wise Snake stands up suddenly.

<Wise Snake> I really have to get out of here.

B'cal stands up too.

Wise Snake hurries from the cafeteria, sweating.

B'cal ~~ support ~~

<B'cal> So, we're going looking?

B'cal hurrying after her.

Turrie finishes her tea.

<B'cal> Snake?

<B'cal> Snake???

B'cal ~~ soothing drugging support ~~

<Wise Snake> B'cal, have you gone mad? You're driving me crazy with your nager and your words... and this the day before my transfer... what are you trying to do to me?

B'cal ~~ calm relaxing rest ~~

Alea flips and begins skating backward... slowly working her speed up....

Wise Snake tries to fight off the soothing drugging effect but it feels so good after all the other abuses.

<B'cal> So, we'll go looking for them then... [softly, almost cooing]

<Alea> I'm DOING IT!

Wise Snake makes it as far as the lobby then sinks down onto a couch.

<Alea> YES!

B'cal drops down by her.

<Wise Snake> B'cal... [weakly trying to push B'cal away, without much willpower]

Alea pushes to get her speed up a little more.

<B'cal> Just rest....

B'cal ~~ rest on me ~~

<B'cal> You'll be fine.

<Wise Snake> Ease up. You're making me crazy.

<B'cal> The zlinning would be helpful to them and to you both.

B'cal ~~ eases up ~~

Wise Snake tries to collect her wits.

<Wise Snake> Don't lie to me, it just makes me nervous.

<B'cal> Besides... they would owe you a favor after something like this.

Wise Snake wipes her forehead, then looks at her hand.

<B'cal> I'm not lying... zlin me.

<Wise Snake> Shen, they owe me for that shidoni transfer already.

<B'cal> It would be good for you.

B'cal ~~ truth ~~

<Wise Snake> I meant before. All that stuff about the paperwork and table manners....

<Wise Snake> Ugh.

<B'cal> Yes, they do.

<B'cal> Oh, that.

B'cal smiles.

<B'cal> I apologize.

B'cal thinks it got her mind off things though....

<Wise Snake> And please... please don't force me to eat like that. I feel ten kinds of awful.

Alea makes a complete circle around the pond before stopping and dropping to the ground, exhausted.

<B'cal> Would you like me to help you get rid of it?

B'cal feeling slightly bad for what she did.

<Wise Snake> Just... give me some space.

Turrie heads for Briel's office.

<B'cal> I'm sure I can work up a good case of nausea....

Wise Snake breaks out in a fresh sweat.

Wise Snake jumps up in a hurry and rushes toward the cafeteria.

Wise Snake encounters Turrie.

Alea lays back in the snow and stares up at the sunny sky.

<Wise Snake> Fine... fine... I'll do it. Just... can we leave immediately?

B'cal gets up and follows Snake... staying well behind her so she can have her space.

<Turrie> I was just going to check with Controller Briel - but if you are sure....

<Wise Snake> Fine... whatever. I'll be in the lobby.

B'cal smiles at Snake's words.

<B'cal> I'll be going with you, Snake.

Wise Snake turns back toward the lobby, shies away from B'cal, and hurries past her to the lobby again.

Wise Snake flings herself onto a couch, arm over her eyes.

<B'cal> I'm sure you don't want to go alone....

B'cal follows.

<Wise Snake> Please... just... try to act like a real professional Donor, okay?

<B'cal> Of course.

B'cal ~~ perfect Tecton Standard ~~

Wise Snake sighs.

B'cal concentrates all her energy on soothing Snake.

Wise Snake stops shaking and sweating.

Turrie strides alongside. "The stable has the horses ready for us - it's uptown."

<B'cal> Horses?

B'cal smiles.

Wise Snake removes her arm from her eyes and drags herself up off the couch.

<Wise Snake> Fine. let's go.

<Turrie> Do you ride Snake?

Alea thinks it is such a beautiful day out.

<Wise Snake> Yes.

Turrie opens the door for Snake. "Are you coming, B'cal?"

B'cal strides out past both of them... and promptly slips on the ice.

<B'cal> Aaahhhiiii....

Wise Snake steps out on the first step, slips, bounces the rest of the way down, skids the 20 feet to the front gate, all on the same foot.

B'cal bounces down the stairs cursing all the way....

Wise Snake stops at the gate and turns.

Turrie carefully walks down the icy steps.

B'cal swirls in a circle... as she slides down the sidewalk.

Wise Snake zlins B'cal carefully. "Are you all right?"

Turrie wonders why people can't be more careful how they walk.

B'cal comes to rest at Snake's feet.

B'cal sneers.

Wise Snake uses a foot to stop B'cal's spin.

<B'cal> Naturally. I'm a Donor, aren't I?

Wise Snake offers B'cal a hand.

B'cal reaches for Snake's leg and pulls herself up.

<Wise Snake> It's been difficult to tell recently.

B'cal takes her hand and rights herself.

B'cal sneers.

Wise Snake waits for Turrie.

<Turrie> They were headed up town and out - through the more prosperous area I believe.

Alea 's breathing calms... and she looks at the naked trees about her.

<Turrie> Do you have any suggestions as to where they would have been headed?

Alea wonders when they will begin budding and flowering. 1

Turrie heads up town towards the stable.

<B'cal> Well... we had a Distect prisoner here not too long ago. Seems like there is some groups not too far out that way.

<Wise Snake> Uhm... well, there's the... ... [starts to mention a Distect hive she knows of in Torvaldland about 3 days ride away, then thinks what did they ever do to her?]

<Wise Snake> Not sure.

<Turrie> The horses were only out for 4 hours.

<Turrie> I would assume they were within a 2 hour radius - unless they had other transport planned.

B'cal thinks that would be close enough for some of them.

Alea looks at a small brown rabbit hopping out of his hiding place and digging around at the snow.

Alea smiles.

Turrie looks at B'cal. "Let us assume first that they have not gone to the Distect and work from there shall we?"

<Wise Snake> Have you asked all the Sime Center employees if they knew anything already?

<B'cal> Why?

<Turrie> No one seems to have even noticed that they were missing.

Wise Snake assumes Turrie has and is just asking to Turrie will spill the information gathered.

<Wise Snake> You're kidding me.

Wise Snake disgusted.

<Wise Snake> Did you ask everybody? Even the janitors and such?

<B'cal> Did anyone check to see if their clothes were still there?

<Turrie> [to B'cal] because otherwise you start with negative thoughts which could very well disrupt the search.

B'cal smiles.

<Turrie> No.

Wise Snake realizes there is going to be a little bit of tension between B'cal and Turrie and carefully moves to B'cal's far side.

B'cal sees the move and turns. ~~ support kept strictly on Snake ~~

B'cal ~~ perfectly controlled nager ~~

<Wise Snake> Ok, then, maybe we should go back in and ask the rest of the people, and check their rooms.

<Turrie> I had asked Alea to coordinate the search from the Center.

<Wise Snake> Didn't Alea walk out the door just as we were arriving?

Wise Snake looks at B'cal for confirmation.

<Turrie> That is correct.

Alea watches the rabbit hop away and sighs.

B'cal nods.

Turrie thinks all Farrises are unstable.

<Wise Snake> Look... she's not here, I don't think much coordinating is getting done right at the moment.

Wise Snake is looking a bit unstable at the moment.

<Turrie> Very well. [turns]

B'cal keeps her attention on Snake.

<Wise Snake> It will only take a short time to do this and we may uncover important information.

<Alea> You look so free, little bunny....

Turrie reaches the walkway and reaches out to take B'cal's left arm.

<Alea> I'm trapped in a Farris body, with no Farrises to work with, with a nager that wouldn't probably even TEMPT a first.... and because of that I have no one to work with....

Turrie looks to see if Snake will take her right arm to help prevent her slipping once again.

B'cal looks at Snake, outraged that this channel is touching her.

<Turrie> Don't slip, B'cal.

<Wise Snake> Okay, Turrie, you search their rooms. B'cal, you go up to the second floor and question everybody there. I'll handle the first floor. [distracted, goes right up the front walk without noticing either Turrie or B'cal stopping]

B'cal sneers at Turrie.

Wise Snake enters the Sime Center and goes to one end to start questioning people.

B'cal goes carefully up the steps and to the second floor.

Turrie heads for Eliza's room.

B'cal proceeds to shove open every door... checking.

Turrie knocks and waits. [just in case]

Turrie tries the door - not locked.

B'cal questions those she finds in rooms....

B'cal searches the rooms she finds no one in.

Wise Snake is awfully good at scaring information out of people and her expertise shows... (at least in the number of shaken up people walking around nervously).

B'cal is not neat about this, leaving closets open and bed covers upturned.

B'cal grins maliciously at some information she finds on some people.

Turrie enters and checks the cupboards - there isn't much there - several uniforms, a pair of leather pants [interesting] and an old button up top - and a warm cloak. Turrie takes the cloak.

