Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #205: Death and Taxes (4/2/98)

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Eliza sulks around the lobby trying to look as if she belongs with the Center and isn't just a common everyday donor.

Jelana: That certainly went good, Hajene.

Jelana smiles. ~~ support ~~

Mostan: Ok, let's drop these files off, Jelana.

Mostan: Yes it did. Thanks for your support.

Jelana: Any time.

Keli stretches and crawls out of bed.

Keli hears the shower running and guesses Ison must be in there.

Eliza is totally shenned off that Mostan hasn't been sleeping - at least, not in her bed.

Keli quickly gathers her clothes and dresses.

Ison steps out from the shower and dries himself off.

Jelana: So, Mostan, how are you feeling?

Jelana ~~ professional concern ~~

Mostan walks down the hall.

Mostan: I'm doing quite well. Think I'm over it.

Keli goes to brush her teeth and hair, as well as wash her face.

Jelana: Oh, that's so good!

Jelana beams. ~~ approval ~~

Keli pulls her hair back and ties it.

Ison: Good morning, Keli.

Keli: Good morning, Ison.

Keli ~~ steady support ~~ [as she checks out his arms.]

Eliza sees Mostan and that Donor enter the lobby and turns her back to closely examine a potted plant.

Ison ~~need~~

Keli: Thirty more minutes until transfer.

Ison looks up to Keli ~~hunger~~

Keli: You want to go down to one of the transfer rooms now? Or do you want to walk first?

Mostan: Thanks. Well, we're off shift now.

Keli ~~ continued steady support ~~

Ison: please, let's go there now.

Keli: Of course, Hajene.

Keli: You might want to get dressed first, though.

Eliza pretends to be examining the soil closely.

Mostan: Did you have plans for your off hours?

Jelana: Okay. Do you want me to stay with you or will you be okay?

Jelana ~~ concern ~~

Jelana reaches out and touches one of Mostan's arms.

Ison manages a smirk.

Jelana: Not at all.

Eliza can't examine the potted plant for any longer without looking stupid. (She probably does already.)

Ison walks over and dresses for the day.

Ison ~~hunger for selyn~~

Mostan: I've got some plans of my own and I thought....

Jon Drake heads down the stairs into the lobby.

Jelana: Yes?

Eliza tries to unobtrusively see what Jelana and Mostan are doing.

Jelana is ~~ curious ~~ since she can't zlin what is going on in that channel's mind of his.

Keli goes over and pulls the door open, stretching again, still a little foggy.

Eliza sees "that Donor" touching Mostan's arm. [mutters] "Little tart."

Eliza: ~~ jealousy ~~

Mostan pauses at a familiar nager and an unfamiliar emotion.

Eliza: ~~ emotional pain ~~

Mostan turns. "Eliza?"

Jelana turns with Mostan and sees Eliza and smiles.

Eliza sees Jon Drake come into the lobby.

Eliza: Oh Jon!

Jon Drake makes his way to the schedule to check assignments.

Ison hurries up behind Keli, almost pushing her out the door.

Jon Drake looks up.

Eliza sniffs in Mostan's direction. "Morning."

Jon Drake: Eliza, good morning!

Keli, startled, looks at Ison.

Eliza walks over to Jon.

Keli touches Ison's arm. ~~ soothing ~~

Eliza: How are you this morning, Jon? [big smile]

Keli: we have plenty of time. I'm not going to leave you. I'll be here for you.

Mostan walks over to Eliza and is surprised as she walks away.

Keli ~~ promise ~~

Ison ~~need~~

Jon Drake: Pretty good. I had a good night's sleep. You?

Jelana hesitates, then follows Mostan.

Jelana ~~ tentative support ~~

Mostan hurries to catch up with Eliza.

Ison feels a little better.

Eliza: I slept wonderfully, thank you. ~~ lying ~~

Keli: That's it. Just relax.

Keli leads Ison toward the stairs, locking onto his field with her nager.

Ison: C'mon, Keli, lets do this now.

Eliza: Amazing how well you sleep when you have a bed all to yourself. ~~ bitterly ~~

Eliza looks at Jon suggestively.

Keli: Hajene, I'm afraid we have to wait.

