Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #184: Double-Gen Enticement (3/12/98)
Rital makes his way to the lobby to check the duty board.
Den trails along afterwards, munching on the last of a muffin, and hoping that there will be enough work in this run-down Center to stave off Rital's entran until they can get back to Clear Springs.
Eliza is going through files in the cabinet, kneeling behind the counter so that, although she can't be seen, her presence can be inferred by the fact that drawers are slamming and paper is rattling.
Eliza slams yet another drawer, catching her thumb in the process.
Rital zlins the pain and yelps.
Eliza: ~~pain~~ SHEN!
Eliza puts the wounded thumb into her mouth.
Den infers from his cousin's reaction that someone got hurt.
Rital goes around the desk.
Rital: Are you all right?
Eliza peeks over the top of the counter.
Eliza: [mumbles around her thumb] Oh! Sorry, didn't know you were there.
Den: You should be more careful.
Den: Always assume that there's a Sime around.
Eliza sighs. "I'm sorry. Yes, I'm all right."
Rital is used to erratic and inconsiderate behavior from Gens, but expects more from what is obviously a Donor.
Rital then realizes how young Eliza is.
Rital: We were supposed to take a shift this morning, before we leave for our train.
Eliza stands up, dropping the files on the floor, bends down to pick them up again, stands up, knocking her shoulder on the counter but managing to keep the shock to herself, puts the files on the counter, and looks at the pair.
Den looks at the files.
Den: Are you running the reception desk today?
Frog opens the door and walks in - he is a middle aged renSime with uneven features who works at a nearby cafe.
Rital zlins the new arrival to determine why he has come.
Eliza: No, I was just getting these files for Jirelle. [rubs eyes which have dark circles under them] Beats me why there is so much paperwork
Frog: ~~ need ~~
Frog sits down to wait.
Rital signals Den to follows and goes over to the new arrival.
Den: I've always wondered if the paper manufacturers are the secret power behind the Tecton.
Rital: Are you here for transfer?
Eliza pulls another file out of the pile. "That's Mr. Frog. Here are his forms."
Den takes the documentation.
Den: Thanks.
Frog is having a bit of trouble staying duo but smiles as he zlins the channel's inviting field.
Den follows Rital over to Frog, opening the file to skim it as he walks.
Rital: ~~ promise that the wait is almost over ~~
Frog: Ah, yes. Good morning.
Frog: I'm fine, just fine. [eyes cross]
Rital gently brings Frog duo.
Rital: Why don't you come with us, then?
Frog: Ah, thank you.
Frog gratefully rises.
Eliza goes through the files on the counter in front of them and wishes Jirelle didn't use so much incense.
Rital leads the way down the hall to a suitable room--on the Gen side, but hey, always knowing where you are doesn't help if you don't know where you're supposed to be.
Eliza is reluctant to go back to Jirelle's room, as her eyes and nose run whenever she gets within 3 feet of it.
Rital shows Frog into the donation room.
Frog follows.
Eliza sees them heading in the wrong direction, but figures hey, he's a channel, he must know what he is doing.
Rital waves Frog to a chair and sits behind the desk.
Den passes Rital the folder with Frog's records.
Frog walks heavily into the room. He has an odd way of walking - lurching almost.
Frog sits in the indicated chair.
Rital glances over the file.
Rital: So, have you been having any particular difficulties this month, Mr. Frog?
Frog: No, no been a good month. Got me a job again. That Wise Snake - she's a really helpful person. [smiles]
Rital: I'm glad to hear that.
Rital looks for irregularities or potential problems in the file.
Rital: Where are you working?
Frog: So - what was your name again? Sorry, I didn't catch it before.
Rital: Rital Madz.
Rital figures the "Hajene" is obvious.
Eliza: Ah, well, pleased to meet cha Hajene Rital.
Rital: Well, then, if you're ready....
Frog: Please.
Rital waves towards the lounge, adjusting his field to allows Frog's intil to rise.
Rital: ~~ eager Gen~~
Frog moves to the couch eagerly. ~~ rising need ~~
Rital sits beside Frog.
Den moves to stand nearby.
Den: ~~ support ~~
Frog reaches keenly for the channel.
Rital extends his hands, entwining tentacles.
Rital: ~~ high field, eager Gen ~~
Frog takes Rital in transfer position and rushes forward to complete the contact.
Rital lets Frog's anticipation rise to a fever pitch, then allows the transfer to begin.
Frog draws voraciously.
Rital: ~~ Gen pleasure ~~
Rital lets the selyn flow slow, taunting Frog to greater efforts.
Frog: ~~ slacking thirst ~~
Frog feels the slacking flow and panics, drawing as hard as he can.
Rital: ~~ joy ~~
Frog relaxes as the flow strengthens again.
Frog: ~~ replete ~~
Rital: ~~ fulfillment ~~
Frog breaks lip contact and sits back, letting the channel unwind the tentacles.
Rital does so, smiling broadly.
Frog: Thank you. That was, errr - for a moment there I thought....
