Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #170: Bedside Manner (2/24/98)
Alea sits up and stretches, yawning loudly.
Alea slips out of bed and goes into the bathroom.
Alea showers and then dresses.
Alea picks out the brown woolen jumper and slips it on.
Alea finds her shoes, and then clips her hair back.
Alea goes downstairs to see if Snake has returned yet.
Alea is very worried about Snake.
Alea goes to the window and looks out.
Briel comes striding into the lobby and sees Alea.
Nick groans as his throbbing head is jostled.
Wise Snake turns down the street of the Sime Center, leading Nick's horse (with Nick bundled onto it) behind her.
Wise Snake looks back.
Nick tries to recall when he fell on his head, and can't.
<Briel> Any sign yet?
Briel ~~ concerned ~~
<Wise Snake> We're almost there.
Alea shakes her head.
Nick almost remembers going somewhere.
<Alea> No.
Wise Snake zlins Nick from that position, then turns around and continues toward the Center.
<Alea> I'm worried that she didn't....
Alea can't finish.
<Alea> It's been too long.
Nick tries to rub his forehead and discovers that he can't move his hands.
<Nick> Wha...?
Briel is surprised by Alea's words.
Wise Snake stops in front of the Sime Center and dismounts.
Nick seems to remember his hands working fine, before.
Wise Snake ties off the horses and goes to Nick.
Briel isn't sure how to respond so looks out the window, zlinning.
<Wise Snake> You're fine, you're all right. Let's just get you down, here.
Wise Snake unties Nick.
Nick sways precariously.
<Briel> There they are!
Briel dashes out the door.
Alea ~~ relief ~~
Alea hurries carefully behind her.
Wise Snake eases Nick down.
Briel goes forward.
<Briel> Snake?
<Briel> Shen.
<Nick> Ooof.
Wise Snake catches Nick and holds him up.
Nick's feet are distinctly tender.
<Wise Snake> Ah... hello, Briel, Alea.
Briel moves up to Nick's other side and looks to Snake for permission to help.
<Alea> You're okay. [to Snake while looking at Nick with dismay]
Alea ~~ support ~~
Wise Snake lets Briel take half of Nick.
<Wise Snake> I'm fine.
Nick slumps down, only practically propped up by the much smaller Snake.
<Wise Snake> He'll be all right too... eventually.
Wise Snake hopes so, anyway.
<Alea> Oh dear....
Briel slips under Nick's other arm... and moves with Snake.
Alea moves beside Briel ~~ support ~~
Wise Snake and Briel help Nick up the stairs into the Center.
Nick stumbles along, half dragged by his "helpers".
<Briel> Well, the transfer was obviously a success.
<Wise Snake> Ummh.
Briel goes up the steps and into the Center with Snake.
Alea thinks she wouldn't want to be in Nick's shape after such a success and is glad, for once, she is a Farris.
<Wise Snake> Spending my post reaction alone in a frozen cave with three arguing angry people wasn't anything I'd want to repeat any time soon, though.
Alea then realizes with her diminishing selyn supply she could very well end up in that condition and sobers.
Nick stubs a partially frostbitten toe against a step.
<Briel> You found them!
<Wise Snake> Oh, did I mention... we found Eliza and Mostan. I left them with Turrie.
<Briel> Snake, I had no idea until after you were gone what was going on.
<Briel> I'll have a talk with Turrie about that later.
Briel moves into a treatment room with Snake and Nick.
Wise Snake helps Nick over the tricky step, grimacing at his pain.
<Wise Snake> Probably a good idea.
<Briel> Sorry you ended up getting involved....
Alea ~~ support ~~
Briel turns toward the bed with Nick.
Wise Snake and Briel help Nick onto the bed.
Briel goes over and gets the med kit.
Briel returns, opening it and spreading it on the table.
Nick recognizes the surface as horizontal, and reclines happily.
<Wise Snake> He's received some treatment.
<Wise Snake> The conditions were not the best.
Alea gets some scissors and returns, and begins to cut Nick's pants off him.
<Briel> I understand.
Nick yelps and bats Alea's hands away.
<Nick> Hey, leave that alone!
Alea cuts right up the side.
<Alea> Nick.
Alea blinks.
<Alea> We need to get these off.
<Nick> Ever thought of just unbuttoning them and pulling them off?
Briel turns to see what is going on.
Alea shrugs, reaches up and unbuttons his pants.
<Nick> You didn't have to ruin my second-best pair.
<Alea> Lift your hips please.
Alea jerks on the pants.
<Alea> Your second best?
<Alea> Well, be glad you weren't wearing your best.
Alea wiggles the pants down his legs and then pauses to remove his shoes.