Wise Snake gets to the kitchen and starts shaking up the cooks and their helpers.

Turrie goes to Mostan's room - cupboards contain the usual variety of male attire.

B'cal finally finds one person that says they heard Mostan muttering about the unfairness of such stupid rules and he had no intention of following them.

Wise Snake finds out some interesting information from those.

Turrie notices a notebook on the bedside table and picks it up.

B'cal can't find out anything they didn't already know.

Turrie reads a few pages and puts it down again.

B'cal goes down the back stairs and goes into the kitchen.

Wise Snake returns to the lobby after scaring the crap out of everybody on the first floor.

Turrie heads out carrying Eliza's cloak.

B'cal gets up on a table and asks the question... ignoring the gaping of some....

Turrie sees Snake back in the lobby.

B'cal climbs back down when no one is forthcoming, glares at them mentioning dire consequences... and leaves.

<Turrie> All their clothing seems to be here - of course - I can't tell without knowing exactly what they owned in the first place.

B'cal heads back toward the lobby.

<Wise Snake> Evidently they went on a picnic.

<Wise Snake> Or at least that's where Eliza thought they were going.

<Turrie> Snake, were you aware that Mostan was emotionally attached to his Donor?

<Wise Snake> That was only a few da... of course I was! [indignant] I can zlin.

<Wise Snake> Didn't you read my report on the transfer?

<Turrie> Of course I didn't read your report on the transfer - that is hardly my area.

B'cal enters the lobby.

Wise Snake goes to the cabinet, pops the lock, pulls out Eliza and Mostan's folders, brings them back and puts them in Turrie's hand.

<Wise Snake> This ought to be enlightening.

B'cal goes over to Snake. ~~ support ~~

Alea finally sits up and slips off her skates, replacing them with her boots.

Wise Snake relaxes marginally with B'cal's support.

Turrie takes the folder but doesn't open it. "What have you discovered concerning their possible whereabouts?"

Turrie opens the folder and skims the contents.

Alea decides to take her skates with her... and starts up the hill.

Turrie reads more carefully when she comes to Snake's report.

<Wise Snake> They went to a picnic in an out of town location four days ago. They rode horses to get there. When they got back Eliza told the cook who'd given them their picnic lunch that it was a recently uncovered Ancient ruin that they had been to.

<Wise Snake> Um... I don't know exactly where the dig in question is, though.

B'cal scowls thinking she ought to go back in there and skin that cook for not telling her.

<Wise Snake> Somewhere southwest of here... but there were dozens of them.

<Turrie> It would appear then that they returned there to consummate their post - despite your warnings.

B'cal thinks she'll find a better way to handle him.

Alea ties the skates together and tosses them over her shoulder

<Wise Snake> Really? You think so? ~~ very subtle sarcasm... like the tip of an iceberg ~~

<Turrie> Who in town would know the whereabouts of the ruins?

<B'cal> You play... you pay. [smugly]

<Wise Snake> I know where they are generally. But we may well have to search every one of them to find the right one.

Turrie reaches the end of the report. "She purchased a yawal? How odd."

<Wise Snake> There are dozens of them separated by a half mile or more.

<Wise Snake> They are sort of clustered together, but we had better plan on a long search process.

Alea starts back toward the Center, wondering if the errant Eliza and Mostan have been found yet.

<Turrie> Perhaps it will be possible to zlin them once we are in the area.

Turrie thinks, "if they are still alive."

<Wise Snake> It's possible.

Turrie wonders at the significance of the yawal.

B'cal thinks it'd serve them right to freeze to death.

Wise Snake gives them both odd looks, zlinning.

<Turrie> ~ open, waiting ~

<Wise Snake> Well... let's arrange for provisions and shelter if necessary.

B'cal smiles.

<Wise Snake> Does the Center have anything in the way of survival gear or will we have to purchase that?

Alea thinks about going by and visiting Snake... but remembers she's at the Center, getting to help.

<B'cal> Yes, it has it.

<Turrie> I'll arrange a pack.

<B'cal> That was one thing you didn't learn in school, or in your short time here.

<Wise Snake> Good. You guys get that together. I'm going to sit here for a minute.

<B'cal> All centers are equipped with basic survival equipment for any long journeys that channels or Donors might have to make on horseback.

B'cal nods.

Turrie goes off to arrange a pack containing blankets, food and medications.

B'cal goes off down the hall to find the storage facilities.

<Wise Snake> Oh... better plan provisions for four or five days. Enough for us plus the two we're looking for.

Wise Snake slumps on a couch.

B'cal hears that and thinks no way will Snake be out that long... not with her transfer tomorrow... but she doesn't argue.

Alea turns and trudges up the street on the way through town.

Alea notices that even though the sun is out, the snow isn't melting today....

Alea is careful not to drop her skates or slip on the ice on the way back to the Center.

Turrie returns to the lobby with two packs, one twice the size of the other.

B'cal brings back a pack and hands it to Snake.

<Wise Snake> Great.

<B'cal> Are you ready?

B'cal studying Snake worriedly.

Wise Snake gets to her feet.

<Wise Snake> Yes, yes.

<Wise Snake> Which stable did you say this is?

<B'cal> Good.

<B'cal> Let's go then.

Alea comes up the main street, toward the Center.

RenSime has just finished pouring buckets of hot water on the sidewalks and steps and scrubs it all off thoroughly, leaving it clean again.

RenSime makes sure it is ice free all the way to the door, hoping the Farris Donor who assigned her to do this hasn't noticed that he forgot today.

<Turrie> It's halfway along Peerage Street.

RenSime goes back to the shed, deposits the tools and then back to work.

<Wise Snake> Uhm... okay, we're going to have to catch a cab. By the time we finish going to pick up Nick and walking all the way back uptown, they day would be half wasted.

Alea strolls up the street and sees the Center, and notes the ice has finally been cleared away.

Wise Snake picks up her share of the load and walks outside.

Alea makes a mental note that her disciplinary actions not be that bad since he did do it without her having to hunt him down.

Turrie cheers up - if Nick is coming maybe B'cal will stay behind.

<Wise Snake> Turrie, where's your Donor?

B'cal sees Turrie's cheer and smiles a don't-count-on-it look.

<Turrie> I am fine, thank you Snake - I would prefer to have as few Gens out in this weather as possible.

<Turrie> ~~ over 40 and perfectly able to judge her own needs thank you very much ~~

Wise Snake stops and gives Turrie a narrow-eyed look.

Alea sees Turrie, B'cal and Snake and tosses the skates into the bushes.

Alea moves up the walk a good three feet away from the skates.

<Alea> Hi Snake!

Alea waves.

<Alea> Less than twenty-four hours now....

B'cal glares at Alea.

Turrie wonders what Alea has been up to... is that a bruise she zlins on her behind?

<B'cal> Little tart. [under her breath]

Alea moves on up the sidewalk

<Alea> I see the renSime I assigned finally made it out to clear the area.

<Turrie> Alea - we have narrowed down the area where we assume they have gone and were just about to leave to check.

<Alea> Stay warm.

<Alea> It is rather chilly out today.

Alea 's nose is cold and her cheeks are bright red.

Alea walks over to Snake and gives her a hug.

<Alea> You be careful.

Alea goes over to lounge on a swing nearby.

Alea watches and waits.

Turrie looks up the street and flags down a cab.

B'cal glares at the Donor who bothered her channel then turns back to Snake.

Wise Snake continues to stare at Turrie until Alea hugs her, then looks after Alea with an odd expression.

Turrie holds the cab for Snake.

Alea is glad to see the sour expression off Snake's face.

<Turrie> Snake - you wanted a cab?

Cab driver waits impatiently.

Wise Snake turns and walks quietly down the sidewalk to the cab.

<Wise Snake> Ferry Building. [shortly; to the driver]

B'cal follows thinking she is going to freeze her self to death out here.

Turrie climbs in behind B'cal and shuts the door.

Alea watches, then jumps up and hurries down to retrieve her skates.

Cab cracks the whip over his horses. "Yeah."

Cab takes off at a spanking pace.

B'cal ~~ alarm ~~

B'cal grabs at Snake.

<B'cal> Shen!

Wise Snake is thrown against the back of the cab and sits there clutching the pack, expressionlessly.

Turrie throws an arm across B'cal's body to hold her to the seat.

Cab skids around a corner and accelerates up the long straight street.

Cab driver is pleased at the way these snow wheels hug the road.

Turrie hangs onto the side of the cab.

<B'cal> Shendoni idiot needs his license pulled... what's he trying to do, get us killed?!

Alea goes back in with her skates and up to her room to clean them.

Wise Snake reaches into a pocket to make sure she is well stocked on tranquilizers.

Cab zooms up to the door of the Ferry Building and skids to a stop.

<Wise Snake> I'll be a minute.