Rital: I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Rital zlins Frog to determine his condition.
Frog: ~~happy, full, healthy, eager to leave~~
Rital scribbles the required notations on Frog's chart, then stands.
Frog: Well, thank you again. I must get back to work. Don't want to be fired you know!
Rital: Of course not.
Eliza is still at the front desk, avoiding Jirelle. Or more accurately, Jirelle's scent.
Rital shows Frog to the door.
Frog nods at Den, smiles again at Rital and leaves.
Rital looks around to see if there is any more business.
Den takes Frog's file from Rital and returns it to the reception desk.
Den: Are there any more clients expected?
Eliza smiles at Den, glad of an excuse to stay longer. "Here, I'll put that away for you."
Den: Thank you.
Den hands Eliza the file.
Eliza: Well, usually on this day we keep the morning free to catch up with bookwork except for any transfers that are around... it's quiet today though.
Den: I'd noticed.
Eliza: Sometimes this lobby is so busy you just wouldn't recognise it!
Den: I was hoping there'd be more work for Rital--we're traveling through Gen Territory, and he won't have another chance for nearly two days.
Eliza looks for the spot to put Frog's file, can't remember what letter comes after "F" and just shoves it in anywhere.
Eliza: Oh! I'm sorry.
Den: So am I. Rital's usually pretty easy going, but entran's enough to make any channel grumpy.
Den: When you add retainers to that....
Eliza cringes at the mention of retainers. If only they had known about retainers, John could still be alive.
Eliza: Well, [thinks hard] there might be work to do in the infirmary.
Den: Oh? Any interesting cases?
Eliza: I haven't been there recently. I've been... away a lot the last few days. I remember Briel saying something about - something - can't remember ~~tired~~
Den: Well, we'll check it out. Let us know if any new business comes in, all right?
Eliza: Sure will.
Rital and Den take the scenic route to the infirmary, thanks to Den's inability to navigate.
Cholly coughs again and again and gasps for breath.
Rital shakes his head, thinking that next time, HE'll take the orientation tour, and let Den shower.
Eliza notices them going in the wrong direction again, but figures they know what they are doing even if they don't.
Rital finally opens a door and discovers a sick person behind it.
Cholly coughs at the arrival of new people and turns blue.
Cholly gasps for a breath.
Rital goes quickly to Cholly's bedside.
Cholly: Whoooooo! [pant pant pant]
Rital: Here, let me help.
Cholly: Oh ta.
Cholly: [cough cough cough]
Cholly: [cough cough cough cough]
Den scrambles to get into position.
Cholly: [cough cough cough cough cough]
Cholly: Whooooo! [pant pant pant]
Cholly is sick of coughing.
Rital spreads his tentacles over Cholly's back, trying to block the convulsive coughing.
Cholly breaths quickly and shallowly to try to prevent starting again.
Cholly: They said
Cholly: it would
Cholly: go away
Cholly: soon.
Cholly feels another attack coming on....
Rital zlins the incipient cough and blocks it.
Rital: How long have you been coughing like this?
Rital would normally read this sort of information in the chart, but it appears to be missing.
Cholly slinks down in relief.
Cholly: Don't know, 3? 4? days?
Cholly: It's not so bad if I can sleep.
Rital: Well, it would be even better not to cough at all. Let's see if I can persuade your body to fight the infection a little harder.
Rital holds out his arms, tentacles extended.
Rital: Can you give me a full transfer contact?
Cholly coughs on the channel.
Cholly: Oh, sorry.
Cholly: Errr, sure.
Cholly wipes the spittle from her lips and chin.
Rital is glad to be back in a Territory where such a suggestion doesn't engender panic from 90% of the customers.
Cholly put out her arms and waits.
Rital takes Cholly's arms and makes lip and lateral contact.
Cholly tries not to cough.
Rital blocks another coughing fit before it can cause trouble.
Rital then works to clear Cholly's lungs, desensitize her throat, and stimulate her immune system.
Cholly feels much better immediately.
Rital is just as glad that Den's already had this bug.
Rital releases Cholly when he's done what he can.
Rital: There. That should help for a while, although I'm afraid it will be a few days before you're completely recovered.
Cholly: Thanks. I feel much better then I did.
Rital: You're quite welcome.
Cholly, eyes bright, smiles
Cholly: Glad you came in when you did!
Rital: Why don't you get some rest now? Another channel will come by later to check your progress.
Cholly yawns. "Sounds good." She is asleep as her head touches the pillow.
Eliza finally gives up the time wasting in the lobby and considers heading back to Jirelle.
Rital and Den exit quietly, taking a more direct route to the lobby, since Rital takes charge of navigation.
Den hopes that some more business has showed up by now, and looks around the lobby eagerly when they reach it.
Rital goes to Eliza.
Rital: Have any clients come in?
Eliza stops leaving and turns back.
Rital: ~~ hopeful ~~
Eliza: Oh, no, I'm sorry. I told you it was quiet today.
