Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #171: A Match Made In... Er.... (2/25/98)
Sky lets himself into the Ferry Building and hurries up the stairs.
Sky is carrying a large ledger under his arm, and a bag.
B'cal finishes straightening her hair, then stands and straightens her jacket.
<Sky> Hum... hum de dum... la da da.... [under his breath]
B'cal walks out of the extra room.
Sky hurries down the hall with his nose down.
B'cal turns to head down the stairs.
B'cal jumps back to avoid a collision.
<B'cal> YOU!
B'cal sneers.
Sky jumps.
<Sky> Oh! Excuse me.... [stammers]
<B'cal> What are you doing now?
B'cal looks at everything in his hands.
Sky grimaces at the sneer and hugs his purchases protectively to himself.
<B'cal> Doctoring your sister's books so you can steal from her too?
<Sky> I hope you had a good night's sl... what!!
<Sky> I would never! [indignant]
<B'cal> My money is missing.
Sky looks confused.
<B'cal> You are the only one in that room.
<B'cal> Are you telling me you didn't take it?
B'cal lifts an arrogant brow.
<Sky> Your money? What money?
<Sky> I don't have any idea what you're talking about.
<B'cal> Oh, of course not.
Sky actually has a fairly strong suspicion that B'cal made it up just to have something to rag on him about.
B'cal ~~ disbelief ~~
<Sky> Did you look under the bed... behind the dresser...?
Sky edges toward Snake's office.
<B'cal> Maybe I should just search your belongings and see if my purse is in them.
<B'cal> Yes, I did.
<B'cal> And yes, I did.
<Sky> I didn't steal anything. [annoyed but not used to being annoyed so not sure how to handle it]
<B'cal> Snake may be a petty thief, but I doubt she wants her brother to be one too.
Sky backs off.
<Sky> Where do you get off on slandering my sister?
<B'cal> Slander?
B'cal lifts an eyebrow.
<B'cal> I guess you own this building then?
Sky looks confused.
<Sky> What?
<B'cal> Besides, I don't care what she does.
Sky looks really confused.
<Sky> What are you talking about?
<B'cal> The point is, she wouldn't want you stealing from one of her Donors.
<Sky> No! Of course not.
B'cal smiles at Sky's confusion.
B'cal hasn't found this much fun in harassing anyone since Snake and she first met.
Sky realizes B'cal is just having some fun with him.
Sky presses his lips together, vowing to keep his cool.
Sky's scraggly beard quivers.
<B'cal> You know, that beard is obnoxious.
<B'cal> If you can call it a beard.
<B'cal> Men.
<B'cal> Think they have to grow a beard to prove they have a manhood.
Sky looks insulted, but remembers she is just trying to bait him and manages to keep from saying anything.
<Sky> ~~indignation~~
<B'cal> At least YOU know your place.
B'cal smiles smugly.
Sky almost blurts something but manages to stop himself.
<Sky> ~~frustration~~
B'cal chuckles nastily.
<B'cal> Good boy.
Sky turns and scurries into Snake's office.
B'cal's laughter follows him.
Sky shuts the door quickly.
Sky goes to the desk and picks up a list that is labelled "Talk to Snake"
Sky adds to the bottom of the list, "That Woman".
Sky had almost written something else but chose "woman" instead in case Snake reads the list.
B'cal goes down the hall and looks out the window.
B'cal looks down at the snow and frowns, wanting to talk to Snake.
Sky exits the office cautiously and tiptoes to Nick's door.
B'cal turns and goes down the hall to find Snake.
B'cal sees Sky and sneers as she passes.
Sky flattens against the wall.
Sky finishes cringing after she has passed, and enters Nick's room to check on him.
<B'cal> Leave that boy alone!!
Sky jumps.
B'cal shouts it as she starts down the stairs.
Sky winces as B'cal's shout wakens Nick briefly.
Sky closes Nick's door.
B'cal goes on down the stairs.
<B'cal> Snake!
B'cal shouts it loud enough for Snake to hear.
Wise Snake returns to the Ferry Building with Rapol.
Wise Snake is startled to hear a faint scream of her name when she is about 3 blocks from the building.
B'cal turns to search wondering if maybe Snake isn't here yet.
Wise Snake hurries the rest of the way there.
B'cal goes toward the back of the building.
<B'cal> Snake?
Wise Snake bursts in the door, ready for anything.
Wise Snake sees nobody by the door; all is peaceful.
B'cal hears the door and swings around, arms up.
B'cal realizes it isn't a killer Sime attacking--boy would he have regretted it---and only Snake.
<B'cal> Snake!
Wise Snake shrugs at Rapol and he heads upstairs.