B'cal gasps, seeing the building and certain they're going to skid right into it.

B'cal nods.

Wise Snake climbs out of the cab and goes into the Ferry building.

<B'cal> Of course, Snake.

Turrie gets out to have a word or two to the cab driver.

B'cal gets out of the cab.

<B'cal> Let me go make sure everything is okay.

B'cal hurries into the building after Snake.

<Turrie> [softly] ...careful... ...strip... ...shen... ...born... ...understand?

Turrie is being diplomatic.

Cab driver looks pale.

Alea works diligently on cleaning her skates.

<B'cal> Snake!

<B'cal> Are you sure you are up to this?

B'cal hurries up to where Snake is.

Wise Snake is up on the third floor in the hallway. [sounds of Nick getting his shit together behind the door]

Wise Snake looks at B'cal, leaning on the wall.

<Wise Snake> I'll be fine.

<Wise Snake> The transfer isn't until tomorrow.

B'cal nods.

<B'cal> So, ah....

<B'cal> I haven't seen Nick in quite a while.

Turrie gets back into the cab to wait.

<Wise Snake> True....

Wise Snake rubs the side of her face, not looking forward to hours, or possibly even days, of tension between the two Donors.

<Wise Snake> Do you want me to bring Rapol instead?

<Wise Snake> I could drag him out of bed.

B'cal considers.

<B'cal> If you get... stuck... away from here for more than a day, you wouldn't have your Donor.

<B'cal> For, um... Transfer.

NickR leaves the room, tucking in his shirt, trying to brush his hair at the same time.

B'cal doesn't like this at all.

<B'cal> I suppose you should take Nick.

NickR has a small bag with him, and the medical satchel.

<NickR> Sorry it took so l... [pauses when he sees B'cal, but maintains a professional nager] ...ong.

<B'cal> I'll wait at the Center for you, since that is the most likely place you'll be.

<B'cal> If you find them and then require treatment, that is.

NickR moves over by Snake but does not seize control from B'cal, waiting for her to hand Snake off.

<Wise Snake> You could stay here if you like. [offers] It's reasonably warm in the rooms we use.

B'cal nods to Nick and moves off.

<Wise Snake> My brother will probably feel compelled to entertain you.

<B'cal> In that case, I think it'd be wise for me to go to the Center.

NickR slips smoothly into support of Snake.

B'cal thinks about anyone trying to entertain her and shudders.

Wise Snake looks at B'cal and turns away.

<Wise Snake> Fine.

<Wise Snake> Come on, Nick.

Wise Snake goes down the stairs.

B'cal wonders what she did... and growls low in her throat.

NickR nods politely at B'cal trying to keep any irony from his expression.

NickR follows Snake.

B'cal goes into Snake's room and flops down on her bed, exhausted and glad to get some sleep.

Wise Snake exits the Ferry Building and locks the door behind herself and Nick.

Wise Snake goes to the cab and climbs in.

NickR climbs up and sits beside Snake, nodding to Turrie.

<Turrie> Hello, Nick.

NickR concentrates upon supporting Snake.

<Turrie> Are you right to pick up the horses now, Snake?

<Wise Snake> Hold on. This guy drives like the nine hells.

<Wise Snake> [to Nick]

<Wise Snake> Oh. Yes.

<Turrie> I had a talk to him while you were gone.

Turrie indicates to the driver to go.

NickR looks around and locates two handles, holds on to them.

<Wise Snake> Oh?

<Wise Snake> Did you tell him I am in need and likely to kill him if we get in an accident and he is injured?

Cab driver clicks the horse and they trot gently off.

NickR looks shocked.

Wise Snake realizes what she is sounding like and tries to lighten her nager.

Turrie smiles. "No. I didn't think of that."

Wise Snake leans back, letting Nick's nager bathe her.

<Turrie> I told him that if he wasn't more careful and you were hurt I would strip him of so much selyn that he would wish his mother had shenned him when he was born.

<Turrie> I think he understood me.

Cab slows down to carefully take a corner.

NickR judges it is safe to let go of the handles and does so cautiously.

Cab trots past the Sime Center and heads uptown.

Cab pulls up outside the "Hire a Nag".

Wise Snake is dismayed when she sees the name of the stables.

Wise Snake learned to ride at Zeor and is used to fairly high quality beasts.

Turrie gets out and pays the cab driver.

Wise Snake climbs out of the cab.

NickR follows, maintaining a soothing, steady support.

Wise Snake is much more relaxed now, a combination of the tranquilizers and Nick's presence.

Turrie goes in and sees that Hostler has two horses ready - a black and a chestnut with white socks - both well cared for and good quality despite the name of the place.

Turrie explains that they will require another horse - for Nick.

<Wise Snake> We'll require three more horses.

Wise Snake looks at Turrie.

<Wise Snake> Will we not require two for Mostan and Eliza as well?

<Turrie> Of course.

<Wise Snake> Good. [nods]

<Turrie> Thank you for reminding me Snake.

Wise Snake seems much more laid back than before.

<Wise Snake> No problem.

Wise Snake watches them bring out the additional animals.

Turrie helps the Hostler saddle the three extra horses.

Briel glides down the hall into the lobby.

Wise Snake walks up to the black horse and pats his nose, getting acquainted.

Wise Snake doesn't even consider picking any different one, on account of his color.

Turrie hands one of the horses to Nick and leads the chestnut outside.

Briel smiles as she posts the new list for the week.

Turrie leads the two extra horses, tied together.

Wise Snake leads the black outside and mounts him.

Turrie mounts and waits for the others.

NickR leads his horse outside and mounts it.

NickR seems to have some experience with horses.

Briel hands the other lists for the boards to Clerk, smiling at him before walking off.

<NickR> ~~ calm for Snake ~~

Briel goes over and looks outside, glad to be out of deferment, glad to feel so wonderful after transfer....

Alea comes downstairs after finishing her skates, on the way to eat... again.

Alea sees Briel.

<Wise Snake> [they ride off toward the edge of town]

<Alea> Any word on Mostan or Eliza yet?

<Briel> Mostan and Eliza. Mostan AND Eliza? What are you talking about?

Alea lifts an eyebrow.

<Alea> You hadn't heard?

<Alea> Oh.

<Briel> Heard what? I just had transfer an hour ago.

<Alea> Mostan and Eliza are missing... Turrie, Snake and B'cal went looking for them.

<Briel> What!

Alea shrugs. "That's all I know. Their horses came back, empty, yesterday or so."

Briel turns and looks back out the window.

<Briel> Someone should have interrupted my transfer.

Alea thinks no one would interrupt Briel's transfer that close to transfer. She walks off.

<Alea> I'm sure they'll be fine. Snake will find them.

Briel only hopes so... and then she's going to choke them both.

<Briel> Eliza AND Mostan. [she knows she doesn't need to ask]

Briel turns from the window and goes to find Veraik.

Briel passes down a hall and sees Jirelle.

<Jirelle> Oh! Hi Briel. [smiles]

<Briel> Hi Jirelle.

Briel zlins Jirelle

<Jirelle> ~~ attitude much revived after transfer ~~

<Jirelle> Wow! Isn't it a beautiful day today? Finally the sun is out. [enthusiastically]

Briel grins.

<Briel> Yes, it is.

Briel ~~ transfer an hour earlier ~~

<Briel> So, how did it work out with you and Arcadia?

<Briel> I can see the transfer went well....

Briel thinks she should have monitored them since this was a new Donor.

<Jirelle> Oh! [embarrassed]

<Jirelle> I feel so bad about how mean I was to her beforehand.

<Jirelle> Gosh, I was such a silly!

<Briel> I don't think so, Jirelle.

<Briel> A Donor should be attentive to their channel.

<Jirelle> And dear sweet Arcadia has been so nice about it, too.

<Briel> I'll just bet.... [mutters]

<Jirelle> I mean, she hasn't said a single bad word to me about it yet.

<Briel> She'd better not, either.

<Briel> If she does, I'd like to hear about it.

Veraik sees the two channels and approaches them.

<Jirelle> Oh... not that I mean to argue with you at all, of course... I mean there was a little bit of inattentiveness....

<Jirelle> Well! Of course I will tell you everything.

Briel knows Jirelle and knows a little bit of inattentiveness spells disaster for other channels.

<Jirelle> NOT that I think there will be any problem at all, of course... I mean, it's not as if it would kill me to work alone for a minute or two here or there....

<Veraik> Hello. How are you both?

<Briel> Hello Veraik.

Briel smiles.

Jirelle smiles at Veraik.

Veraik leers at Briel then at Jirelle.

<Jirelle> Oh, hi Veraik! ~~ friendly eager ~~

Jirelle 's friendliness falters at the leer, then she figures she MUST have misunderstood what she sees/zlins.

<Jirelle> Oh! Veraik, you are such a tease!

Veraik zlins Jirelle.