Rital: ~~ disappointment ~~
Rital looks around at the empty lobby, which confirms Eliza's statement, and sighs.
Den goes over and pours two cups of trin tea.
Eliza thinks that tea is a good idea.
Eliza: I think I'll join you in a cup if you don't mind.
Den: Here. [handing one to Rital] Look at it this way: at least we're likely to get to finish it!
Rital: Not at all.
Eliza walks over. "Finish what?
Den: Our tea.
Eliza realises she is intruding and blushes. ~~embarrassment!~~
Den: Something always seems to come up every time we fill a cup.
Eliza: Oh, I see.
Rital tries to figure out why Eliza is so embarrassed without embarrassing her more by inquiring.
Eliza: [~~ relief ~~ that it wasn't anything private.]
Rital shrugs as the embarrassment fades, and sips at his tea.
Eliza: Where are you heading?
Rital: Clear Springs.
Den: It's a university town in the middle of New Washington Territory.
Rital: Its Sime Center opened just a year ago.
Eliza: Is that where you came from?
Den: Shen, no! We just work there, most of the time.
Den is appalled that anyone could mistake him for one of the excessively irrational citizens of Gen Territory, even on short acquaintance.
Eliza: Oh, I see. I've not travelled very much.
Rital: You will, if you work for the Tecton.
Eliza frets at the thought.
Den wanders over to the snack table and selects a chocolate cookie with walnuts.
Eliza realises guiltily that she should be making sure that Jirelle eats properly, but what with all the running eyes and nose from that dreadful incense - who can feel hungry?
Dabe L walks into the Sime Center.
Dabe R starts to walk into the Sime Center, realizes he is already in the Sime Center, and heads over to the reception desk.
Den blinks, wondering if there was aflatoxin in the walnuts: the new arrival appears to have two heads.
Eliza nudges Den. "Looks like here is some work for you."
Rital zlins the Dabes and does a double take.
Dabe L: Hello. I'm here for my transfer?
Dabe R: Yeah um, I know it's a little bit early, but I came up short again.
Dabe L takes some forms the clerk hands them.
Rital finally recovers and approaches the Dabes.
Eliza tries desperately to think of something, anything, she can do to put off going back to Jirelle
Dabe L picks up a pencil.
Dabe R picks up a pencil and turns toward the seating.
Dabe L: Why did you grab a pencil?
Dabe L looks at Dabe R
Dabe R: What! You always get to... shh!
Dabe R elbows Dabe L when he sees Rital coming.
Rital decides it's better not to ask.
Rital: Can I help you?
Dabe R: Ow!
Dabe L: Yes, please.
Dabe L: ~~need~~
Dabe R: ~~need~~
Dabe R rubs the spot where his ribs hurt, irritably.
Eliza reaches the conclusion that she has delayed as long as possible and turns to go.
Rital: I zlin.
Eliza: [to Den] I hope you have a good journey back.
Den: Thank you.
Den goes to Rital's side.
Den: The clerk there says their file is lost. [mutters]
Dabe L: ~~weird standing vibration set up between the two fields~~
Rital: Shen! [mutters back]
Rital: If you are finished with the forms, perhaps you'd come with me now?
Eliza notices the renSime and does a double take.
Dabe L looks down at the still-blank forms, considers that filling them out would mean waiting longer for transfer, and hides the forms behind his back.
Dabe R follows Rital.
Eliza looks at the retreating backs, back, err backs, no back.
Rital leads the way down the Genside hall and shows Dabe and Dabe into a donation room.
Rital: ~~ soothing Gen anticipation ~~
Rital isn't quite sure how to manage this situation, and wishes he'd been able to read the file.
Dabe L: ~~need~~
Dabe R: ~~need~~
Dabe L becomes annoyed as Dabe R horns in on his Gen.
Dabe L: Hey!!!
Dabe L pushes Dabe R.
Dabe R falls over.
Dabe R: What are you doing! You always grab everything that's mine!
Dabe R: Ow!
Dabe R: [falls]
Dabe L falls with Dabe R.
Rital watches the Dabes hit the floor and sighs.
Rital: If you would come over to the lounge, I will give you your transfer.
Rital mentally adds, "Somehow!"
Dabe R struggles to his feet, brushing his clothes off indignantly, and walks towards the transfer lounge.
Dabe L zlins Rital's Gen projection.
Dabe L: ~~need~~
Dabe R: ~~irritation~~
Rital: ~~ eager, high-field Gen ~~
Rital considers for a moment, then manages to split his projection.
Rital: ~~ two eager, high-field Gens ~~
Rital follows the Dabes over to the lounge.
Dabe L zlins, thinking those two Gens are standing awfully close together... it's like they're melded together or something.
Dabe L thinks this is a bit peculiar.
Dabe R wonders if Dabe L is zlinning HIS half of the Gens.
Rital is basing his improvisation on the Dabes' own split nager.
Dabe R sits on the transfer lounge.
Dabe L: Hey! That's my spot!