B'cal strides forward, pausing to curl her lip at Rapol.
Wise Snake turns around and is shocked to see B'cal where she thought there was nobody.
<Wise Snake> B'cal! [heart thumping]
<Wise Snake> What was that awful yell I heard?
B'cal lifts an eyebrow.
<B'cal> Rapol must be getting good if you missed me.
<B'cal> Yes, it was.
<B'cal> I've been looking for you.
<Wise Snake> We were out making collections.
<B'cal> Of course.
<B'cal> And how are you feeling today?
Wise Snake brushes snow off her cloak.
<Wise Snake> I'm fine.
B'cal studies her carefully, totally ignoring Rapol.
<B'cal> I won't be watching that boy upstairs anymore.
<B'cal> I watched him most of the night while you were gone....
Wise Snake starts violently as she realizes Rapol is still standing there.
<B'cal> Just knew he was going to keel over any minute.
<Wise Snake> Shen! I thought you went up stairs.
<Wise Snake> Go to bed, Rapol... get your sleep.
<B'cal> Yeah, go to bed Rapol....
Wise Snake watches suspiciously until Rapol really has gone upstairs.
B'cal leaves off the "get your sleep" part. [purposely]
Wise Snake takes a few deep breaths.
Wise Snake can tell this is going to be a long night.
B'cal offers ~~ support ~~
Wise Snake starts up the stairs.
Wise Snake looks at B'cal oddly.
B'cal follows.
<B'cal> Nick is sleeping, by the way.
<B'cal> If that brother of yours hasn't woken him up with all of his noise.
<Wise Snake> Good. He'll require as much rest as he can get.
Wise Snake looks surprised.
<Wise Snake> Noise? What kind of noise?
<B'cal> In and out of the rooms... back and forth... humming, whistling....
<Wise Snake> Hmmm... it hasn't bothered Nick in the past, but I'll ask him when he wakes.
<Wise Snake> Thanks for telling me.
B'cal nods sharply.
<B'cal> I've got that other room ready for my own room now.
<Wise Snake> What room?
<Wise Snake> For your own? ~~total confusion~~
<B'cal> In case I have to stay over some day, you understand.
Wise Snake hears B'cal's explanation and deflates.
<Wise Snake> Oh.
<B'cal> The one the little lovebird was cleaning to make her little love nest in.
<B'cal> Your brother got rid of that idea fast enough when he kicked her and Tarsh out.
B'cal chuckles
<B'cal> Only decent thing he's done so far.
<Wise Snake> He did?
<Wise Snake> That doesn't sound like Sky.
<B'cal> So, I have commandeered that room as my own.
Wise Snake wonders what in shen has been going on here... she's gone two days and look what happens.
<B'cal> Well, I certainly hope that was what the little tart was acting so offended about!
<Wise Snake> Tart? Someone else was here?
<B'cal> Didn't even stay for breakfast after she did all that work on the fireplace but left.
Wise Snake suffers a reality inversion as she tries to envision Sky with a tart.
B'cal looks at Snake oddly
<Wise Snake> Ouch. [feels her forehead]
<B'cal> Your cousin.
<B'cal> You might ask your brother what he was doing in that room with her, with all the bumping and groaning and crashing going on.
<Wise Snake> What!
<Wise Snake> Are Alea, my cousin, the tart, and the little lovebird all Alea?
<B'cal> Yes.
B'cal shrugs, smirking
<Wise Snake> What has gotten into you, B'cal?
<B'cal> It was enough to wake the dead, though it didn't wake Tarsh.
B'cal looks at Snake.
<B'cal> Into me?
<Wise Snake> You're acting like a child.
<Wise Snake> [annoyed]
<B'cal> Ah, am I?
B'cal smiles.
<Wise Snake> The petty sniping... the name calling, the trouble making. It's not worthy of a Tecton First.
<Wise Snake> Is that how you're going to talk when you're back at V'lar?
<B'cal> Then I am discharged and can go back to my house?
<Wise Snake> I thought you had intended to go back two days ago.
<Wise Snake> And you assigned yourself to me... I cannot control where you go.
<B'cal> I agreed to stay here until you were better.
<Wise Snake> Better than what?
<B'cal> I didn't assign myself to you. The Tecton did.
<B'cal> Exactly.
Wise Snake blinks.
<Wise Snake> What??
B'cal frowns.
<B'cal> I was to stay with you, see you through first year until you are better.
<B'cal> Well, one of your Donors is laid up, the other one who knows how much training he has....
<Wise Snake> I thought that had been a decision of your own. [suspiciously]
<B'cal> You know when I first came here, my house was doing a favor for Tramila Farris.