Briel sends a warning look to Veraik.

Veraik grins. "I try."

<Briel> We were just discussing her transfer.

Veraik looks at Briel. "Jealous?"

Jirelle is sure she is NOT seeing the two of them sending looks to each other over her head.

Briel smiles at Jirelle unable to believe what Veraik, that horny old man, just said to her.

Jirelle thinks of course she would never want to do anything that would cause looks that serious to be sent over HER head.

<Veraik> Yes? Anything I should know?

Jirelle smiles at Briel, trying to please the First wondering what she might have done wrong.

<Jirelle> ~~ flattered smile ~~

<Briel> You can zlin that the transfer went good.

<Briel> It was just a little bit shaky before.

<Veraik> Of course.

<Briel> Tell me, Jirelle, if you had to work with Arcadia again, how would you feel?

Veraik listens.

Jirelle knows a stab of alarm as she realizes if she says the wrong thing now Arcadia might get into trouble.

Briel nods picking up that alarm and looks at Veraik.

<Briel> I see.

<Jirelle> Wow! Gosh, those decisions are way out of my league. I would just love to work with anybody you might assign me, cause you guys know a lot more than I do! [grins] ~~ fawning ~~

Veraik waits patiently for the coming explanation.

Briel rubs at her neck.

Veraik steps closer to Jirelle, basking in her glow.

<Briel> [It is obvious she won't be pairing those two together....]

<Jirelle> And Arcadia is really so sweet and nice... I mean, I am sure that any problems which might have occurred, not that any did of course, were entirely my OWN fault for not being more experienced with different kinds of Donors....

Briel wonders if Arcadia would want to transfer with Mostan.

<Briel> No, Jirelle, not at all.

<Briel> The Channel is rarely to blame in these circumstances.

<Jirelle> And I mean, I think I wasn't handling it that well toward the end, you know, running around all hysterical and all, and I feel so sorry for all of you for what I subjected you too, all that hand-wringing and stuff. I am so embarrassed actually, and you are way too busy to have to deal with me being such a silly.

Veraik zlins that there is more to tell than is being spoken.

<Briel> You are not being silly.

<Briel> You should not have been feeling the way you did with Arcadia.

<Jirelle> Wow! No kidding, I was way out of line.

<Briel> A Donor is there to reassure, soothe, help you function....

<Briel> Every time I passed you she wasn't there.

<Veraik> Yes. I agree. Calm down, Jirelle. [pleasant smile]

<Briel> Actually....

<Jirelle> I hope that in the future I can keep a much better attitude, so that maybe a Donor would want to spend more time around me, I mean I am SURE that if I were more friendly instead of so grouchy and... oh.

<Briel> I think I'll assign you with Keli next month.

Jirelle falls silent, radiating ~~ appeasing contrition and good feelings ~~

Veraik looks to Briel. "Is that true? Arcadia wasn't around?"

Briel looks at Veraik.

<Briel> Yes, it's true.

<Briel> She bailed out every time she got the chance.

<Veraik> Perhaps I should have a talk with her then.

<Briel> Have you zlinned Alea lately?

<Briel> Is she still too high to transfer with a Second?

<Veraik> That doesn't sound like a Donor to me. Do you know what her problem may be?

Jirelle squirms up and down, wondering if she should be eavesdropping on this talk about Alea, who is a Farris and a First and therefore a Personage and way too important for a 2nd like Jirelle to be hearing about her private business like this.

Briel thinks Yeah, I do....

<Veraik> Yes. I zlinned Alea this morning. I think a low First should be paired with her this month.

<Briel> If she is low enough, we could match her with Jirelle.

<Briel> Ah....

Jirelle realizes she is really being quite uncharitable toward Briel and Veraik to think that ANYTHING they would discuss would ever be inappropriate for the time and place they are discussing it.

Jirelle blushes.

<Briel> Well then, it looks like it'll be Keli, Jirelle.

<Briel> Perhaps next month you and Alea can be paired together.

Veraik looks at Jirelle. ~~ calm, soothing ~~

Jirelle promises herself to think nothing but good and happy thoughts and a lot of appreciation for both Briel and Veraik, both of whom she admires very much.

Veraik zlins Jirelle.

<Jirelle> Oh... I would adore whoever you would give to me... honest! ~~ pathetic eagerness to please ~~

<Veraik> I agree. I think that Jirelle and Alea will make a good pair the following month.

<Briel> I want you to be happy. This month was a mistake. I should have caught on to what was going on earlier.

<Briel> Uh... and well....

<Veraik> Oh to get some of Jirelle

Jirelle is amazed by what she zlins in Veraik and then turns bright red thinking she has to have misunderstood again.

<Veraik> Oh to get some of Jirelle's enthusiasm. What do you think, Briel?

<Briel> Jirelle, have talked to Mostan or Eliza this past week?

Briel chuckles

<Briel> Yes, wonderful enthusiasm.

Veraik steps closer to Jirelle.

Briel thinks this reminds her of a wolf and a lamb.

Briel's look clearly says back off.

Jirelle realizes she must have some deep seated weird twisted complex about Veraik or she NEVER would have even dreamed he said what she mistakenly thought he said, and maybe she has some kind of weird problem. She realizes she should probably be checked out for this problem but really doesn't want to embarrass everybody by bringing it up now.

<Jirelle> Oh, dear.

<Briel> Jirelle?

Jirelle 's hands and tentacles wander about nervously.

Briel takes control of the fields. ~~ calm ~~

Briel ~~ soothing ~~

<Briel> Jirelle. [nudges her nagerically to get her attention]

<Jirelle> Yes? [calming down somewhat under Briel's influence] ~~ desire to please ~~

<Jirelle> Yes, Briel, anything?

<Briel> Have you talked to Mostan or Eliza in the last two or three days?

Veraik starts to reach a tentacle out to Jirelle then collapses.

<Jirelle> Well I -- oh no!

Briel looks at Veraik in utter shock.

<Veraik> ~~ bad turnover ~~

Briel motions to Jirelle.

<Briel> Help me.

Jirelle goes to Briel.

<Jirelle> What should I do?

Briel me get him up.

<Briel> Veraik?

Briel nudges him with her field.

Briel ~~ Gen ~~

<Briel> Come on. get up.

Veraik blinks. "It's all right. Just turnover."

<Jirelle> ~~ compassion ~~

<Veraik> Sorry.

Veraik gets up.

Briel grabs one of Veraik's arms and motions for Jirelle to grab the other.

<Veraik> Sorry. That was a bad one and totally unexpected.

Jirelle takes Veraik's hand.

Briel pulls, hauling Veraik up.

<Briel> You were saying about Mostan and Eliza, Jirelle?

Jirelle assists. ~~ caring ~~

Veraik smiles weakly at Jirelle. "Thank you."

<Jirelle> Mostan and Eliza?

<Briel> Yes. Have you spoken to them in the last two or three days?

<Briel> It seems they are missing.

Veraik resettles his systems.

Jirelle blushes furiously as she realizes she totally missed some of the very important things a First was telling her, and not just any First, but a co-Controller, and with the real Controller standing right there, and she is mortified.

<Briel> It's quite all right, Jirelle.

<Jirelle> Oh, wow. Missing? Gosh.... [tries to think if she has talked to them recently]

<Briel> Please....

<Veraik> Mostan and Eliza? Missing? When?

<Briel> It seems their horses came back yesterday without them. The attendant just came by earlier... during my transfer... to tell someone.

Jirelle realizes she is still holding Veraik's hand and lets go hastily, hoping he wasn't offended by the unintentional familiarity.

<Briel> Turrie, Snake and B'cal went out looking for them.

Jirelle realizes she let go too fast and hopes he wasn't offended by the quick release.

<Briel> Alea informed me....

Jirelle hears three more Firsts mentioned and realizes this is really important stuff; tries to pay the most serious and grave attention to Briel's words.

<Briel> It seems they decided to um... well... they have formed an attachment....

Veraik zlins Jirelle. "Calm down. You are fine." ~~ Calm ~~

<Jirelle> ~~ serious interest and passionate desire to be of service ~~

<Briel> And when were told they couldn't... took it upon themselves ... TO.

<Jirelle> Oh... gosh... I'm sorry... wow. ~~ contrition ~~

<Veraik> Oh I see.

Jirelle realizes she interrupted Briel and tries to draw her nager into a little ball.

Jirelle tries to figure out what Briel just said.

Briel nods.

Jirelle thinks it sounds like Briel was talking about Eliza and Mostan breaking some rules... but would gentle Mostan and happy Eliza ever do such a terrible thing??? Surely not!

<Briel> You know, I think Eliza should be assigned with Jirelle.

Briel nods.

Jirelle 's rising surety falters as she realizes that Briel, a First and the co-Controller, said they DID and Briel wouldn't say anything untrue... Oh dear....

<Briel> She should be with a Second since her field is increasing.