Rital joins the Dabes on the lounge.
Dabe R growls and shoves Dabe L off the transfer lounge, reaches for the Ge... "whoa!"
Dabe L grapples with Dabe R, trying to push him away with one palm in his face.
Den dubiously seeks out the optimal support position, or at least as close as he can figure, under these peculiar circumstances.
Dabe L: You're always breathing down my neck!
Dabe L: ~~need-fueled irritability~~
Rital holds out his hands.
Rital: ~~ double-Gen enticement ~~
Dabe R stops struggling and reaches for the Gen.
Dabe L stops shoving Dabe away and reaches for the Gen.
Rital entwines tentacles, and hopes that the Dabes know an optimal fifth contact, because he's shenned if he does.
Dabe R seizes the Gen's arms.
Dabe L's tentacles lash around the Gen's flesh.
Dabe R lunges for a 5th contact.
Dabe L lunges for a 5th contact, trying to get there before Dabe R.
Dabe R skids off Dabe L's face and gets Rital's nose instead.
Dabe L draws voraciously.
Dabe R gives in to need and draws at his best speed.
Rital pours out selyn, trying his best to keep the fields balanced.
Rital is hampered by his lack of knowledge as to what constitutes balanced fields under these peculiar circumstances.
Rital: ~~ double-Gen pleasure ~~
Dabe L tries to out-do Dabe R
Dabe R thinks Dabe L is getting all the Selyn and redoubles his efforts.
Rital feeds the increased demand.
Rital: ~~ double-Gen joy ~~
Dabe L's draw peaks, and then tapers off.
Dabe R's need satiated, his draw speed slows.
Rital: ~~ double-Gen satisfaction ~~
Dabe L releases Rital.
Dabe R looks around for something to wipe himself off with.
Dabe L: Thank you. That was great.
Den hands Dabe R a towel.
Rital: You're welcome.
Rital is relieved that they both... er, all three... survived without major injury.
Dabe L wonders when HE's going to get a towel, then belatedly notices his arms are already clean.
Dabe R: Was it more this time? I have to get some cash.
Dabe L: You better give me my fair share this time, too. [muttered, to Dabe R]
Rital struggles with the forms, then gives up trying to decide which Dabe got how much selyn, and just puts down the total figure. After all, what do Sime Centers hire accountants for, anyway?
Dabe L: Do you guys do tax consulting?
Dabe R: Yeah, um, I was wondering the same thing.
Rital: No.
Dabe L snaps his fingers in frustration.
Dabe L: Shen! I was hoping you did.
Dabe R: Some of the tax forms are really hard to fill out.
Dabe R: The Tecton keeps saying I owe money. I swear I filled them out correctly.
Dabe L: Me too! You have that problem too? ~~surprised~~
Rital: Well, I'm sure there are tax consultants who could assist you in Bender Cove.
Rital: We're not local, I'm afraid, so we can't make recommendations.
Dabe R: Oh.
Eliza heads down the corridor hoping to catch another view of that amazing person.
Dabe L: Well, thank you for the transfer.
Dabe L: Bye, then.
Rital shows the Dabes out the door and walks with them to the lobby.
Dabe R waves and follows Dabe L out the door
Dabe L makes a beeline for the front door.
Den brings up the rear.
Eliza stares in amazement.
Dabe R notices Eliza staring and suddenly feels... an odd sensation he has never, in the three months of his adult life, ever felt before.
Dabe L thinks Eliza seems awfully curious about him and decides to go over and say hi.
Dabe R veers over in that direction, smiling good-naturedly.
Rital puts the paperwork on the receptionist's desk and exchanges a meaningful look with Den.
Dabe L: Why, Hello, there. [big grin]
Dabe L smiles at Eliza.
Dabe R: What's your name? Mine's Dabe.
Eliza looks like a fish - eyes and mouth wide open.
Den nods, and leads the way to the cafeteria, where with any luck they can recover over a therapeutic cup of trin.
Eliza suddenly remembers she is a professional Donut... errr Donor.
Eliza: Eliza - errr my name's Eliza.
Dabe L: Mine is, too. [adds]
Dabe L: Dabe, that is.
Dabe R: Ignore him. He's just a kid.
Dabe R edges closer to Eliza, feeling warm and nice.
Eliza looks from one to another and back again.
Dabe L stammers at this description of himself.
Eliza: ~ confusion ~
Eliza: Errr, yes... hello.
Eliza takes a step backwards to keep the same distance.
Eliza: How do you err both, do?
Eliza wonders where Jirelle is.
Eliza: I should be getting back to work.
Dabe L: Oh... sure, okay.
Dabe R is disappointed.
Dabe R: Oh. [downcast expression]
Dabe R: Okay.
Dabe L makes a sad puppy expression.
Eliza feels dreadful
Eliza: Well, would you like a cup of trin or something before you go?
Eliza: I'm sure I have enough time for a cup of tea
Dabe L's face lights up.
Dabe R: Sure!
Dabe R thinks he sure got lucky.