Wise Snake thinks that's a polite way of putting it.
<B'cal> Fine.
<B'cal> Yes, I came back on my own the second time.
<Wise Snake> That's what I had believed... since that is what you told me at the time.
<B'cal> But just to see you trained.
<Wise Snake> And you said you were leaving two days ago.
B'cal drops her field so Snake can zlin the truth--which she could anyway.
<B'cal> I'm not sure about leaving you Snake.
Wise Snake looks at B'cal in surprise.
Wise Snake zlins B'cal
<B'cal> I am worried.
B'cal ~~ truth ~~ ~~ worry/concern ~~
<B'cal> However, staying here isn't going to work out for you or Nick or Rapol.
B'cal will actually miss Snake.
<Wise Snake> It isn't?
B'cal has grown fond of her though she doesn't want Snake to sense that and how hard the leave taking really is.
<Wise Snake> I mean... you could stay.
<Wise Snake> We could work something out.
<Wise Snake> ~~tension~~
<B'cal> No. Nick and I have irreconcilable differences.
<Wise Snake> But....
<B'cal> I wanted to talk to you and see if you wanted me to stay until Nick is better.
<Wise Snake> We could work out a schedule... I'm sure there must be some way....
<Wise Snake> Oh.
Wise Snake thinks, there's that word 'better' again... very ambiguous.
<Wise Snake> Well, of course I want you to stay, but....
<B'cal> We can't have transfer together....
<B'cal> I just had transfer with Lanyi.
Wise Snake isn't sure how much more "last week before B'cal leaves for good" she can take... especially without a definite date.
<B'cal> That's why I have to make this decision now.
<B'cal> If I'm leaving, then they'll have someone for me to take transfer with....
<Wise Snake> I....
<B'cal> If I'm staying... the Center will need to know.
<Wise Snake> This... I'd have to think about this.
<B'cal> I see.
<B'cal> Well then....
<Wise Snake> I don't know if I can handle another countdown to your leaving.
<B'cal> If you...
B'cal nods
<B'cal> Fair enough.
<B'cal> I'll be out by this afternoon. I can tell V'lar on my own that I'm home.
<Wise Snake> ~~depressed~~
B'cal ~~ pang of something unidentified ~~
B'cal [might possibly be sadness or loss]
<Wise Snake> [B'cal's sadness or loss (or whatever) makes Snake even more depressed]
<Wise Snake> Oh.
B'cal notes how depressed Snake is acting.
<Wise Snake> Well I, okay.
<B'cal> Shall we go upstairs and toss ourselves onto the rocks below?
Wise Snake turns around and keeps walking up the stairs.
B'cal tries to sound sarcastic.
<Wise Snake> I dunno, that seems kind of extreme.... [doesn't realize it's a joke]
<B'cal> Snake!
B'cal stomps up the stairs after her.
Wise Snake massages her forehead and tries to figure out what happened in that conversation.
<Wise Snake> What?
B'cal pauses by Snake.
B'cal reaches out and pulls Snake into a bear hug.
<B'cal> I'm gonna miss you, Little channel.
<Wise Snake> Look... I'm sorry I'm being this way. Have a safe trip home. Thank you for your helpmMMPHH!
B'cal finally releases her.
B'cal straightens her jacket.
Wise Snake looks up at B'cal.
<B'cal> But if you tell anyone I said that, I'll deny it.
<Wise Snake> You will?
B'cal trying to look dignified and hide her sorrow at leaving.
<B'cal> What? You want me to put it in blood?
B'cal smiles at the thought of borrowing some of Nick's blood to write it in.
Wise Snake blanches.
<Wise Snake> No!
<Wise Snake> No.
B'cal smiles.
<B'cal> You never have learned what a joke is.
<B'cal> I have to wonder who is going to teach you that?
<B'cal> I've taught you to stand up to me... but I never could get you to master a joke.
Jon Drake goes out, a little behind schedule, for his morning walk.
B'cal ~~ wistfully ~~
<Alea> Jon!
Alea hurries down the steps after Jon.
<Alea> Can I walk with you today?
Jon Drake turns back.
<Jon Drake> Alea?
<Jon Drake> Sure.
<Jon Drake> How are you this morning?
<Alea> I had to get out of the Center. It was driving me crazy.
<Alea> Oh, fine. Fine. And you?
B'cal finally steps back from Snake.
Wise Snake looks at B'cal.
<B'cal> I want to hear of your progress, Snake.
<Jon Drake> What's going on?
<B'cal> Monthly letters telling me how you are doing.
<Jon Drake> I'm doing fine, by the way....