<Nick> I've only got one other pair without holes in them.
Wise Snake stares at the treatment Nick is getting.
Briel finishes setting up the meds for Snake and then moves to the other side of the bed out of the way.
Wise Snake shifts restlessly.
Alea finishes pulling his pants off then removes his socks.
Alea goes over and gets a warming blanket and brings it back... and lays it over him.
<Wise Snake> Nick... just... calm down. I'll buy you more pants.
Alea curious.
<Alea> Uh, what color were your... good pair of pants?
Wise Snake wonders why on earth Alea would want to know that.
Alea begins tucking the blanket around his feet.
Wise Snake starts working over Nick.
Briel quickly works the buttons of his shirt undone.
Briel slips the shirt from him.
Alea moves the blanket up until it is covering his chest.
<Nick> They're denims, so old and soft you can hardly tell you're wearing them.
Alea plugs in the blanket, then retrieves water to put in it.
Alea ~~ slight alarm ~~
<Nick> It took years to get them properly broken in.
Alea spills a bit of the water she was pouring into the blanket.
<Nick> This pair was almost there.
Wise Snake unplugs the blanket until Alea is done moving water.
<Briel> Alea, pay attention.
<Nick> Shen!
<Alea> Oh, sorry.
Nick pushes the sopping wet blanket onto the floor.
Alea finishes putting the water into the blanket, plugs the opening and then plugs the blanket back in.
Wise Snake smiles, holding one hand with the other.
Wise Snake's tentacles twitch about nervously.
Alea sets the temperature of the blanket to bring Nick's temperature up.
Nick looks at the sodden matters, and sits up.
Nick discovers that his undies are also soaked.
<Nick> Shen.
Briel sees his dilemma.
Briel reaches for Nick's sodden undies.
<Briel> Just lay back. We can slip a blanket under you.
<Briel> Alea, get another blanket.
Alea goes to get another blanket.
Wise Snake is having a bit of difficulty in believing this is happening.
Nick slaps Briel's hands away.
<Wise Snake> If the mattress is wet, shouldn't he be moved to a dry bed?
Briel lifts an eyebrow.
<Briel> If you want.
Wise Snake's tentacles wave about in a random alarmed fashion.
Nick thinks that this is the first sensible suggestion anyone has made in a long time.
Briel lifts the blanket off him and transfers it to another bed.
<Briel> Right this way.
Briel goes back over and takes Nick by one arm.
Nick watches the now-wet blanket hit the previously dry bed and sighs.
<Nick> Look, Briel, I know you mean well.
<Briel> I'll just leave.
<Briel> How's that?
Briel turns and leaves.
Wise Snake starts feeling just a bit agitated and wonders if she should step out and lay down in the lobby for a bit.
Alea watches Briel leave.
Alea shrugs at Nick and Snake and follows.
Nick puts his head in his hands and groans.
Nick feels the puddle wicking up his shirttails.
<Nick> Snake?
Wise Snake looks at Nick.
Wise Snake sighs and goes over to him.
Wise Snake zlins him.
Wise Snake wonders how Nick's shirt got on him again and takes it off.
<Nick> Do you think you could find me something dry to wear?
<Nick> ~~plaintive nager~~
<Wise Snake> Come over here and sit on this chair for a minute while I find something.
Wise Snake helps Nick off the bed.
Nick steps gingerly on his sore feet.
Katryn hurries into the room.
<Katryn> Hajene Briel said you required....
Wise Snake picks up a regular blanket to wrap Nick up in, in the meantime.
<Katryn> Oh, Snake!
Katryn grins and goes on in.
Nick clutches the blanket around his dignity.
Wise Snake sees Katryn.
<Wise Snake> Hello.
<Katryn> Oh....
Katryn zlins Nick.
<Katryn> What can I do to help you?
Katryn ~~ eager ~~
<Wise Snake> Can you do me a favor and find some clothes about Nick's size, and see if there's another treatment room with a bed available?
<Katryn> Oh, of course.
<Wise Snake> Just the treatment clothes would be fine.
Nick looks at Snake with mild indignation.
Katryn hurries out and retrieves a gown.
Nick doesn't approve of hospital gowns; despite all advertisements to the contrary, one size NEVER fits all.
Wise Snake looks at Nick, concerned.
<Wise Snake> Nick?
Nick looks at Snake.
<Nick> Yes?
Wise Snake wonders why Nick is asking her, since it was Nick who shot her the indignant look.
<Wise Snake> Never mind. Let's get you fixed up.
Katryn hurries back in.
<Katryn> Here we go.
Katryn hands Snake the gown.
Wise Snake gets Nick some more fosebine in the hopes that less headache would also mean less ornery.