Eliza: Okay, come down to the cafe with me.
Eliza heads off to the cafe with the renSime errr renSimes?
Dabe L follows Eliza.
Dabe R feels himself tugged along effortlessly in Eliza's wake.
Eliza looks to make sure they are both following, then catches her thoughts. What is she doing?
Dabe L: You sure are pretty, Miz Eliza.
Eliza hasn't been to the cafe very often with clients of the Center but remembers that it isn't very crowded usually and today being a quiet day....
Dabe R: My cousin Betty had a step-sister looked just like you. [wistfully]
Dabe L: Oh yeah... I remember her.
Dabe L: Her name was 'Liza too.
Dabe R: No, it wasn't!
Dabe L: It was, too!
Eliza tenses up. "Oh, ummm, thanks!"
Eliza finds a table with three seats and sits down
Dabe L sits across from Eliza.
Eliza realises that she really only needed a table with two seats... ~~ embarrassment ~~
Dabe R zlins Eliza's tension and embarrassment.
Dabe R: Gosh, Eliza, I didn't mean to put you out.
Dabe L: I mean, if you have work to do and all....
Eliza blushes "I'm sorry, I haven't been a Donor very long and I'm not very good at control yet. I hope I don't make you too uncomfortable."
Dabe R squirms in his seat.
Dabe L adjusts his pants.
Dabe R: No! You don't make me uncomfortable at all, Miz Eliza.
Dabe R smiles at her longingly.
Eliza tries to control herself and thinks about bunny rabbits and clouds.
Eliza: Would you like anything with your tea?
Eliza: Teas....
Dabe L: Um, no thank you.
Dabe R: Sugar, please.
Dabe L: Sugar gives me a stomach ache... I'll take mine black.
Eliza: But doesn't it all go.... [catches herself and shuts up]
Dabe R doesn't appear to have caught the slip.
Eliza gets up before she says anything else and goes to get the tea. After some thought she also gets three muffins.
Eliza thinks, "Don't they know? I mean - they have to KNOW don't they? How can they not KNOW?!"
Eliza returns to the table and takes the cups and plates off the tray. ~~ hunger ~~
Dabe L grabs a muffin.
Dabe L: Gee thanks!
Dabe R: Wow, food sure looks good.
Dabe R munches down.
Dabe L has a sip of tea.
Dabe L: Umm... this is good.
Dabe R: You sure are being nice to us, Miz Eliza. We really appreciate it.
Eliza has so many questions she wants to ask, but is too scared to do so.
Dabe L: Uh-huh. [agrees, while stuffing his face]
Eliza: Where do you go to school? [that's pretty safe]
Dabe R: Oh, we never went to school.
Eliza: It's no problem, really. [thinks of Jirelle and incense]
Eliza: Oh.
Eliza: Do you live near here? [that's safe too]
Dabe R: We stayed at my uncle Lough's farm until we got sick and had to come here.
Dabe L: That was south of here a few miles. Now we live here in town.
Eliza: Oh! Is that in Gen Territory?
Dabe R: Nope.
Dabe L: Border's East of here.
Dabe L is proud of this fact since he didn't know it before he changed over.
Eliza: I grew up on a farm too, but it's a long way from here in Gen Territory.
Dabe R: Were there lots of Gens there?
Dabe L kicks Dabe R under the table.
Dabe L: Ow!
Dabe R: Hey!
Eliza: There was ONLY Gens there.
Eliza: I didn't see a Sime until about [thinks] six months ago.
Dabe L: Oh.
Dabe R: That's not so long ago.
Dabe L: It's some time, though.
Dabe R: Well, yeah. It's a little while ago.
Eliza: No, it's six months ago.
Dabe L thinks Eliza must be one of those perfectionistics.
Dabe R admires Eliza's feistiness.
Eliza takes a sip of tea and looks at her muffin.
Eliza thinks.
Dabe L: Um, Miz Eliza... can I ask you a personal question?
Dabe L blushes.
Eliza: Well. [smiles brightly]
Dabe R looks indignant that Dabe L beat him to it, but says nothing.
Eliza looks at Dabe L. "Sure, but I might not answer it."
Dabe L: Are you, um, going steady with anybody?
Dabe L: ~~bright red~~
Eliza blushes.
Dabe R blushes when they do.
Eliza: Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. [crosses fingers under the table]
Eliza: Sort of.
Dabe L can't zlin any deception in Eliza's nager, but then she is a working Donor.
Eliza wishes she hadn't added the qualifier. [doh!]
Dabe L: Oh. ~~disappointed~~
Dabe L: Okay.
Dabe R is secretly a little bit glad Dabe L didn't get the girl either.
Eliza: His name is Mostan and he is a channel here.
Eliza is lost for words and eats her muffin.
Eliza: ~ yum ~
Dabe L: H-how nice.
Eliza starts to think that it's true, you can get used to anything.
Dabe L just wants to crawl away and hide, but gallantly remains seated, sipping his tea.