Briel zlins Jirelle.

<Briel> I think they would be a perfect match.

<Briel> Jirelle is tender and gentle and Eliza is a very loving and caring Donor.

Briel nods.

<Briel> Well, then, that's settled.

<Briel> You'll be assigned with Eliza the rest of the month.

Jirelle realizes she is being talked about now and hovers between excitement and awe at being the center of the two Controllers' attentions briefly, and utter confusion at how her name ties in with the possible-rule-breaking possible-misunderstanding thing of Eliza and Mostan.

<Veraik> Has anyone heard from the Snake party since they went out looking for Mostan and Eliza?

<Jirelle> Wow! Really? ~~ eagerness/confusion/submission ~~

<Briel> It'll be your job to train her.

<Briel> Work with her every day and make sure she is doing what you want the way you want it.

<Jirelle> ~~ uncertainty ~~

<Briel> No. Evidently they've only been gone an hour or so, Veraik.

<Briel> You'll do great Jirelle.

<Briel> If you don't like something she is doing, simply suggest a better way.

<Briel> I've heard good things about you from the other Donors you've worked with.

<Jirelle> Me? I.... do you think I know enough? I mean I'm only... wow, but of course you know what you're doing... I... thanks! ~~ fear/giddiness/uncertainty/enthusiasm ~~

Veraik turns to the channel. "Yes. And I have the utmost confidence that you can do it, Jirelle."

<Jirelle> You do???

Jirelle stares into Veraik's eyes ~~ awe/wow ~~

Briel looks at Veraik.

<Veraik> What, Briel?

<Briel> I think perhaps you might like to talk to Arcadia, Veraik?

Jirelle realizes she is staring which is rude.

Jirelle 's tentacles weave about apologetically and she finally manages to wrench her eyes away and down.

<Briel> Jirelle, do you know where Arcadia is right now?

<Veraik> Arcadia? Yes, of course.

Jirelle looks up at Briel quickly. ~~ submission/contrition/eagerness to please ~~

<Jirelle> I could find her for you?

Briel nods.

Veraik goes to Jirelle, signals permission to hold her tentacles.

<Briel> you two go on. I'm off to find Frutata.

<Veraik> Wait for just a second, Briel.

Briel pauses.

Briel moves back over by them.

Jirelle knows intense ~~ relief ~~ as Veraik is distracted by Briel, because she had NOT believed what she mistakenly zlinned in him, the invitation/permission, and had been in a perfect tither about what she should do.

Jirelle wonders if she should slip away and find Arcadia now, because she knows anybody would just love to get time with Controller Veraik like she just got to.

Jirelle sneaks away and looks at the schedule board in the lobby.

Veraik zlins and looks at Jirelle, waiting for permission to take her tentacles.

<Veraik> Jirelle?

Jirelle returns.

Jirelle realizes they missed her and immediately becomes very worried and contrite.

<Veraik> May I please take your tentacles?

<Jirelle> Oh no! I knew I shouldn't have left. ~~ belly-showing nageric apology ~~

<Jirelle> Y-y-y-y-es of course....

Jirelle offers her hands obediently.

Veraik takes her hands and wraps tentacles.

Briel zlins, smiling.

<Veraik> Zlin me.

<Jirelle> Me? [squeaks]

<Jirelle> Er... you?

Jirelle extends trembling laterals, grazing Veraik's flesh briefly, then withdrawing quickly.

<Veraik> Yes. Please.

<Veraik> It's all right. You can extend your laterals.

Jirelle is totally overcome with awe at being asked to zlin the Controller and wonders what arcane and heady higher purposes the two of them could be up to that would prompt them to ask her, a mere pawn and only a Second, to do this. Right in a hallway, too.

Jirelle smiles hesitantly and slowly extends her laterals to make contact on Veraik's skin.

Jirelle zlins Veraik.

<Veraik> You are a very competent channel who is very valuable.

<Jirelle> Wow!

<Veraik> Trust yourself and others will trust you.

Jirelle is overcome by confusion and desire to please them, as well as being intensely flattered and feeling somewhat guilty for feeling that since surely she doesn't deserve it... though of course she shouldn't put herself down either, so long as there is no excessive pride.

<Veraik> ~~calm, soothing, trustful towards Jirelle ~~

<Jirelle> Gosh... thank you Hajene Veraik. I so totally value your opinion.

<Veraik> Good.

Briel smiles patiently at Jirelle.

<Jirelle> ~~ complete subjection to a greater power ~~

Veraik dismantles his tentacles.

<Veraik> Remember what I said.

Jirelle withdraws hers and hides her hands behind her back.

<Jirelle> I will! I will, I promise. ~~ promise/tension/eagerness/confusion ~~

<Veraik> Jirelle. Don't. Don't hide.

Jirelle realizes she was hiding her hands behind her back so she wouldn't "lose" the feeling of Veraik's tentacles on hers.

Jirelle blushes deep purple.

<Jirelle> Oh, my, how silly of me.

Briel takes pity on Jirelle.

Jirelle takes her hands out from behind her back.

<Briel> Why don't we go find Arcadia?

Veraik looks at Briel. "Thank you for staying."

<Veraik> Very well. I'll be in my office when you find her.

Jirelle brightens at another chance to serve, this one a bit more comprehensible.

<Briel> No, you go with her, Veraik.

Briel doesn't trust that Arcadia just might hide if she knows Veraik wants to talk to her.

<Jirelle> Oh! The boards say she is in the pharmacy, sorting medicines.

Briel tries to show this in her nager.

<Veraik> Very well. I follow you, Jirelle.

<Jirelle> ~~ joy ~~

Briel ~~ relief ~~ [nods gratefully to Veraik]

Jirelle bounces down the hallway, proud to direct Veraik to the room where the medicines are kept for rebottling.

Jirelle cannot zlin through the copious insulation in all the walls, but is SURE Arcadia must be in there since, well, the BOARDS said she was.

<Jirelle> Here you go! [grins fawningly]

<Jirelle> ~~ eagerness to please/hope for brownie-points ~~

Boards snickers at Jirelle's naiveté.

Veraik walks with her, zlinning her discretely, using her bounce to stave his turnover feelings.

Arcadia is camped out under a workbench in the pharmacy, reading a copy of "Bathe me in your Arms"

<Arcadia> Oh... huh huh huh....

Arcadia squirms around into a different position.

<Arcadia> I like this part.

Veraik reads the board. "You are right. It does say that Arcadia is in the pharmacy.

<Jirelle> I guess you don't require me any more then? ~~ artfully coy/disappointed/relieved ~~

<Veraik> Sure. Perhaps we can talk later.

<Jirelle> Oh... really? Wow! ~~ pleasure/confusion/flattery ~~

<Jirelle> Thank you... thank you Hajene Veraik.

Jirelle runs off.

Veraik enters the Pharmacy and zlins a nager with hot, sexual overtones.

Arcadia fails to notice anybody entering, so engrossed is she in her "literature".

<Arcadia> His ronaplin spurted... hot, scented, over her quivering tender flesh....

<Arcadia> [reading aloud]

<Arcadia> She gasped! And then moaned, as his tentacles which had so gently caressed, now LASHED around her arms....

Veraik goes to the Donor and says in deep, male tones, "good book?"

<Arcadia> [voice growing more powerful]

<Arcadia> "Take me, she.... " Oh!

Arcadia jumps up so quickly she bangs her head on the underside of the table.

<Arcadia> [BONK]

<Arcadia> Ow....

Arcadia crawls out ruefully.

<Arcadia> Sorry, Hajene.

Arcadia no longer has the book with her.

Veraik holds out a tentacle. "May I?"

<Arcadia> I was just reaching for this bottle that fell....

<Arcadia> ~~ total lie ~~

<Arcadia> What? ~~ total innocence ~~

Veraik zlins her lie.

Arcadia's total innocence falters a bit.

<Veraik> Let me see the book. [stern look]

<Arcadia> Umm....

Arcadia gets back down and carefully removes it from its hiding place, not exposing the others.

Veraik waits, growing impatient.

Arcadia stands and hands it to him.

<Arcadia> ~~ nager quiet as a mouse ~~

Veraik takes the book and reads the title.

Arcadia stands with her hands clasped and head down, knowing she will be yelled at now.

Arcadia thinks she will have to find new hiding places for all the ones in the pharmacy just in case.

<Veraik> So this is why your channel was basically alone before her transfer.

<Arcadia> [gulps] I... no, I only read these when I'm on break.

<Arcadia> ~~ mostly true, kinda ~~

<Arcadia> I couldn't help it every time I came back from break she was nowhere to be found.

Veraik zlins Arcadia. "Tell me the truth this time."

<Arcadia> I only read them on break. ~~ true when taken literally ~~

<Veraik> Are there other books in here? ~~ zlins for truth ~~

<Arcadia> No. ~~ true when "in here" means in Veraik's hand ~~

Veraik hesitates.