<Alea> I gave up skating and am trying to find another way to get exercise.
Alea pats her tummy.
<Wise Snake> Umm... okay.
<Alea> I guess I'm really getting too far along to be skating anyway... and it worries Tarsh.
<B'cal> And I want progress reports on those Donors of yours too.
<B'cal> The wonder Gen has great potential.
<B'cal> I'd like to hear how he does.
<Wise Snake> I'll write. [promises]
B'cal nods.
<B'cal> Good.
<B'cal> Then I'll just go pack.
Wise Snake hesitates, and then nods.
<Wise Snake> I'll go check on Nick.
B'cal nods and with a deep breath turns and goes up the stairs to gather her things.
Jirelle leaves the Sime Center.
<Jirelle> Oh, wow! What a beautiful day!
<Jirelle> ~~happy~~
<Jirelle> I just love Bender Cove. What a lovely town, and all the people are so nice!
Jirelle walks down the street, having in mind to go to the incense shop.
Alea looks at her watch.
<Alea> Oh no!
<Jon Drake> Well, you need to take good care of yourself.
<Alea> Jon, I'm sorry. I have a... baby appointment.
<Alea> Tramila is suppose to zlin me.
<Alea> Can I take you up on the walk tomorrow?
<Jon Drake> Quite all right.
<Jon Drake> Sure, have fun.
<Alea> Thank you.
Alea kisses Jon on the cheek and hurries back toward the Center.
Alea thinks he is such a dear.
Jon Drake watches Alea return and then continues on his way.
<Jirelle> Oh... Hi Alea!
Jirelle sounds really cheerful.
<Jirelle> Wow! Isn't it a gorgeous day!
Alea pauses.
<Alea> Hello, Jirelle.
<Alea> Yes, it is.
<Jirelle> And the sky is so... [sees it is completely cloudy] ... so mellow and restful!
<Jirelle> Don't you think?
Jirelle smiles at Alea.
Alea chuckles.
<Alea> I suppose so.
<Jirelle> I was just going to buy some incense.
<Alea> Really?
<Alea> By yourself?
<Alea> With no Donor?
<Alea> Jon?
Alea turns to where she sees Jon walking off.
<Jirelle> Oh! Well, my Donor and I haven't quite hooked up yet... I'm sure it's just a mixup and it'll all be straightened out soon.
<Alea> Of course.
Alea debates the five minutes it will take Tramila to zlin her and then the twenty minutes of just chat and decides she'd rather go for a walk.
Alea is certain Tramila won't mind.
Jirelle immediately feels guilty for having used the word "mixup" since in all likelihood Briel and Veraik knew exactly what they were doing and have some reason for not having her Donor and her scheduled together right away.
<Alea> Would you allow Jon and I to walk with you?
<Jirelle> Wow! Really! I mean, of course! Wow.
Jirelle thinks... two First Order Donors with her... what heaven!
<Jirelle> ~~radiance~~
Alea smiles.
<Alea> Great.
<Alea> I want some exercise and Jon is out for his morning walk too.
Jirelle zlins that Jon Drake is nearby and immediately heads in his direction.
Alea walks with Jirelle.
<Jirelle> Oh! I'm so sorry I didn't say anything sooner. [blushes] Good morning, Jon! I hope you are well...?
<Alea> I heard what you did yesterday, that little girl in changeover.
<Jirelle> Oh yes... I heard about it too! I can scarcely believe it myself!
<Alea> You are really growing in your abilities as a channel.
<Jirelle> That poor little child. I felt so sorry for her, and yet so glad....
<Alea> Yeah.
<Jirelle> Wow... no kidding... really? [blushes] Do you really think so?
Alea smiles at Jirelle.
<Alea> Yes, I do. You'll be the envy of other Seconds one day.
<Jirelle> ~~pathetically eager for praise~~
<Jirelle> Oh, I just want to help lots of people... I like making people happy.
<Alea> I know. And the people who come here to donate and have transfers pick up on that.
<Alea> That's what makes you, as a channel, so valuable.
<Jirelle> You're so incredibly nice to me. I can't believe how you could pay attention to me when you're so important and all. ~~fawning~~
<Alea> Which store did you have in mind for today?
Alea chuckles.
<Alea> Me? Important?
Alea shakes her head.
<Jirelle> Well of course! I mean, you're a First.
Jirelle thinks this is self-evident.
<Alea> And who would help out those firsts if it wasn't Seconds and Thirds? Do you think we could manage everyone by ourselves?
<Jirelle> Well, there's this great little incense store up on Head street....
<Jirelle> Oh! I mean of course I know we little people do some things, but you people are heroes.