Dabe L realizes he's starting to get a stomach ache, and wonders why.
Eliza tries to remember how to behave around renSimes.
Eliza: ~ friendly happiness ~
Dabe R smiles, a little desperately, wondering why he feels so sick all of a sudden.
Dabe L: Er... excuse me!
Dabe R gets up and bolts for the clearly marked restroom.
Eliza stops mid sip.
Dabe L rushes into the restroom and hurls into the nearest fixture.
Dabe R does so also.
Eliza wonders guiltily if it was anything she felt.
Dabe L collapses in relief.
Dabe R knows dismay as he realizes he just hurled NEXT to the fixture, for some reason.
Eliza finishes her tea.
Eliza finishes her muffin and waits for the boy - boys - to come back.
Jirelle walks into the cafeteria, looking extremely mellow.
Eliza starts to sniffle.
Jirelle: Oh, hi Eliza. I've been looking all over for you. Ready to go back to work now?
Jirelle: ~~friendly hopeful~~
Eliza: Oh, Jirelle. [sniffle] Of course.
Eliza looks around - looks like the boys left... oh well. She walks over to Jirelle.
Eliza: Ah ah ahchooooo!
Eliza: Sorry about that. [wipes nose]
Jirelle mops off her front.
Jirelle: Oh, no problem.
Jirelle: Shall we, then?
Jirelle turns towards the door.
Jirelle pauses as her hand sticks to her front.
Jirelle pulls her hand away, stretching something in between.
Eliza wipes her nose on her sleeve.
Jirelle: Wow, what a trip.
Jirelle reaches for some napkins from a small table, and wipes off her hand, her front, her tentacles.
Eliza: I fink I'm allerik to somfink.
Jirelle: Really! Wow. I wonder what it could be?
Jirelle: Did you eat anything unusual lately?
Eliza looks at Jirelle through red eyes.
Eliza: I don't fink it's anyfing I've EATEN Jirelle.
Eliza: I fink it's somfink I'm SMELLING.
Eliza: Actually I was fine until you came in..... [sneezes into her hands]
Eliza wipes her hands on her uniform leaving a wet trail.
Eliza: And I was fine with you until you started burning all that incense stuff.
Jirelle: Oh here... some napkins?
Jirelle gropes for more napkins, finds that table is empty.
Eliza takes the napkins and wipes her eyes.
Eliza: Fankyou.
Jirelle goes to the next table and gets some for Eliza.
Eliza: Ah ah ah choooooo!!!!!
Jirelle: But I've been burning incense ever since I started here!
Jirelle looks wide eyed and curious.
Jirelle jumps.
Jirelle: Oh, my!
Jirelle augments to avoid the worst of it, then realize it was the condiments area that took the brunt.
Eliza: I got NO sleep in your room last night.
Jirelle: I noticed.
Jirelle: Neither did I.
Eliza: And I was just having tea with this boy with two heads....
Jirelle pauses.
Eliza: Or these boys with one body.
Jirelle: What?
Jirelle: What did you just say?
Eliza: I'm not sure which.
Eliza: I said that I was having tea with someone.
Eliza: But they both seem to have left.
Eliza: Or maybe he will be back.
Eliza: I don't kno ah ah ahchoooo!
Jirelle grabs Eliza's shoulders and aims her away from the condiments, just a moment too late.
Jirelle: Oh, dear.
Jirelle: You really have quite an allergic reaction there.
Jirelle: I wonder if it's that new incense I bought from overseas.
Jirelle: I'll have to get rid of that right away.
Jirelle unhappily.
Eliza: I'm thorry Jirelle.
Jirelle hopes nobody notices the state of the condiments table.
Eliza: But it's either me or that inthensth.
Jirelle: Well, let's try to find you some medicine to take care of those symptoms, shall we?
Jirelle: And then we'll get rid of the incense.
Eliza sniffs loudly.
Eliza: ~~ congested ~~
Eliza: Okay.
Wise Snake goes walking down the street, with no Donor with her.
Debitte knocks nervously at the door of the Ferry Building.
Wise Snake approaches the Ferry Building in a bit of a hurry to get back before either of them realizes she has gone AWOL.
Debitte realises that no one is there and turns away dejectedly.
Wise Snake encounters Debitte in front of the Ferry Building.
Wise Snake: Hello.
Wise Snake: ~~curiously~~
Wise Snake: Were you here for me?
Debitte: Oh, hello!
Debitte: Yes, I just wanted to say thank you for the other day, and... well, a customer told me that you sent him to me.
Debitte: I guess I should thank you for that as well.
Wise Snake smiles.
Wise Snake: It was the least I could do.
Debitte: No. The least you could have done was nothing. Most people would have done exactly that.
Wise Snake: He wanted me to do him a favor, so I asked him to do a little favor in return. The world will never be a better place if people just do nothing.
Debitte: Well, thank you. That ointment you gave me worked well, too.
Debitte is tired.
Wise Snake zlins Debitte.