Arcadia offers Veraik a shy, hopeful smile.

Briel heads down the hall nearly floating along she is in such a good mood.

Briel is zlinning for Frutata.

Frutata is in the library looking in the index for something about Simelan poetry.

Briel goes to Frutata's door and knocks.

Briel doesn't find him there so she goes on down the hall.

Briel goes to the library.

Frutata looks up as Briel enters, and closes the card file drawer.

Briel peeks in the library and zlins Frutata.

<Briel> Hello, Frutata.

<Briel> What are you doing?

<Frutata> Hello, Briel. [smiles welcome]

Briel ~~ post and happy ~~

Briel gives him a blindingly bright smile.

<Frutata> Ah. I was examining the catalog to see if there were any general works on Simelan poetry. It appears I may have to go to the public library as it is too esoteric a subject to be covered in the Sime Center's literature.

<Frutata> You are looking well.

Frutata smiles again.

<Briel> I'm feeling much better thank you.

<Briel> I had transfer a couple of hours ago.

<Frutata> That's good.

<Briel> I was looking for you.

Briel smiles a teasing smile.

<Briel> I thought you might like to get out and see some of the city, go shopping, maybe even find some Simelan poetry.

<Frutata> That would be delightful.

Frutata smiles.

Frutata smiles with pleasure as he notes the teasing element in her smile, and wonders if she is interested in him as a man and a Gen.

<Frutata> ~~ nager carefully professional and pleasant ~~

Veraik holds the door open for Arcadia.

Briel hooks an arm through Frutata's.

Veraik , thinking that he was going to have to talk to his House about the novels they were publishing these days.

<Briel> Okay, then, let's go get our cloaks.

Arcadia wonders what Veraik is up to as he opens the door without saying anything.

Arcadia goes meekly out the door.

<Frutata> Meet you in the lobby?

<Briel> Sounds great.

Veraik strides down the hall towards his office, book in hand, expecting her to follow him.

Briel releases Frutata and goes down the hall.

Frutata goes to his room and gets his cloak, then goes to the lobby.

Briel goes up to her room, brushes her hair then shoves it back and grabs her cloak.

Briel swirls her cloak around her while jogging down the stairs.

Arcadia gapes uncertainly at Veraik's back, looks around, then follows at a distance of about 15 feet behind, shuffling her feet.

Veraik enters his office and waves a tentacle for her to be seated while he closes the door.

<Veraik> [stern look]

Briel goes up to Frutata.

Arcadia meekly sinks down into the seat, eyes averted, hands to her sides.

<Arcadia> ~~ contrition/dread ~~

<Briel> Ready?

Briel goes and pulls open the door for the big Gen.

Frutata smiles at Briel.

<Frutata> Thank you.

Frutata leaves the Sime Center with Briel.

Briel goes down the cleaned-off path.

Veraik slaps the book onto his desk.

Arcadia jumps.

<Arcadia> ~~ blank nager ~~

<Briel> Have you seen much of Bender Cove, Frutata?

<Veraik> Arcadia. What you read during your off time is your business.

<Frutata> I have done some exploring, yes. [good naturedly]. I have gone up to the theaters, and the opera house, and seen the parks.

<Arcadia> Yes, Hajene.

<Briel> Oh, my. Then you have seen some of Bender Cove.

<Veraik> However, from the reports that I have been hearing, you are NOT reading during your off-time.

<Arcadia> Yes, Hajene. [meekly]

<Briel> Well, there is a wonderful complex for shopping and eating, and just plain exploring that I think you'll enjoy.

<Briel> It's uptown. I haven't been there except for the first month I was here....

<Veraik> And you have just proven that by reading during your pharmaceutical period.

Frutata smiles with pleasure.

<Briel> I have vowed I was going back, but things have been so hectic.

<Briel> I'd like to show it to you.

<Frutata> I would enjoy exploring it in your company.

<Arcadia> Yes, Hajene. [humbly]

<Briel> And I yours.

Briel likes his nager.

<Veraik> Also, it was reported to me that you were not taking care of your channel, Jirelle.

<Veraik> This is totally unacceptable.

<Veraik> Channel need Donors.

<Arcadia> Yes, Hajene. [crestfallen]

Briel turns down the street and starts down it, her face tilted up to the sky.

<Briel> Feel that sun! Crisp clean air....

<Briel> May be frozen out here but soon, spring will be here.

Veraik looks at the book again.

<Frutata> Only two or three months, they tell me. [smiles]

<Briel> Does it get this cold where you come from?

<Frutata> No. Not at all.

<Briel> Right now, that doesn't seem long to me.

<Frutata> Up in the mountains, perhaps.

<Veraik> I know that the books are good but from now on, you are to take care that the books are read only during those periods and only accepted books can be read during break periods.

<Veraik> Leave this kind of book in your room.

<Arcadia> Yes, Hajene. [penitent]

Veraik zlins Arcadia.

<Arcadia> ~~ brain and nager empty... like rabbit in searchlight ~~

Arcadia sits very still.

<Briel> Ah, mountains.

<Briel> I don't think I've really ever been up in the mountains.

Veraik stares at Arcadia and zlins her.

<Veraik> Do you want to be a Donor?

Arcadia sinks down lower and lower in her chair.

<Arcadia> Yes, Hajene.

<Veraik> Good then....

Veraik pauses to read out a transfer card.

Briel dances lightly over the frozen walkway as they walk.

Veraik pushes the card towards her. "Mostan will be your transfer partner next month."

<Veraik> Can you handle it?

<Briel> This place has different indoor activities and a small fair-like place set up.

Frutata walks with care, maintaining a calm and smooth nager.

<Briel> You'll enjoy it.

Briel keeps close to her Donor just in case he should slip.

<Frutata> It sounds quite pleasant and interesting. I'm sure I shall. [smiles]

<Arcadia> Yes, Hajene.

<Arcadia> [meekly]

<Veraik> Good.

Briel turns into the area of stores.

Arcadia keeps her eyes on the floor where they have been the whole time.

<Briel> It still surprises me that the various hawkers can be out in this type of weather.

<Veraik> Now take the next half hour to collect the rest of your books and take them to your room.

<Arcadia> Yes, Hajene.

<Veraik> Then go back to the Pharmacy and finish what you were supposed to do.

Arcadia stands up in a slope-shouldered posture, hands behind her back.

<Arcadia> Yes, Hajene.

<Veraik> And please. I do not wish to have the conversation with you again.

<Arcadia> Yes, Hajene. [with feeling]

Briel slips her arm through Frutata's and leads him over to one of the first booths.

Frutata follows.

<Frutata> ~~ gentle interest and goodwill ~~

Arcadia turns to leave Veraik's office.

Arcadia turns back and points at the book on Veraik's desk.

Veraik watches her go.

Briel sees all kinds of kitchen wares on display.

<Veraik> Yes?

<Arcadia> That one too?

Briel points at a kitchen witch.

<Arcadia> [not meeting his eyes]

<Briel> We have something like that in our kitchen.

Frutata smiles.

<Frutata> I have seen it.

<Veraik> You may pick up this one after your work period.

<Frutata> What is the story behind such creatures?

Arcadia lets her hand fall.

<Arcadia> Yes, Hajene.

Arcadia turns and shuffles out of his office.

<Briel> I think they're suppose to bring good luck.

<Briel> You hang them in the kitchen and things go good for you.

<Frutata> How curious. [examines the witch]

<Briel> Of course, with Alea around, we know that certainly doesn't work.

<Briel> Our kitchen witch is scorched from her trying to beat out a fire with it.

Frutata recalls that the one in the Sime Center's kitchen is burnt, grease spattered and wrinkled.

<Frutata> Certainly it is good luck to put out a fire.

Briel breaks into laughter.

<Briel> How right you are, Frutata.

Veraik takes to book and turns it over to read the Publishing House once again then sighs and calls his Sectuib.

Frutata laughs with Briel, a deep, quiet chuckle.

Briel likes the sound of his voice.

<Frutata> ~~ enjoyment/pleasantness ~~

Briel turns and strolls over to the next booth, looking at what is in there.

Frutata follows.

<Briel> I am looking forward to working with you this month, Frutata.

<Briel> If you feel up to it, we could start tomorrow.

<Frutata> Yes. That would be perfect.

<Briel> I'm glad.

Briel spots some books.

<Briel> Oh, look....

Briel points with a tentacle.

<Briel> Books.

Frutata looks over in that direction.

<Briel> Perhaps there is some Simelan poetry there for you.

Frutata follows Briel.

Alea comes down the hall from lunch.

Alea goes into the lobby.

Briel goes over and starts thumbing through the books.

<Briel> Classical, modern?

<Frutata> I was hoping to find one that discussed the history and theories of it.

<Briel> ah....

Briel pokes through the books looking.