<Alea> And right now, I'm not much of a First. The child is draining my field.
<Jirelle> We all are so envious and admiring and proud of you all.
<Alea> Be sure and tell that to the child yesterday who might have died if you hadn't been there for her.
Alea dryly.
<Alea> You really like the incense, don't you?
<Jirelle> Oh well... I feel really lucky to have been given that chance to help her.
Alea ~~ curious ~~
Eliza sits in the cafe, defiantly by herself, drinking some warm milk.
Alea nods to Jirelle, thinking the girl has a lot of learning to do.
Alea wonders sadly if she will still be as happy after life has gotten a hold of her.
<Alea> So, Jon, do you ever use incense?
<Jirelle> Oh, I do love incense... it's so peaceful and floating and relaxful that I just wouldn't know what to do if I ever had to do without. [laughs at herself]
<Alea> Peaceful?
Alea ~~ alert ~~
Jirelle can't help but notice the alertness in the First's field.
Alea wonders if it might help Tarsh.
Jirelle hopes she hasn't said anything wrong to offend Alea.
<Jon Drake> No, I actually haven't used incense. It does seem to smell nice, though.
<Alea> You know, I wonder if there might be some that would make someone sleep peacefully and dream good dreams.
<Jon Drake> It's always a nice experience to walk by your room, Jirelle.
<Jirelle> Well I don't think any of it really makes anybody do anything, but sometimes it really is very uplifting, and maybe if somebody went to bed happy they might not have any bad dreams. [smiles hopefully; hoping this is what Alea wanted to hear]
<Jirelle> Why, thank you Jon Drake!
Jirelle moves closer to his field.
Eliza scowls at her milk and the thought that they actually ORDERED her and Mostan to stay away and he actually AGREED to!!!!
<Jirelle> You are so kind... both of you are so generous and helpful and kind it seems impossibly lucky for the Center to have you both.
<Jirelle> Oh look! There's Eliza.
Jirelle sees Eliza through the glass of a cafe and heads happily in that direction.
<Jirelle> Wow! What are the odds? It must be fate don't you think?
<Eliza> ~~anger, frustration~~
Jirelle pauses and looks back at Jon Drake and Alea.
<Jirelle> Oh, you two go on... I'd hate to spoil your walk.
<Jirelle> I just HAVE to talk to Eliza and tell her how enthusiastic I am about finally getting to work with her, since I have been hearing ALL about her.
Jirelle smiles at them both, hoping they won't mind too badly.
Jirelle looks at them hopefully while trying to appear flatteringly desperate to remain with them also, which is the truth.
Eliza can't believe Mostan agreed that it might be better that they do as they are asked and spend some time apart.
<Jon Drake> If you need to head out, don't worry about it.
Jirelle backs away from Alea and Jon Drake, smiling appeasingly, then turns and scurries into the cafe.
<Jirelle> Wow... [thinks to herself] I sure hope they are okay with that.
<Jirelle> [thinks] In fact they didn't say much... I hope they weren't actually offended!
Jirelle suddenly worries that she did offend Alea and Jon Drake.
Jirelle thinks Oh no!
Jirelle looks back over her shoulder at the two continuing down the street.
<Jirelle> Wow... I hope not.
Jirelle pauses.
Eliza scowls harder.
Jirelle then laughs at herself.
<Jirelle> Oh, I'm being such a silly. Of course neither of those two kind, generous persons could ever be so cruel as to forbid a channel to see her Donor just for their own pleasure....
<Jirelle> And who am I to think they would find my company so important anyway!
<Jirelle> Oh! [correcting herself] NOT that either of them would EVER think down upon anybody of a lesser rank, they are both so kind and good.
Jirelle smiles, relieved that there is nothing to worry about.
Jirelle goes through the cafe to where Eliza is sitting.
Jirelle is taken aback by the gloomy anger Eliza is projecting.
Eliza sees someone enter out of the corner of her eye, but is so worked up she doesn't recognise her.
<Jirelle> Oh, hi Eliza! Er... am I... I hope I'm not disturbing you??? [trailing off nervously]
Eliza looks up in surprise. "Oh! Jirelle, errr, no, I guess not."
Jirelle zlins Eliza cautiously.
<Jirelle> Can I sit with you? [hopefully]
Eliza wishes she could think quicker - she should have said yes....
Jirelle realizes Eliza really meant no and wishes she hadn't been so forward as to ask if she could sit.
<Eliza> Yes - I guess so.
Jirelle feels embarrassed that she has now put Eliza in the position of having to say yes to be polite.
<Eliza> Of course - I'm sorry.
<Eliza> Please sit down.