Wise Snake: Are you going to get some sleep now? You know you need to get 3 hours of sleep per day to stay healthy, right?
Debitte: Ah, yeah. I get plenty of sleep.
Debitte looks longingly at the Ferry Building.
Wise Snake glances at the building herself.
Wise Snake: Uh....
Wise Snake: ...do you want to come in?
Debitte sees one of her regular "Johns" across the street.
Debitte: Oh! yes I do.
Wise Snake glances where Debitte's attention just went.
Debitte looks back at Snake. "Sorry, he is a, umm, client. Thought he might, but anyway... yes, I'd love to."
Debitte: Old buildings fascinate me.
Anarchy walks over.
Wise Snake zlins the guy.
Debitte looks up at the stone gargoyley things.
Debitte: Oh, hello, Anarchy.
Debitte smiles brightly at him and "slinks" a little.
Anarchy smiles and looks around.
Wise Snake waits for a moment to see if they are going to go off together.
Debitte: Anarchy, I'd like you to meet a very dear person. Wise Snake, this is Anarchy.
Anarchy puts his hands in his pockets and looks up sheepishly.
Anarchy is in awe at her presence.
Debitte is proud to be seen with a Farris.
Wise Snake: Ah... pleased to meet you.
Anarchy is speechless. He can't break from her gaze.
Debitte: ~~ jealous ~~
Debitte: Hmmm. WELL.
Anarchy: Ummm... a pleasure, I'm sure.
Wise Snake realizes she is looking at the guy directly, never a good idea.
Wise Snake turns her eyes away.
Wise Snake: Ah... well... I assume you two have business to attend to...?
Debitte realises that she is silly to feel threatened.
Anarchy feels the rejection like a blow to his head, he flinches and turns to the side.
Debitte looks at Anarchy, wide eyed. "Do we have business to attend to?" [cottishly]
Wise Snake flinches at the mess the guy just made of the ambient.
Anarchy looks up, head still lowered. I am sorry to have offended you but....
Debitte realises that Snake doesn't have her nice Donor with her.
Debitte: Well, Ana - maybe I'll see you later?
Debitte: shall I come to your place?
Anarchy looks to Wise Snake for a signal but finds none, he motions towards Debitte
Debitte steps forward - very close.
Debitte: [husky voice] What time would you - like me...?
Anarchy asks if Saturday would be a nice day for a walk.
Debitte: A walk. Yes, a walk sounds... delightful.
Wise Snake rubs her chin and frowns to herself, trying to make sense of the two nagers.
Debitte bats her eyes at him.
Wise Snake grimaces.
Debitte turns back to Snake "I love these old buildings, I was born in one very much like this, of course - there were more people in it...."
Wise Snake: Oh... really?
Anarchy leaves, appointment noted, but gazes up to see Wise Snake's stare as he leaves.
Debitte zlins that Anarchy is still standing there - but having made the appointment she doesn't see why she should give up personal time.
Wise Snake avoids his gaze.
Wise Snake is uncomfortable with that level of awe.
Wise Snake prefers a level of awe where the person worships her but still can think straight.
Debitte waits for Snake to open the door so they can go in.
Wise Snake wonders what Debitte wants.
Wise Snake opens the door and lets her in.
Wise Snake: Here we go....
Wise Snake locks the door carefully behind them.
Debitte walks in and gazes in rapture at the high ceiling.
Debitte looks at the large entry, the noble staircase.
Wise Snake: Ah... I see they have the chandelier down finally.
Wise Snake looks up the stairwell.
Debitte: This is magnificent!
Wise Snake glances at Debitte, somewhat enjoying her reaction, despite herself.
Debitte spins around looking up.
Debitte: And you live here! You are sooooo lucky!!!
Debitte runs over to examine the wall.
Wise Snake: Ah... I think it is less luck, than persistence.
Debitte: Look - you can even see the original wallpaper!
Wise Snake follows at a distance.
Debitte: It must have been so beautiful.
Wise Snake: There's a mural under it.
Wise Snake: Well, if everything works out, eventually it will be restored.
Debitte: Oooohhh! How wonderful!
Debitte: How exciting!
Wise Snake thinks Debitte wouldn't say that if she could see how gruesome the mural's subject matter was.
Debitte is practically drooling.
Debitte: Can I see the rest of it?
Wise Snake: Sure... I guess so.
Debitte: Oohhh.
Wise Snake continues to follow Debitte.
Debitte dances up the stairs, slides back down and runs up them 3 at a time.
Debitte: This is marvelous!!!!
Wise Snake doesn't follow EVERYTHING Debitte does.
Debitte stops on the landing - she doesn't want to invade anyone's personal space.
Wise Snake: There's nobody living on the second floor.
Wise Snake: There are offices... a ballroom... it will probably end up being treatment rooms and small meeting rooms.
Debitte starts dashing into and out of all the rooms
Wise Snake thinks this woman spends selyn like there's no tomorrow.
Debitte: Oh oh oh!
Wise Snake follows more cautiously.