<Frutata> From there I might jump into whatever area seemed most interesting based upon the samples within.

Alea looks at the boards.

Smitty Roach sits atop the schedule board.

Briel nods.

<Briel> Ah, here is one.

Sumulo enters the lobby and zlins THAT Donor.

<Briel> It's a discussion comparing the different types....

<Briel> Is this what you meant?

Alea realizes that some things on the boards are wrong.

<Sumulo> Still here, I see.

<Smitty Roach> Looky at the lucky lookee, soon to be my tricksy's trickee.

Alea sighs wondering....

Alea whirls.

<Sumulo> Aren't you due back to Zeor?

<Alea> Sumulo.

Alea ~~ coolly ~~

Smitty Roach 's antennae dart and dance as he notes the arrival of a new toy.

<Alea> I am on permanent assignment here.

Briel lifts the large volume and hands it to Frutata.

Alea eases around the nasty little channel.

<Sumulo> Permanent, pregnant, and Farris. You are going to lose the baby if you stay here.

Frutata takes the book and looks through it.

Alea chuckles.

<Frutata> ~~ quiet pleasure ~~

Alea ~~ confidence ~~ ~~ arrogance ~~

<Briel> Here is another one. I don't know a lot about poetry. Perhaps this is closer to what you want.

Smitty Roach runs up the wall and over the ceiling to get a better look at Sumulo (from directly above).

<Alea> I'm perfectly fine here.

<Smitty Roach> Aha! Tis now I recognize, the victim of my poop surprise.

<Alea> By the way, I know you'll be so disappointed. But the cat isn't here anymore.

<Alea> It sure is a shamed what happened to your room.

Alea tsks.

Sumulo moves to Alea.

Smitty Roach drops down to Sumulo's shoulder, feather-soft.

Smitty Roach misses Sumulo and lands on the floor behind him as the channel steps forward.

Alea 's eyes widen, then grins maliciously.

Alea moves to go around Sumulo again.

<Smitty Roach> Alas, he steppeth quite aside, like a sidling nag to ride.

Smitty Roach is forced to enter via the back of Sumulo's pants leg instead.

Sumulo steps closer to Alea and wraps a tentacle around her arm.

Alea ~~ coldly ~~

<Alea> Let go of me.

Smitty Roach runs lightly up the back of Sumulo's leg. [inside]

<Briel> I've been here just over six months now.

<Briel> I never realized it got so cold.

Sumulo feels something on his leg and swats at it.

Frutata slides the book carefully back, then moves closer to Briel, cutting the wind with his large silhouette.

<Briel> Hopefully one day, I'll be going back to my house.

Briel smiles at Frutata.

<Frutata> R'Lea?

<Briel> I come from warmer country.

<Frutata> Tell me about it. [smiles]

<Briel> From the south.

<Briel> Actually, I come from out-Territory.

<Smitty Roach> There is no better transport then a thoroughgoing boor; For none more often must be forced to go from door to door.

Sumulo shakes his leg. "Why should I let you go when your nager zlins so Farris?"

Smitty Roach is startled by the sudden motion and flattens himself.

Alea looks down her nose at him.

<Alea> Listen you little low life!

<Alea> I'm sick to death of you trying to intimidate me.

<Alea> I've put up with it, but I am not going to anymore.

<Sumulo> Low life! You call me low life when you are the one who shacked up with a no account renSime.

Alea tenses and waits for the channel to release her arm.

<Smitty Roach> Oho! This fleshly ladder is a bit too rough for me to dare. Methinks I'd be much better off up in his [mumble mumble]

Smitty Roach climbs up higher.

<Frutata> Really. What is it like, to live among only Gens?

<Briel> So very different.

Sumulo feels crawling in his hair and suddenly releases Alea. Hopping all over the lobby as each sticky leg digs into his privates.

<Briel> There was never the worry of transfers.

<Sumulo> Ah! Ah! Ah!

<Briel> Life and death was looked at different.

Alea watches and realizes the roach has gotten him.

Alea starts laughing... hysterically.

<Alea> Ah, Sumulo... poor thing....

<Smitty Roach> Shedoni! This is no more mellow. It jiggleth like a bowl of jello.

<Sumulo> ~~ anger ~~

<Briel> Of course, every family did keep a rifle at ready in case, well, in case one of their children turned Sime on them.

<Briel> It was to keep them from killing the rest of the family, you see.

Smitty Roach finds a body part that is soft enough that he won't be crushed, and hides out there.

Alea holds her sides, laughing, wishing the entire Center could witness this.

Sumulo tears off his pants to get to the creepy crawly.

<Alea> Oh my!

Alea snickers.

<Alea> No wonder you have trouble with the women!

Frutata looks faintly shocked, then saddened.

Briel nods.

<Frutata> ~~ sympathy/sadness ~~

<Briel> Yes, it is sad.

<Frutata> ~~ gentle support ~~

<Alea> And here I thought it was JUST your personality that ran them all off.

Sumulo drives a hand into his underpants in frantic search.

Alea turns and starts across the room.

<Briel> There were happy times though.

<Smitty Roach> Woohoo! What fun! I mock at thee - your hand is much too slow, you see.

<Briel> We used to go on picnics as a family.

Smitty Roach runs frenetically over every inch of the available space, millimeters ahead of the searching hand.

Sumulo hears Alea and augments to her then wraps tentacles.

<Briel> Those were wonderful. We'd go swimming in the pond nearby....

<Sumulo> Going for the fifth contact, he draws selyn to lower her field.

Frutata listens.

<Frutata> It sounds very nice.

Sumulo takes the first level then augments away to kill the pest in privacy.

<Briel> It was.

<Alea> You shendoni lorsh!

Alea wipes at her mouth, then her arms. 2

Smitty Roach falls to the lobby floor.

<Smitty Roach> Ahem... this is a bit exposed, much like that wretch's underclothes.

Smitty Roach creeps to a more discreet location... the back of Alea's leg.

Alea fury changes to shock.

<Alea> You... you beast!

Alea swats at the back of her leg.

<Alea> Attacking that monster was one thing... but... get... OFF MEEEE!

Alea ~~ panic ~~

<Smitty Roach> What, names? You care to engage wits, in a game of tats for tits?

Smitty Roach runs up into Alea's blouse.

Alea jerks at her shirt.

<Alea> Stupid shendoni little BUG!

Alea digs her hand down her blouse to retrieve the crawling little insect.

Alea gasps and hops around.

<Alea> Ooh ooh ugh!

<Smitty Roach> Methinks this place's clients wonder much at the defiance of the persons working here, who come to lobby to make bare.

Alea finds the bug and grabs it.

<Alea> Oooooh!

<Smitty Roach> Oohoo! It tickles when you grope, and ---urk!

Smitty Roach wriggles.

Alea opens her hand and looks at the roach.

<Alea> Oooh ooh!

Alea tosses it down.

<Alea> Oh shen oh shen oh SHEN OH SHEN!

<Alea> Oh UGH!

Alea ~~ FULL PANIC ~~

Smitty Roach lands on the floor and runs in a circle.

Smitty Roach makes sure she sees every limb and glinty body part.

<Alea> Ooh it was in my hand... yuck.

Alea kicks at it.

Alea slips and falls on her rump.

<Smitty Roach> Well well, I see your balance is no more up to me, than your pathetic verbiage matches my vocab'lary.

<Alea> ooohOOOoooohh!

Alea jerks her boot of and slings it at the roach.

<Smitty Roach> A missile? Bah... I scoff. And needst take more clothes off?

Smitty Roach steps aside, and the boot misses.

Alea jumps onto her hands and knees, her blouse half off and one boot missing.

Alea crawls toward the roach.

<Alea> You have had it you nasty little minutely brained animal.

<Smitty Roach> So sad, the fall from grace of such a lofty race.

Smitty Roach watches Alea crawling and tsks to himself.

Alea smiles with narrowed eyes.

<Alea> Come here you nasty little lump of brainless mass.

<Smitty Roach> I regret that my I.Q. is more than up to you. [sadly]

<Alea> Come here and be my... friend....

Alea ~~ LIE ~~

<Alea> All I want to do is... TALK.

Alea worries about lightning striking her.

Alea gets a foot away and grabs her other boot, pulling it off.

Alea lifts it and swings.

<Alea> Ah ha!

Alea laughs and she brings the boot down.

Smitty Roach steps slightly to one side so it lands with him in the crack between heel and toe.

<Alea> ~~YES~~

Alea drops down on the floor laughing in relief.

<Alea> I GOT YOU... you dumb animal.

Alea looks under the edge of the boot and her eyes widen in utter DISBELIEF.

<Alea> YOU!

<Smitty Roach> Who else? You cow... you have no clue. And now I'll have the best of you.

Smitty Roach runs up Alea's arm.

<Alea> ShenDONI!

Alea shoots straight up in the air from a horizontal to vertical position.