<Eliza> ~~contrite~~
<Jirelle> Oh. Thank you. ~~guilt~~
Jirelle sits.
Jirelle wonders how she's ever going to make up for this embarrassingly bad beginning.
<Eliza> ~~still upset and trying to hide it~~
<Jirelle> I saw you sitting here and I just wanted to say hi, because you know, we are going to be working together and I've heard so much about you.... [worries that Eliza is upset about her.]
Jon Drake wonders what made Jirelle so nervous.
Jon Drake mutters, "I hope it's nothing serious."
<Eliza> Working together?
<Eliza> Oh, you mean at the Center - yes - I guess we will be.
<Jirelle> Yes! Yes... we are assigned....
<Jirelle> I was so glad to see your name when I looked at the card.
<Eliza> ~~shock~~
Eliza goes pale.
Jirelle thinks what she actually was, was really glad not to see Arcadia's name again... which was really uncharitable of her, since Arcadia has been having a hard time and surely was trying the best she could, and maybe should have deserved a second chance.
Jirelle gulps at the shock projection.
<Jirelle> Wh-wh-what did I say?
<Frog> Hello there [smile] what can I get for you today?
Frog loves working here - he sees so many interesting people.
Eliza looks up at Frog with her mouth open.
Eliza shuts her mouth and looks at Jirelle. "Errr, would you like something to eat or drink?"
Jirelle thinks it's really great that the renSime can be so happy that he can utterly fail to be disturbed by the horrible emotions in the ambient just now.
<Jirelle> I.... I... whatever you think is right. [flustered]
<Eliza> Two teas for now then, thanks.
Frog writes it down so he won't forget and hops off.
Eliza looks at Jirelle. "Did you say that we were assigned?"
Jirelle is ready to burst into tears of confusion and thinks she really ought to try to lift up her spirits so she doesn't mess up everybody else's day at the restaurant.
<Jirelle> Well... yes. [pulls out her assignment card to show to Eliza.]
<Jirelle> At least I thought this was you.
<Eliza> I'm sorry - I didn't know.
<Eliza> ~~support~~
Eliza breathes
Jirelle feels her spirits buoyed slightly by the optimistic thought that maybe Eliza will feel much better now that that was cleared up.
Jirelle feels much better with the support.
<Jirelle> Oh! I'm so sorry, I had no idea you didn't know already or I wouldn't have just sprung it on you like that.
<Jirelle> You must think I am such a silly, to just come in here acting this way.
<Jirelle> They kept telling me in First Year School that I should try not to be so enthusiastic about everything all the time, but sometimes I just can't help it!
<Jirelle> Can you forgive me?
<Eliza> For what? You haven't done wrong.
<Jirelle> [hopefully, searching for signs of improving morale in Eliza]
Eliza is confused at Jirelle's constant apologizing.
<Eliza> I just didn't really think that they would assign someone else so... soon.
<Eliza> ~~numb~~
Jirelle smiles as she realizes it was all just a big misunderstanding.
Frog brings the teas.
<Eliza> [to Frog] Thank you.
<Eliza> [to Jirelle] Did you come here looking for me?
Jon Drake continues on his walk and then eventually makes his way back. On the way back to the Center, he stops by the cafe....
Jon Drake walks in the door and goes up to the counter to get something warm to drink.
see note 1
B'cal heads up the stairs at the Sime Center.
B'cal goes to her room and packs her small suitcase.
B'cal hesitates over the plaque with the single word 'honor' on it. Delicately she traces each letter.
B'cal finally puts it in her suitcase and closes it.
B'cal looks around the room then nods and heads back down the stairs and out of the Sime Center.
B'cal walks to the train station.
Eliza can't work out why Jirelle keep saying sorry.
Jirelle smiles at Eliza, trying to reassure the Donor who seems confused.
B'cal surveys Bender Cove one last time.
<Eliza> Well, I'm not sure what I'm suppose to do really. What would you like me to do Jirelle?
B'cal gets on the train.
<B'cal> Until next time, Bender Cove.
B'cal takes her seat and smiles in anticipation.
Jirelle doesn't know how to answer this question.
<Jirelle> Oh... er....
<Jirelle> Right now?
Eliza shrugs.
<Eliza> I'm not much of a Donor, I'm afraid.
<Jirelle> I mean, you're not really working right now, I know we aren't scheduled yet and you wouldn't be out here unless you are on break....
Eliza grimaces.
Jirelle remembers Arcadia's breaks and shies away from that thought.
<Jirelle> That's not what I heard!
Jirelle says enthusiastically.
Eliza looks at Jirelle as if she were mad.