<Wise Snake> Thank you.
Katryn grins.
<Katryn> The room next door is open.
<Katryn> We can take him in there.
Nick swallows the fosebine as quickly as possible.
<Wise Snake> Great.
<Wise Snake> We'll meet you there in just a minute, okay, Katryn?
Katryn nods.
Katryn leaves.
<Wise Snake> Oh... bring all this medical gack with you when you go.
Wise Snake indicates the things Briel had readied.
<Katryn> I'll set one up in the other room.
<Katryn> I was told never to take a kit from one room to the other.
Katryn ~~ very serious ~~
<Wise Snake> Oh. Okay.
Wise Snake shrugs and forgets it.
Wise Snake waits until Katryn is gone, then closes the door.
Nick feels a bit less out of sorts as his headache subsides.
<Wise Snake> Can you get dressed now, so we can go over there and heal you?
Wise Snake hopes Nick appreciates her getting rid of Katryn during the robing process, since it took extra effort to think of doing that.
Nick looks at the gown and makes a face.
<Nick> Well, it's dry, anyway.
<Nick> I can manage.
Wise Snake manages to keep from tapping her tentacles.
<Wise Snake> You know, I'd better go have the horses taken care of. I'll be back in just a minute.
Wise Snake slips out of the room.
<Nick> Sure.
Wise Snake goes up to the front and removes the rest of their belongings from the horses, then arranges for someone to bring them back to the livery stable.
Wise Snake dumps the stuff behind the clerk's desk in the lobby, waving an apologetic tentacle at the clerk's affronted look.
Nick walks awkwardly over to the door, engages the lock, and hastily strips out of the wet clothing. 2
Wise Snake returns to the room and is astonished to find it locked.
Nick wraps the gown around himself to the best extent possible, wraps the blanket around himself to cover the rest, unlocks the door, and staggers back to his chair.
Nick feels that this is a bit more exercise than he really wanted at the moment.
Wise Snake hears the lock turn, waits a suitable time, and then opens the door and re-enters.
Wise Snake wonders when Nick became so paranoid about being seen naked, and hopes there aren't any other unfortunate side effects to their transfer.
<Wise Snake> Ready? Let's go.
Katryn finishes laying out all the meds and has the blanket set up and ready to go.
Nick gets to his feet, glad that the fosebine is dulling the pain at least a little bit.
Katryn sets out some extra fosebine just in case.
Wise Snake helps Nick into the next room.
<Wise Snake> Now, Nick, you're going to have to rest for several days, maybe longer.
<Wise Snake> Rest is really the only good cure for your condition.
<Wise Snake> But, of course, you can do much of it at home, not here.
<Nick> ~~relief~~
Katryn looks up at their entrance.
<Katryn> I have everything laid out just like you wanted, Hajene Farris.
<Wise Snake> Great. Thank you.
Nick 's imagination had been feeding him nightmares about being left to the Tecton's tender mercies for days at a time, while Snake was tramping gaily around town.
Wise Snake helps Nick into the bed.
<Wise Snake> Nick, do you want the water blanket or just regular blankets?
<Wise Snake> [solicitously]
<Katryn> Oh, should I take this one off?
Katryn ~~ worried ~~
<Nick> No. [firmly]
Wise Snake looks confused.
Katryn begins pulling it off.
<Katryn> I'm so sorry.
<Wise Snake> Ok... whatever you want, Nick.
<Katryn> I was told this is standard procedure for frostbite....
Katryn continues to haul the blanket off.
<Nick> I think regular blankets will do. I'm not that cold.
Wise Snake helps Katryn with the blanket.
<Nick> [that last to Snake, the previous to Katryn.]
<Wise Snake> I don't think he likes the water one. ~~~apology in nager... and please humor him~~~
Katryn nods.
Wise Snake wonders if the entire healing session is going to be like this.
<Katryn> Oh, of course.
Nick has spent enough time in the Bender Cove Sime Center to know that any water-filled object will discharge its burden sooner rather than later, most likely when its at its hottest.
Wise Snake zlins Nick, and does some healing work on him.
Nick's headache has dulled to the point that he is actually able to help the process.
<Wise Snake> Katryn, do you have any idea if Tramila is available to zlin Nick for me?
<Katryn> Um, she isn't here right now.
<Katryn> I can get someone else if you'd like.
<Wise Snake> Could you do me a favor and massage his feet for me? And get a hot water bo--- never mind on that last.
<Wise Snake> No, that's okay, I'll talk to Tramila another time.
<Katryn> Okay.
<Nick> I think most of the damage occurred when we were searching for Mostan and Eliza.
Katryn moves to Nick's feet and begins to message them.