Mostan sees Eliza needs cheering up and comes up to hug her from behind.

Ison looks around impatiently.

Mostan: Hi baby. Miss me?"

Jon Drake: What's wrong, Eliza?

Keli goes down the stairs toward the lobby.

Jelana moves up by Mostan just in time to hear what Eliza says and gulps, surprised.

Jelana quickly closes off her words and offers ~~ strong steady support ~~

Eliza goes all tense - every muscle hardens against the hug.

Eliza: Miss you Mos? Oh! Well, sorry, I've been busy.

Eliza: ~~ lying through her teeth ~~

Keli: Come on, Ison. [softly] The transfer room.

Ison follows Keli staying as close as possible.

Keli: Just a few more minutes.

Mostan senses something not right.

Jon Drake wonders what he's walked into.

Ison zlins Keli.

Keli thinks it's typical of a Householding channel to be so uptight and tense.

Mostan: Eliza? Is something the matter?

Keli ~~ promise... steady support ~~

Ison ~~ hard need ~~

Eliza: I was just telling Jon how much more comfortable it is to SLEEP BY YOURSELF!

Jelana reaches up and places a hand on Mostan's shoulder. ~~ support ~~

Mostan recoils towards Jelana's support.

Ison feels Keli's nager but wants more NOW !!

Eliza: [smiles at Jon, the smile not straying far from her mouth]

Mostan: What!

Eliza turns to Mostan.

Eliza: Well, it's not like you have been there lately.

Jelana ~~ oh dear ~~ ~~ strong support ~~

Eliza: Too busy with [points] your Donor.

Eliza: No time for me in your life, is there?

Mostan: Liza, what are you yelling for?

Mostan: Of course there is!

Keli sees the scene in the lobby and deftly steers Ison around it.

Eliza: Not that I've seen!

Mostan: Well I do have a job to do.

Ison is oblivious to all but Keli.

Jelana ~~ soothing ~~

Eliza: Yes, I noticed. And I DON'T.

Eliza: No one wants me.

Jelana moves her hand to his elbow, stepping forward... moving closer.

Keli goes down the hall.

Mostan: I was just coming to see you!

Eliza: Not you, not anyone.

Eliza: [stifled sob]

Eliza glares at Jelana.

Eliza: Oh, sure.

Eliza: I heard you.

Mostan: Aren't you training with Briel?

Keli: We'll be right there. Then we can talk while I prepare the room.

Eliza: Asking that Donor of yours if she had plans!

Eliza: No one in this SHENNED Center has time for me!

Eliza: I may as well just go.

Jelana's eyes widen though her nageric support doesn't waver.

Mostan: That was just small talk.

Mostan: No!

Ison places his hands on Keli as they walk, he can't get close enough.

Mostan leaps forward to take Eliza's arm.

Eliza: Don't touch me you beast!

Jelana is torn between giving them privacy and protecting Mostan from near fatal emotions coming from his upset lover.

Mostan lets go like he was burned.

Eliza tries to take her arms back.

Jelana lays a hand on Mostan's back. ~~ support ~~

Keli pushes open the door to the transfer room.

Keli: Right in here, Ison.

Mostan: Liza... Don't you remember what day it is?

Eliza's lips wobble.

Eliza: Yes, the day before your turnover.

Keli: Why don't you sit down, and I'll check our medications and make sure tea is ready.

Eliza: Then I won't see you at all.

Ison eagerly shuffles into the transfer room.

Mostan unconsciously settles back on Jelana's hand.

Eliza: You will never leave her side.

Eliza: And not have a moment for me.

Ison sits down and tries to relax.

Keli closes the door and flips the lock.

Eliza looks at Jelana and Mostan standing so close and a sob escapes.

Keli goes over and begins to check the medications.

Ison ~~hard need~~

Mostan: Yes. The last day. And I'm here for you.

Mostan starts moving forward cautiously again.

Jelana shifts from foot to foot, determined to protect Mostan from this crazy person.

Eliza considers physical violence.

Keli: So, Ison... What are your plans while here at Bender Cove?

Jelana moves around Mostan, almost in between the two.

Jelana: So, Eliza.