Debitte: This is soooooo beautiful!
Wise Snake: Um... watch out for that door there. [points] It leads to a two-story drop into the harbor.
Debitte: Will you be renting any out as living space?
Debitte grabs the door jamb as she plunges through.
Wise Snake: No. Living space will be reserved for householding memmmMMMMm! [manages to restrain her cry of alarm]
Debitte: Oops!!!
Debitte: How odd!
Debitte: Ooohhh this is just tooo wonderful.
Wise Snake pants with augmentation quelled just as suddenly as it was raised.
Debitte dashes up the next flight of steps.
Debitte is travelling close to the speed of sound.
Wise Snake shakes her head and follows Debitte.
Debitte leaves her exclamation marks behind her.
Wise Snake: Like a Sime Alea.
Wise Snake: [to herself]
Debitte runs back to where Snake is.
Debitte: how many floors does it have?
Wise Snake: Just the three. And the bell tower, but you can't go up there. It's structurally unsound.
Debitte would do ANYTHING to live in a place like this.
Debitte: Ooohhhh! I'd LOVE to see that!
Wise Snake hopes that sounds suitably ominous, especially with the weight of her nager behind it.
Wise Snake: Well there is a fairly good view from the street.
Debitte is so full of the building that Snake's comment goes straight past her.
Debitte races back up the stairs to the third floor again.
Debitte dances on the way.
Wise Snake considers throwing Debitte out, then attempts to be calm.
Wise Snake follows.
Wise Snake: Well, you've seen it all, now....
Debitte looks up the stairs to the bell tower but doesn't attempt to climb them.
Wise Snake is relieved it was not necessary to tackle the woman physically, as physical labor is not her favourite thing.
Debitte: Oh it's heavenly!!!!
Debitte: You are sooooo lucky!
Debitte: Do you need a maid?
Debitte: I could help you keep it clean!!!!
Debitte: And I can cook too!!!!
Wise Snake: I do have some work available on and off in that area.
Wise Snake: [cautiously]
Debitte was thinking along the lines of a live in maid and looks a bit down trodden.
Debitte: Oh, I'm sooo sorry!
Wise Snake: We are going to be starting construction soon and the place will be uncleanable for many months.
Debitte: Look at me - someone like you would never hire someone like me.
Debitte: I'm so sorry.
Wise Snake: Any work available would be in our personal quarters, which....
Wise Snake pauses.
Wise Snake: Someone like you? What are you talking about?
Debitte: Please forgive me - I got overexcited.
Debitte blushes.
Debitte: Well, I mean, really.
Wise Snake: Um, it's, understandable I suppose.
Debitte: I know how I earn my money.
Wise Snake wonders at the abrupt reversal.
Debitte holds her head up.
Debitte: but it's honest work.
Debitte: Well, mostly honest.
Wise Snake: Well, as I say, we have some work available for cleaning, but it would be limited to our personal quarters, which at the moment consists of three rooms and an office.
Wise Snake pauses.
Wise Snake wonders if she really wants to know what Debitte meant by "mostly honest".
Debitte: You mean you would want some help?
Wise Snake: Possibly. You say you cook, also?
Debitte: Yes. Cooked for my family... mum had nine of us.
Debitte cheers up again.
Debitte: When would you like me to start!!!
Wise Snake: Well, we might be willing to give you a try, but we'd have to understand each other first.
Debitte is afraid Snake's going to ask her something hard.
Wise Snake zlins Debitte.
Wise Snake: There is a good deal of sensitive information running over my desk. It will probably be necessary to start you just on cleaning the bedrooms until we know each other a little better.
Wise Snake: And... there would have to be a rule of never inviting anyone else into the building.
Debitte blushes.
Debitte: of course.
Wise Snake: Well... come by again in three or four days. In the mornings around two hours after sunrise would be the best time to find me here.
Debitte: All right.
Debitte: Thank you very much again!
Debitte: I really appreciate everything you have done for me.
Wise Snake nods.
Debitte: If there is anything I can do for you in exchange, you let me know, okay?
Wise Snake: We'll see.
Wise Snake: If you work out as an employee, that might be enough.
Debitte smiles at Snake.
Wise Snake: Let me show you out.
Wise Snake is sure Debitte knows the whole place thoroughly after that rampage, but of course there is the matter of the lock on the door.
Debitte follows Snake to the stairs and resists the temptation to slide down the bannister.
Wise Snake's neck hair prickles at the suppressed urges she zlins in the renSime.
Wise Snake wonders if she should just go lie down for a few minutes after this.
Wise Snake: [at the bottom of the stairs] Here you go.
Wise Snake unlocks the door and lets Debitte out.
Debitte: Thank you so much.
Debitte: I'll see you in a few days then. [smiles]
Wise Snake: Goodbye, then.
Wise Snake closes the door behind her and locks it.
Debitte waves bye and walks down the street with her "professional" walk just in case.
Wise Snake hopes that she won't always get that much exercise when Debitte is near.