<Wise Snake> I'm glad you think so. [dryly]
Nick hisses, since they are very tender.
Katryn zlins, being careful to project need and stimulate the areas that need healing without rubbing the actual damaged tissue.
<Katryn> The good news is [to Snake] it doesn't look like he's going to lose any toes.
Wise Snake is more interested in the state of Nick's selyn system.
<Wise Snake> Great... great.... [distracted while working]
Nick almost wishes that his feet were numb again.
Nick feels himself respond to Snake's need projection.
<Katryn> It really is an honor working with you, Hajene.
<Katryn> I got to work ON Alea and now working WITH you.
Katryn smiles ~~ pride ~~
<Wise Snake> ...what? Oh... great. [distracted]
Wise Snake looks suddenly at Katryn in alarm.
Nick very definitely wishes his feet were numb again as they really unthaw.
<Wise Snake> Alea? You worked on Alea? What happened to Alea?
Katryn works her hands up to Nick's ankles, concentrating all of her attention on them.
Katryn looks up.
<Katryn> She fell in the bay and nearly froze to death.
<Katryn> That was a week or so ago, though. I thought everyone had heard about that.
<Katryn> I am so sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned it.
<Wise Snake> Oh. That.
Wise Snake forces herself not to think about it, not particularly a healthy thing to do right after transfer, but better than freaking out all over again.
Katryn ~~ guilt ~~
Katryn ~~ relief ~~
<Katryn> Although, she was lost out in the snow with Mr. Chutmas until late yesterday.
Wise Snake takes a deep breath and forces herself not to think about THAT either.
<Wise Snake> Well! She appears to be safe and sound now.
<Wise Snake> Thank goodness.
<Katryn> Yes. She is.
<Katryn> I heard she took shelter at the Ferry Building.
<Katryn> She and Mr. Chutmas stayed there....
Nick has a baaad feeling about this.
Alea comes in with Tecton clothes for Nick.
<Alea> I went to the other room but couldn't find you....
Alea lays the clothes over a chair.
Wise Snake feels a dizzying shock.
<Wise Snake> Alea!
<Alea> These Tecton standard uniforms....
<Alea> Yes, Snake?
<Wise Snake> You were at the Ferry Building last night?
Nick sees the Tecton uniform and goes into some shock of his own.
<Alea> Uh, yes I was.
<Alea> Uh, no, I wasn't.
<Wise Snake> Did anything catch on fire????
<Alea> I was there night before last. We left yesterday evening.
Alea ~~ guilt ~~
<Alea> It wasn't that bad.
<Alea> Really.
Wise Snake almost grabs Alea's front in her desperation.
Alea eyes widen ~~ soothing ~~
<Wise Snake> Please don't... please don't tell me... Oh... oh no....
<Wise Snake> [vision of the clock tower burning still fresh in her mind]
Alea pats Snake's shoulders, smoothing the fabric in a gentle gesture.
<Alea> It's okay, Snake. We put it all out.
<Alea> There wasn't much clean up to do.
<Wise Snake> How much was destroyed?
<Alea> And I ended up cleaning....
Alea ~~ confused ~~
<Alea> Destroyed?
<Alea> Well....
Alea casts a guilty glance at Nick.
<Alea> Just what did you have in your oil lamp in your room?
<Wise Snake> In the fire... how much burned? [dread]
Wise Snake confusion.
Wise Snake looks at Nick.
Katryn is watching this with wide eyes, soaking in how two Farrises actually communicate.
Nick returns Snake's confusion.
<Nick> As far as I know, the lamp was pretty much empty.
<Alea> Whatever it was, you shouldn't have had it in there. The smoke nearly choked me.
<Alea> Farris allergies.
<Wise Snake> You're allergic to something I'm not? [disbelief]
<Alea> Well, it wasn't until I tossed it on the wood to start the fire for Sky and it was burning that the smoke overcame me.
<Alea> If it hadn't been for Sky's quick thinking and Tarsh's help, I might have been really ill.
<Alea> As a matter of fact, you can thank Sky and Tarsh and me for putting the fire out before too much was damaged.
Wise Snake frowns. Sky? Quick thinking? [puzzled]
Katryn hears illness and wishes she had been there to see just how ill a Farris gets when having an allergic reaction.
<Alea> Yes, the fire exploded!
<Alea> Right there in Nick's room.
<Alea> I'd never seen anything like it.
<Alea> And it was all different colors.
Wise Snake realizes what Alea said.
<Wise Snake> You threw WHAT on wood?
<Wise Snake> Lamp oil?
<Alea> Well yes.
<Alea> He was having trouble getting it started.
<Alea> I helped him.
<Wise Snake> I have to sit down.
Wise Snake does so.