Alea slings her arm around running in circles.

<Alea> GET OFF ME!

<Smitty Roach> Whhhoooooooooeee!! Tickletickletickletickle

Alea starts screaming.

Smitty Roach runs crazy-eights all over Alea.

Alea jerks the top off and looks for it.

Alea jumps up on the desk....

<Alea> Oh my heavens just get it off me!

Zethraim shuffles slowly into the lobby, then stops, looking at Alea standing on the desk.

Zethraim blinks once, then twice, pondering the situation.

Alea is shoving at the roach ... sees Zethraim and screams.

<Alea> GET IT OFF ME!!!

Alea jumps off the desk and runs over to him.

Zethraim 's eyes widen and he takes a step back in shock.

Alea is shoving at her bra and slapping at her tummy.

<Alea> Where the shenned is it? Get it off! Get it off NOW!

Zethraim clutches his heart.

Zethraim wheezes.

Zethraim faints.

<Alea> OH god he's DEAD! HE'S DEAD! I'VE KILLED A MAN!!!!!!!!!

Veraik walks into the lobby and zlins the fallen man and Alea unclothed.

<Smitty Roach> This one is dumber than I feared. Perhaps it's time I disappeared?

Veraik augments to Zethraim.

Alea is looking around... trying to find the stupid roach.

<Smitty Roach> But no! A channel doth appear. Methinks I'll mate with his left ear.

Alea finds the roach and jerks it out of her bra and throws it.

<Alea> Oh shen oh shen oh shen!

Veraik uses his field. ~~need~~

Alea shuddering.

Smitty Roach flies into Veraik's shirt collar.

Alea drops down to Zethraim.

Alea grabs his shoulders and shakes him.

<Veraik> ALEA!!! What are you doing!!!

<Alea> Zethraim!

<Alea> What?

Alea looks at Veraik... ~~ mild panic ~~

Alea looks back.

<Alea> I KILLED HIM.

Alea begins to sob.

<Alea> Oh shen... stupid roach did this!

Veraik wraps tentacles and takes him in fifth contact to stimulate the Gen.

Alea realizes he must still be alive.

Alea moves to Veraik's side. ~~ Support ~~

<Smitty Roach> I wonder what a man of stature does when faced with facts of nature? Nothing so dramatic as an earthquake or a flood; but the simple one-to-one of sharing clothing with a bug?

Veraik breaks contact. "No, Alea. He just passed out. Now cover yourself."

Alea sees the roach on Veraik's collar and hits Veraik, HARD.

<Alea> There it is!!!

<Alea> Oh it's on YOU!

Alea jerks at Veraik's shirt, ripping it.

<Smitty Roach> Whoop! I hide. No trick to this; I'll simply bide in his crevice.

<Veraik> Ah!!!!

Smitty Roach runs down.

Alea starts jerking his shirt off, trying to get to the bug.

<Alea> Get it OFF Veraik.

<Alea> Get it off!

<Smitty Roach> She truly is an animal; to stop her will take all his skill!

Alea ~~ RIP ~~ [shirt gives way]

Zethraim's eyelids flutter.

Zethraim sees Alea ripping Veraik's clothes off and faints again.

Alea sees the roach....

Veraik pushes her hands away. "Stop! Alea! Stop!"

<Alea> I've got you now!

<Alea> But I've got it!

<Alea> Let me get it!

Alea ~~ obsessed ~~

<Veraik> Alea!

<Alea> It has been haunting me.

<Alea> Following me.

<Smitty Roach> I think that I will, if I'm able, find new lodging in his navel.

<Alea> It has a contract out on me.

Smitty Roach runs to the new location.

Veraik augments to pick her up and take her across the room and away from Zethraim.

Alea looks down at Zethraim.

<Alea> Hey!

Alea dizzy from the sudden movement blinks.

<Veraik> Stop! Alea!

Alea stops.

<Alea> Oh shen Veraik, it was all over me... stupid little creature... and it's on you somewhere now.

Veraik suddenly stops and feels a tingling in his belly button.

<Alea> Let me go... get away from me... it'll get off you and back on me... I mean it... it's insane.

<Smitty Roach> Oh dear... they seem both quite alert; I think I'll scram before I'm ---

<Alea> Been drinking vitamins or something.

Veraik releases Alea and lifts his tunic to get at the crawling thing.

Alea wiggles... gets down... and scrambles away, then back over to Zethraim.

Smitty Roach pops out of Veraik's bellybutton.

Alea drops down by him and caresses his brow.

Smitty Roach lands on the lobby floor.

Smitty Roach wriggles his antennae at Veraik.

Veraik digs at his belly button to relieve the feeling.

<Smitty Roach> The dominant ape in this, your herd? I am to you as brain to turd.

Smitty Roach watches Veraik scratching his belly button from afar.

Smitty Roach wriggles his antennae, the cockroach equivalent to shaking his head.

Veraik stops and realizes what he is doing then drops his tunic and join Alea next to Zethraim.

Alea continues to stroke Zethraim's brow, frowning with worry.

Zethraim 's eyes flutter open.

Zethraim sees Veraik joining Alea and promptly faints again.

Alea ~~ relief ~~

<Alea> ~~no~~

<Alea> NO!

<Alea> What is the matter with him?

<Alea> Why does he keep passing out?

<Veraik> Alea. Put your shirt back on, please.

Alea ~~ worry ~~

<Alea> What?

Alea looks down.

Alea 's face goes up in flames.

<Alea> OH SHEEEEEEN

Veraik zlins Zethraim and projects need once again to try and revive him.

Smitty Roach leaves to go see what is going on in the kitchens.

Alea jumps up and looks around, finding her shirt.

Zethraim moves faintly.

Alea jerks it on, buttoning it up over her maternity skirt.

<Zethraim> ~~ system responding to Veraik's ~~

Zethraim opens his eyes.

Alea is embarrassed that the maternity panel of her skirt was showing.

Veraik brushes a tentacle over his eyes. ~~ concern ~~

Zethraim blinks once, twice, slowly.

<Zethraim> I was thenkin'. [slowly]

<Zethraim> It may be time for me to thenk about retiring.

Alea finds the clip, half in her hair, and readjusts it.

<Veraik> How are you feeling?

Veraik nods.

Alea adjusts the loose flowing shirt over her tummy.

Zethraim considers the question.

<Veraik> Sorry Zethraim. There was a roach on Alea and she freaked.

Alea hears Zethraim's weak voice and turns.

<Alea> Oh Zethraim, are you okay?

<Veraik> You know how she is about bugs.

Alea hurries over and drops down by his side.

<Zethraim> Ah'm feelin' a mite under the weather just about now.

Alea ~~ concern ~~

<Alea> I'm so sorry.

<Alea> Hajene, he was wheezing earlier....

<Zethraim> I just ain't up teh the kind of excitement I was when I wez yer age....

Veraik looks to Alea. "Most men would wheeze if they got to see you in a state of undress in the middle of the lobby."

Alea blinks at Veraik in shock.

Zethraim moves to sit up.

Alea turns to Zethraim and reaches to help him up.

Veraik just looks at Alea, trying to smile but not really up to it since it is past his turnover.

<Zethraim> Thank ye, Miss.

Veraik helps Zethraim as well.

Alea moves behind Zethraim to support him.

Zethraim averts his eyes from a rip in Alea's shirt through which a bit of lacy nothing shows.

Zethraim finally gets to his feet.

<Zethraim> Ah... Ah'm just genna go home early teday if ye all don't mind.

Zethraim holding his back and walking bent over.

Alea gets to her feet, absently rubbing a hand over her stomach in comfort.

<Alea> Oh, Zethraim... ~~ guilt ~~

<Veraik> Do you have any old-time remedies in exterminating roaches and other creepy-crawlies?

<Veraik> No. Not at all. Zethraim.

<Zethraim> Yep. Ess a matter of bringin in the exterminator every week without fail. Do thet long enough and yer guaranteed teh be freed of problems within a year.

Alea thinks ~~ A YEAR ~~

<Veraik> Thank you for the advice.

<Alea> A year... an entire year... oh dear....

Alea ~~ mild panic ~~

Zethraim shuffles painfully out of the room, pausing to pick up the bag of garbage he'd been carrying.

Veraik thinking that it would be a good way to be rid of all the Farrises as well. Something he is not willing to do.

<Veraik> Come Alea. Let's develop a strategy for ridding ourselves of that roach and I will get you a new tunic to cover yourself at the same time.

Alea looks down, realizes her lacy bit of nothing is still visible and groans, hurrying down the hall.

Veraik follows Alea down the hall, wishing he was pre-turnover instead of post so he could enjoy what he was seeing.

Notes:

1) Probably in about 2.5 or 3 months. [return]

2) It is a mystery how Sumulo is able to continue to get away with this sort of behavior. [return]

Go on to Episode #168: Sore, but Wonderful

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