<Eliza> What are you talking about?
<Jirelle> I heard you had great potential... that you are learning and everything... I think it's fantastic that you can learn so quickly, and you were able to help poor Mostan, who has had so much trouble since... er....
Jirelle remembers the Avaleia incident she was there to witness, and winces.
<Jirelle> Since he er, helped that poor woman....
Eliza puts her head in her hands. ~~upset~~
<Jirelle> Well I was really looking forward to working with you, since.... [not knowing how to deal with Eliza's mood]
<Jirelle> Eliza... what's wrong?
Eliza remembers what she was taught and breathes.
<Eliza> ~~calmer~~
<Eliza> I'm sorry Jirelle - I must be upsetting you.
<Jirelle> Oh! Oh no, no, not at all. I sure am blowing it.... I'm not being sensitive at all, am I? You didn't really want me to bug you, did you?
Eliza has no idea how she is going to be able to do this with anyone but Mostan.
<Jirelle> I know I am being way too enthusiastic... everybody is always warning me about it. I'm probably pushing things way too fast aren't I?
<Eliza> I don't suppose it was doing me any good being alone - I know I'm not supposed to go out alone - but I had to get away from there.
<Jirelle> I'll just leave you alone okay? [tentacles waving nervously]
<Eliza> No - it's fine. Please don't leave.
<Jirelle> ~~relief~~
<Eliza> I have to get used... ummm [blushes]
<Eliza> We have to get to know each other.
<Jirelle> Wow... do we ever!
<Jirelle> I am so glad you're okay with me saying hello like this....
<Jirelle> I mean, feel like such a ninny for barging in on you with no warning at all.
Jirelle blushes.
Eliza think Jirelle needs to work on her self esteem.
Eliza thought SHE had low self esteem.
<Eliza> You are not a ninny.
<Eliza> You are a Channel.
<Jirelle> Oh my, I just realized again what a difficult position I put you into... intruding on your private thoughts and then making you accept my being here... oh!
Jirelle looks at Eliza, studying her.
<Eliza> And I am your Donor, and I'm doing a rotten job at it.
<Jirelle> ~~compassion~~
<Eliza> You don't need to say sorry for anything.
<Jirelle> No! No, you aren't.
<Jirelle> It's my fault. I'll try to be more sensitive to your feelings in the future.
<Eliza> I should be apologizing to you.
Jirelle is surprised and heartwarmed.
<Eliza> ~~half hearted support~~
<Jirelle> Gosh... you're making such an effort to be nice to me... I really appreciate it a lot.
Jirelle smiles at Eliza again.
Eliza sort of smiles back.
<Eliza> Have you finished your tea?
Jirelle realizes she hadn't even started it.
<Jirelle> Oh! Silly me, I forgot it entirely.
Jirelle drinks her tea, feeling like a fool.
<Jirelle> Thank you for reminding me.
<Jirelle> ~~embarrassed~~
Jirelle wonders how she could possibly have screwed this up so thoroughly.
<Eliza> No problem - I thought you might just like to walk a bit.
<Good Angel> Psst, Eliza. help the poor girl.
Jirelle thinks she is so lucky to have been given a Donor who is so understanding and would work so hard to be kind to her despite the botch she made of the poor Gen's quiet time.
<Bad Angel> Yeah, that's it. The channel is a total dud. Don't help her.
<Bad Angel> Cut and run, baby!
Eliza waves the air around her ears.
<Eliza> There seems to be some buzzing insects around here.
Good Angel flutters out of the way.
Jirelle zlins Eliza's increased agitation but no insects.
<Good Angel> No, no no... use your field, dear, and soothe that sweet little innocent channel. She -needs- you now.
Jirelle thinks with alarm that her own presence is causing the agitation... her presence, or maybe she isn't being nice enough.
<Eliza> Come on - lets go.
<Jirelle> Oh! Okay.
Eliza throws some money on the table to cover the teas and rushes out.
<Bad Angel> No. Dump the ditz! Get out of here by yourself!
Jirelle is relieved that the Donor wants her to come with.
Bad Angel flutters after her.
<Jirelle> Oh, dear....
Jirelle hurries out after the Donor.
<Bad Angel> Run away. That's it. Faster. Don't let that Sime....
<Jirelle> Are you all right? ~~anxiously~~
Eliza stops as the cold of the outside air hits her.
<Good Angel> Don't listen to him. Stay with her.
<Good Angel> That's it. Yes.
Eliza breaths deeply.
<Eliza> Yes - I'm fine.
Jirelle stops when Eliza does, approaches her cautiously.
<Good Angel> Oh, you are so....
Bad Angel smacks good angel.