<Alea> After all, he found me the supplies for my wounded shoulder... it was the only way I could thank him.
Alea moves over to support Snake.
Wise Snake rests her forehead in her hand and closes her eyes.
Alea ~~ support ~~
<Alea> Luckily only a bit of smoke damage occurred... oh, and my cloak was partially burned.
<Alea> And Tarsh nearly choked me getting it off.
<Alea> IT looks awful... one whole corner....
<Alea> And it was brand new.
<Nick> Smoke damage? Don't tell me my clothes are all full of soot!
<Alea> Of course, it did have those rat bites on it....
<Alea> Uh, well....
Alea avoids Nick's gaze.
<Alea> Most all of your clothes were in the closet, Nick, so there was no damage to them.
<Alea> I checked them out thoroughly.
Alea ~~ guilt ~~
<Nick> MOST of my clothes?
Arcadia signals at the treatment room door.
Katryn watches them, hears the signal and goes to the door.
Katryn pulls it open.
<Alea> Well, there was one pair that was covered. It was a shame too.
<Alea> The fire must have gotten to them.
Alea ~~ lie ~~
Arcadia sees a channel.
<Nick> One pair of what? Socks? [hoping against hope]
<Alea> They were pretty messed up.
<Arcadia> Oh... hi. [weak grin] Am I late?
Katryn waves a tentacled at Arcadia smiling.
Arcadia enters with relief.
Katryn looks pointedly at Arcadia and nods.
Arcadia immediately goes sober.
<Alea> Uh, no... it wasn't socks.
<Arcadia> ~~ contrition~~
Wise Snake continues to massage her forehead, leaning one elbow on the chair, eyes closed.
<Nick> Not socks? Do you mean to tell me you have managed to ruin BOTH of my good pants in less than 24 hours?
Arcadia supports Katryn.
Katryn nods, glad Arcadia is there.
<Alea> Me?
Alea gasps, outraged.
<Alea> Now how do you think -I- ruined them?
<Arcadia> What's going on? [whispers]
<Alea> It's not my fault the oil was poisoned and blew up.
<Nick> Yes, you. The person who burned one pair and sliced up the others.
Katryn whispers back.
<Katryn> We're watching Farrises interact.
<Alea> I didn't say they were burned!
Alea ~~ hurt ~~
<Alea> Only soot covered.
<Arcadia> Ooh! I read a book about... [thinks the better of it] ... oh! Okay.
Alea mutters from next to Snake "How was I suppose to know those old looking jeans shouldn't be used when I cleaned out the chimney?"
<Nick> They'll never come clean.
<Arcadia> ~~continues to support~~
Wise Snake hears what Alea said.
Katryn sighs with pleasure at the support.
<Wise Snake> [not moving from her position] "You did... what?"
Alea glances at Snake.
<Alea> Sky gave Tarsh and I a room to sleep in but the uh....
Nick envisions being limited to hospital gowns and Tecton uniforms until he's well enough to go shopping, and groans.
Alea glances at Nick and lowers her voice.
<Alea> It had to be cleaned.
Katryn turns back to Nick, zlinning and moving forward.
Katryn wonders what he is groaning about.
<Alea> I used all of these brushes I found to clean it.
<Alea> I think the chimney is now in working order.
Wise Snake pauses for a few moments, fingers still moving on her forehead, eyes still closed. Then the fingers go still.
Katryn zlins agitation and turns back to Arcadia and shrugs.
Arcadia looks at Katryn in question.
<Alea> However, before we could move in your brother....
<Alea> Well, I don't think he was very happy with us.
<Alea> It seems he and B'cal haven't hit it off very well.
<Katryn> Upset. [whispers]
Arcadia is not sure what is going on since she had just been thinking about the great book "He and She" about two fabulous Farrises and how they....
Katryn moves closer to the wonderful Second's field.
Arcadia looks up at Katryn with interest..
<Arcadia> ~~ renewed attention ~~
<Arcadia> Really?
Katryn glances at Arcadia.
Katryn rests back in the field again.
<Katryn> Yes.
<Wise Snake> My brother? Mine? Unhappy?
<Alea> Yes.
Wise Snake finally looks up at Alea.
<Alea> Do you know, I found him out in the hall... freezing.
Wise Snake 's eyes slowly widen.
<Wise Snake> What!
<Alea> Tarsh and I slept on the bed in the office....
<Alea> When I got up the next morning, he had evidently slept in the hall.
Alea shakes her head.
<Wise Snake> What about Nick's bed? Couldn't he have slept there?
<Alea> I don't know why he didn't join us. I was too groggy from the medications to remember why.
<Wise Snake> Or Rapol's?
<Alea> It seems B'cal had commandeered it.
<Alea> Rapol kept to himself.
Wise Snake grips her forehead with a vengeance.
<Alea> That room I was preparing for Tarsh and I is all cleaned now though.
<Alea> And last I saw was B'cal loading it down with firewood.
<Wise Snake> They were ALL clean!
<Alea> The chimney wasn't.
<Arcadia> So um... does anybody hit it off well with B'cal? [voice low]
<Wise Snake> Alea, it takes trained crews to clean those type of... don't tell me you lit a fire in there!
<Katryn> She's real loud and likes to scare people. But Farrises like her. I think they're just talking 'Farris' talk right now.
<Katryn> After all, they have to complain about something....
<Alea> No. I didn't. But like I said, Bcal probably did last night.
<Alea> Unless she decided to commandeer Nick's bed again since he wasn't there.
Arcadia glances at Alea and Snake. "Is that it? I thought it was they always had to be picky about something. You know, pay attention to this, pay attention to that...."
<Arcadia> Don't do this with your nager, don't do that, etc.
<Alea> And I thought I was doing a great....
Arcadia thinks of all the things the Farrises in "He and She" were picky about, but how amazingly well they complemented each other when alone together.
Alea glances over at Arcadia, her features slowly turning cool as she stiffens and finally looks down her nose at Arcadia.
Katryn gulps, having never seen that look directed at her.
Arcadia sees Alea's look and turns defensive.
<Arcadia> Sure, take it out on ME. Just because you're being yelled at....
Katryn grips Arcadia's arm, moving back.
Arcadia ~~ supports ~~ Katryn
<Arcadia> What?
Katryn shakes her head, staring at the two Farrises.
<Katryn> She didn't mean that.
<Katryn> Don't you know what an honor it is to work with them? [hisses at Arcadia]
<Arcadia> Ummm....?
<Arcadia> No?
Alea looks at Snake then back at Arcadia.
<Alea> Perhaps if others knew how to keep their 'nager' under 'control' then we wouldn't be so uptight around them.
Wise Snake looks kind of upset about something, but isn't looking at any of them.
Arcadia thinks Alea is one to talk about nageric control.
<Arcadia> Um... sure thing, Alea.
Alea touches Snake's shoulder offering ~~ comfort ~~
<Arcadia> ~~ yup ~~
Alea ~~ soothing ~~
Wise Snake sighs, and turns toward Alea slightly.
Alea increases her support.
Katryn is just sick over what has happened.
<Katryn> Oh, Arcadia!
<Katryn> Please support me.
Katryn thinks 'and keep your mouth shut'
Arcadia ~~ supports ~~ Katryn.
<Arcadia> Sure thing, Katryn. I'd love to.
Arcadia wonders when her next break will be.
Arcadia checks her watch.
Wise Snake jumps up suddenly.
Katryn moves over and slips a tentacle around Arcadia's wrist.
<Alea> Snake?
<Wise Snake> You know... I think Nick should go home immediately.
Alea moves back keeping her support on Snake.
<Alea> I'm not so sure about that.
<Alea> Are you sure?
<Wise Snake> Can we trust these two to watch him while I go make the arrangements?
Alea looks over at them, her eyes narrowing.
<Wise Snake> Do you realize, I have been back here for only twenty minutes and I'm already losing my mind?
Katryn sees this as a way to redeem herself.
<Arcadia> ~~ support ~~
<Katryn> Of course you can, Hajene.
Alea looks at Snake.
<Alea> Yes, you can.
<Alea> Would you like me to accompany you?
<Wise Snake> Sure... sure.
Alea nods.
<Wise Snake> Nick, this will just take a minute or two.
Wise Snake leaves the room quickly.
Alea follows.
<Arcadia> I don't see what the big deal is, other than they are great in bed.
<Arcadia> [after the door has closed]
Katryn gapes.
<Katryn> They're WHAT?
Katryn looks at Snake and Alea leave.
<Arcadia> Great in bed! All Farrises are.
<Katryn> What in shenned are you talking about?
<Arcadia> Didn't you realize?
Katryn gasps, holding onto Arcadia.
<Katryn> How would you know all Farrises are great in bed... what am I asking!
Katryn shakes her head and looks at Nick to see how he is taking this conversation.
Nick sighs.
<Arcadia> ~~ curiosity/support ~~
Katryn's cheeks are flushing bright red.
<Alea> So, Snake, how are you feeling?
Alea goes with Snake
<Nick> Look, I'd be happy to wait, if you'd like to continue this conversation. In the corridor.
<Arcadia> Well it's true! Why else would they call the line of books, the "Black Stripe collection"?
<Katryn> No, this conversation is over.
Katryn groans.