<Bad Angel> Goody two shoes.
Eliza shakes her head hard.
<Jirelle> Let me get your cloak... did you have one?
Eliza looks blankly at Jirelle.
Jirelle thinks of course she had one! You silly.
Good Angel goes head over heels across the area....
<Eliza> I don't know.
<Good Angel> wwhhhhhOOOOoooooo
Jirelle berates herself for thinking a Donor would ever be dumb enough to leave the Center without proper outdoor clothing.
Eliza sticks her fingers in her ears and wiggles them.
Jirelle stares at Eliza in renewed alarm.
<Bad Angel> Geeez... how dumb can you get? Did you have a cloak? Did you have a cloak?
Bad Angel sniggers.
<Bad Angel> Send her back in and then cut and run. We can have a good time together.
<Bad Angel> Who needs her?
<Bad Angel> Let's go get wild.
<Bad Angel> Hit the shiltpron parlors.
<Bad Angel> Do a few tempting of renSimes... ooomph.
Jirelle zlins Eliza and becomes quite alarmed.
<Eliza> Errr, what's a shiltpron parlor?
Good Angel twirls her harp in her hand looking at the unconscious Bad Angel.
Jirelle takes Eliza gently by the arm.
Good Angel smiles.
<Jirelle> Eliza... a _shiltpron parlor_!!
<Eliza> Is there one around here?
<Jirelle> What?
<Good Angel> It's an evil place... go with Jirelle. She'll take care of you.
<Good Angel> And you'll take care of her.
<Eliza> I should go there with you.
<Eliza> I'll take care of you.
<Good Angel> You were a match made in... ah well... I bet you can guess.
Good Angel flutters over... hauls up bad angel over her shoulder and flutters off.
Jirelle is encouraged by Eliza's interest in being her Donor.
<Jirelle> Well... okay... sure! If you'd like to.
<Eliza> Like to.
Eliza shivers.
<Eliza> ~~cold heinie~~
Jirelle thinks maybe there is something to learn from a shiltpron parlor and she should be open-minded... after all, she has never been to one so it would be foolish to judge.
<Jirelle> Okay... well let me go in and get your cloak. I will be right back.
Jirelle pats Eliza's arm and hurries into the cafe.
Jirelle goes to the table where Eliza was sitting and sees if there is a coat or cloak nearby.
Eliza breathes, in and out, out and in, in and in, out and *gasp*
Jirelle hurries back out again.
Jirelle zlins Eliza and immediately becomes worried again.
<Jirelle> Oh, dear... put this on, Eliza. [slips the cloak around Eliza's shoulders]
<Jirelle> Maybe we should just go back to the Center? ~~concerned~~
<Eliza> Thank you ~grateful~ where were we going to go?
<Eliza> No - don't want to go back there!
<Jirelle> Okay, okay... no problem of course.
<Jirelle> How about we go to the incense store? I wanted to go there anyway. [smiles hopefully]
Jirelle wonders if Eliza is really okay, because she zlins terribly.
Jirelle thinks it is really bad when her own social clumsiness could lead to such big problems.
Eliza frowns. "Is that where we were going? Okay."
Eliza can't work out why she is suddenly so confused and it confuses her.
<Jirelle> Sure! You might like it. There are all sorts of little statues and exotic things. It's interesting. [smiles]
Jirelle takes Eliza's arm and starts down the street, trying to be as cheerful as possible in the hopes of cheering Eliza up too.
Eliza gets dragged along in her bow wave.
Eliza wonders about the exotic things....
Eliza hears music.
<Eliza> What's that?
<Jirelle> It's music! From the... er... that building over there.
<Eliza> It's pretty! Can we go there?
Eliza feels drawn to it for some reason.
Jirelle thinks she is being dreadfully silly to resist Eliza's interest in shiltpron parlors when she was trying so hard to make Eliza happier.
Jirelle hesitates.
<Jirelle> Sure! Okay, let's go in.
Eliza drags Jirelle across the road.
Jirelle thinks wow! Eliza sure is enthusiastic about this shiltpron parlor.
Jirelle feels a little more optimistic.
Eliza feels drawn like iron to a magnet.
Jirelle lets Eliza drag her thinking she could really learn to enjoy this kind of enthusiasm in a Donor.
Eliza hesitates at the dark doorway then plunges inside dragging Jirelle after her.
Eliza stops suddenly just inside so that Jirelle bounces into her.
Eliza lets her eyes adjust to the light and gasps.
Notes:
1) For various reasons, there was a gap of about an hour in play at this point. The following scenes were intended to be a continuation of the previous but may not match up perfectly. [return]