Arcadia sighs.
<Nick> Perhaps because the gullible would buy them that way?
<Wise Snake> I'm fine, I'm fine. I just have to go home.
<Alea> I understand.
Alea ~~ soothing ~~
Arcadia looks at Nick speculatively, suddenly wondering if he is in a position to know that Farrises are lousy in bed.
<Katryn> Arcadia!
Arcadia wonders if in fact, they ARE great in bed, and Nick is trying to keep Snake to himself.
Katryn motions for her to keep her attention on her.
Arcadia looks at Katryn.
<Arcadia> Oh! Sorry.
<Arcadia> ~~ support ~~
Katryn turns back to Nick.
<Katryn> It looks like, as Hajene Farris said, everything is healing just fine.
<Katryn> If you'd like, we can put you to sleep.
<Katryn> You'd feel much better in the morning.
Nick shakes his head.
<Nick> I think I get to sleep by myself.
Arcadia thinks about the scene at the beginning of "Black Tie, White Chain" where the hero and heroine meet each other, and they both were wondering the same thing.
<Katryn> Ah... okay.
Arcadia thinks that she really should re-read that at the earliest available opportunity... like maybe right after her shift is over.
<Katryn> I hope you can use that Tecton uniform. It was all we had available in your size.
Arcadia checks her watch again.
Alea ~~ support ~~
Nick doesn't want to think about the kind of dreams he'd have if Katryn put him to sleep when under the influence of Arcadia's nager.
Nick looks at the hated uniform and sighs.
Arcadia realizes she has a good couple of hours of work left before her shift ends, and wonders if she can get away with reading a few pages on break.
<Nick> Well, it's better than going naked.
<Katryn> That it is.
<Katryn> If you'll be okay, then we'll leave.
Wise Snake uses Alea's support as she goes through the ritual of arranging for transportation to the Ferry Building.
Nick realizes that he has, perhaps, been less than tactful.
<Nick> I'll be fine. Thank you for your help.
Katryn nods.
<Katryn> Okay, then.
Katryn looks at Arcadia.
<Katryn> Let's go.
Arcadia remembers the bit about "her pale fingers clutching his curling black mane, his great dark hands pressing against the creamy base of her spine...."
<Arcadia> ~~ salivation ~~
Katryn goes out into the hall.
Nick lies back and dozes off with the skill of long practice.
Arcadia remembers the bit about her "riding and riding her stallion", then wonders if that was in a different book and thinks she should re-read both to make sure.
Katryn turns to Arcadia when they are in the hall.
Arcadia didn't realize Katryn left.
Arcadia is standing there looking a bit day dreamy.
Katryn realizes she didn't follow her and goes back in.
<Katryn> Arcadia!
Arcadia looks startled.
<Arcadia> ~~ oops ~~
<Arcadia> Sorry.
<Arcadia> ~~ support ~~
Katryn motions her out the door.
Arcadia precedes Katryn.
Katryn pulls the door closed.
<Katryn> Arcadia....
Katryn's tentacles move restlessly.
<Katryn> It's not polite for you to... uh... wander off in your support.
<Katryn> It is, well, it can be very... distracting for a Channel... and even... dangerous.
<Katryn> And well... I know we haven't really worked together... so maybe it's just working around Farrises that has you acting this way.
<Katryn> Believe me, I understand how they can make a person nervous.
<Katryn> But please try to concentrate your energies on me.
<Arcadia> ~~ continued support ~~
<Arcadia> Okay.
Arcadia thinks Katryn is just as nervous as this young girl in "Her Sweet Nager" who was seduced by the Controller right out of First Year.
Katryn is so relieved that conversation went okay.
Arcadia smiles at Katryn.
Katryn knows they told them how to talk to Donors in first year... but this is the first time she's had to do it.
<Katryn> Well, then, should we go work?
Alea studies Snake.
<Alea> You know we were worried about you, Snake.
<Alea> I'm glad everything went well.
<Alea> Tramila was ready to mount a search party for you.
<Wise Snake> I really wish I hadn't taken on that... [thinks about the tactics B'cal was using]... well... I don't know.
<Wise Snake> I'm glad to be back.
Alea smiles.
<Alea> When Tramila finds out you're back....
<Alea> You are looking well.
<Wise Snake> I'm okay now.
<Alea> I am so glad.
Alea ~~ beaming with pleasure ~~
<Wise Snake> A little bit stressed out, but... it was a good transfer as those things go.
Wise Snake feels a little less stressed, with Alea beaming.
Alea pointedly ignores the fact that Nick is in the infirmary with transfer burns.
Wise Snake goes back to the treatment room to retrieve Nick.
<Alea> Things will only get better from here on out, Snake.
<Wise Snake> I hope so.
Wise Snake is surprised to find nobody in there.
Alea ~~ support ~~
Wise Snake's lips tighten but she says nothing, goes to pick up Nick's sleeping form.
<Alea> Is there anything else I can do?
<Alea> I know Tramila is going to be sorry she missed you.
<Wise Snake> I really am going to freak out if I stay here any longer.
<Alea> I know, Snake.
<Alea> Uh, and I'm sure B'cal ... will be relieved you're back.
<Wise Snake> B'cal is here? [surprised]
<Alea> No, the Ferry building.
<Alea> She has stayed at the Ferry building with your brother.
Wise Snake imagines B'cal and Sky together, and looks even more surprised.
<Wise Snake> ...oh.
Wise Snake carries Nick carefully out to the waiting coach.
<Wise Snake> Thank you, Alea.
<Alea> Anytime, Snake.
Alea stands on the cold, snow covered sidewalk and watches Snake load up Nick.
Wise Snake gets into the coach.
<Wise Snake> Goodbye, Alea.
<Alea> Goodbye.
Wise Snake directs the coach to start for the Ferry Building.
Alea turns and goes back into the Center.
Sammie comes into the Sime Center and looks around nervously.
Jirelle comes into the lobby bidding the last customer goodbye.
Jirelle puts the paperwork in its spot and looks around and sees Sammie.
<Jirelle> Hello... may I help you?
Sammie is ~~ nervous ~~ boy of about ten years old.
Jirelle smiles at Sammie.
Sammie looks up at the lady.
<Sammie> I... uh....
Sammie looks at her tentacles.
<Jirelle> Yes? [encouragingly]
<Sammie> I... my....
Sammie looks around.
<Sammie> My sister sent me here.
<Sammie> She's sick.
<Jirelle> I see. Where did you leave your sister?
Sammie shuffles from foot to foot before wiping at his nose with a sleeve.
Sammie ~~ nervous ~~
<Sammie> She's scared.
<Jirelle> Is she at your house?
<Sammie> Papa would tan our hide if he knew we'd come here.
<Sammie> She....
Sammie glances at the door.
<Sammie> We're suppose to be in school.
<Sammie> She's... just outside.
<Sammie> I wasn't suppose to tell you....
Jirelle goes to the door.
<Jirelle> It's all right.
Sammie thinks the girl is so nice though that maybe she won't tell his parents.
<Jirelle> If your sister is sick, we should help her, right?
Jahene is near the gate, bundled up in a cloak, and presently throwing up on the ground.
<Sammie> I'm really scared. She thinks she is going to be Sime.
<Sammie> Papa will be furious if she is.
<Sammie> Can you help her not to be?
<Jirelle> Well, if she is, we can help. Don't you worry... what is your name?
<Sammie> Then we could go home and we won't get in trouble.
<Sammie> Sammie
<Sammie> My name is Sammie.
<Sammie> Jahene is over there...
<Jirelle> Well, we can't help her not be Sime, but we can help her be a healthy Sime and not kill anybody.
Jirelle wishes she hadn't said the word "kill"
<Sammie> But she'll kill me in my sleep. [whispers]
<Sammie> She keeps saying that. That's why she came here... we both thought you could help.
<Jirelle> Don't you worry, Sammie. If she is a Sime she will live somewhere else. Not with you.
Jirelle thinks she is having a really bad night for communications.
Jahene is on her knees continuing to retch.
Jirelle slips out the door and goes down the walk to where Jahene is.
Sammie gets tears in his eyes thinking about his sister leaving.
Jirelle kneels by Jahene.
<Jirelle> Jahene, honey....
Jahene ~~ high fever, nausea, stomach cramps, dizziness ~~
<Jahene> I'm going to die, aren't I?
<Jahene> I just know it... or be... Sime....
Jahene ~~ scared ~~
<Jirelle> Come on, let's get you inside where you can lie down.
<Jirelle> Can you walk if I help you?
Jahene rubs at her arms as she gets up.
<Jahene> Yes... I think so
Jirelle helps Jahene toward the door.
BENDER COVE TECTON TATTLER: We have a new hero today in Bender Cove. Seems Jirelle saved the life of a young girl who was in changeover while she had the flu. She actually managed to help the young girl through changeover while the child had a raging fever and was throwing up. Not a pretty sight, but somebody had to do it! 1
Notes:
1) This line was added by the logging player because in the original uncut log, play ended suddenly on a point of confusion about whether Jahene was actually in changeover or only had the flu. [return]
2) This is now the third time Nick has gotten undressed. Nick's player did not volunteer an explanation, so we will have to assume that Nick prefers the "layered look". [return]