Eliza: ~~ disbelief ~~

Eliza: Jelana.

Jelana: What are you and Mostan going to do with your free time today?

Jelana ~~ Brightly ~~

Ison watches as Keli prepares, and her words don't reach him.

Eliza stares at Jelana as if she were mad.

Mostan politely leers at Eliza.

Eliza: I have no idea what Mostan will do today.

Eliza: I would have thought that YOU would know better than I.

Jelana: I heard they're having a special showing of art down at the community center... perhaps the two of you could have a nice fun walk there.

Eliza: After all, he spends all his time with YOU, not me.

Keli realizes Ison has drifted hyper and uses her field to pull him duo, so he can hear her.

Mostan: Well, I had a few ideas, if Eliza's still interested.

Jelana: Uh... uh... uh... of course, professionally he does.

Eliza decides that Jelana is crazy.

Eliza: Oh, thank you so much for your advice Jelana. I'll be sure to ask you for advice on all my future free time.

Ison sustains some form of concentration and tries to understand what Keli is saying.

Jelana looks helplessly at Mostan, offering support showing apologetically in her nager.

Keli sets the water in the pot and spoons tea into the cups.

Keli turns and goes over to Ison.

Ison ~~need selyn, need selyn~~

Mostan: [coldly] I spend time with her because it's my job. Not some trivial hobby.

Eliza's mouth drops open.

Eliza: So your time with me is trivial???

Jelana ~~ soothing ~~

Ison automatically raises his arms as he sees Keli approach.

Jelana: Let's all just calm down....

Keli takes Ison's arms as she sits down.

Eliza: CALM???? I'M CALM!

Mostan: No. Your time with that two-bit musician.

Keli ~~promise ~~

Ison wraps his tentacles around her wrists as quickly as possible.

Jelana ~~ calm ~~

Jelana insinuates herself in between the two.

Mostan: If you want to study shiltpron, do it with someone good.

Keli smiles at Ison.

Keli: That's fine....

Eliza pushes Jelana out the way.

Jelana: Eliza... please don't hurt him with your field.

Eliza steps up nose to nose to Mostan.

Eliza: What's wrong with Shonie!!!!

Eliza: She at least wants to spend time with me!

Keli: Now let me work on your field.

Mostan: She'd never do that!

Ison is overrun with ~~need~~ , and looks to Keli for soothing support.

Eliza: Do what!

Jelana slips an arm around Mostan's arm, pulling him back and wiggling back in, determined to protect him.

Eliza: ~~ confused, angry, hurt ~~

Jelana: Please stop this.

Mostan: Nothing. If you want to play mediocre music in tawdry little dives.

Keli works and gets Ison into Trautholo.

Eliza: Get away from him!!!!!

Mostan shakes off Jelana.

Keli: Now we just relax here and wait.

Eliza: How dare you!

Mostan: I want to spend time with you!

Ison lays back his head, closes his eyes ~~feels dreadful~~ 1

Eliza lips wobble and she bursts into tears.

Jelana takes Mostan's arm again.

Jelana: Please calm down... we want this transfer to be good.

Mostan is completely ~~ perplexed. ~~

Eliza: You never spend time with me.

Eliza: You don't love me.

Eliza: You don't want me.

Keli ~~ soothing comfort ~~

Eliza: No one wants me.

Eliza: You want HER.

Mostan lets Jelana hold onto him. "That's NOT TRUE!"

Keli: We can sit like this until time for transfer... so just relax.

Mostan: I want YOU!

Jelana drops Mostan's arm, backing up a step.

Jelana: ME? [squeaks out]

Ison loses touch with his ~need~ and lets his mind drift blankly.

Eliza: You don't!

Eliza: [snif]

Mostan turns to zlin Jelana. "HER??!"

Eliza: I bought condoms and EVERYTHING.

Jelana scoots behind Mostan ~~ strong support ~~ wanting to be out of sight and hopefully out of HER mind.

Eliza: Even that lubrication stuff.

Mostan: What?

Jelana stiffens at Mostan's rude shout.

Eliza: [snif]

Mostan: So What are we fighting For Then?! They're no good for that!

Jelana hears this and decides he's on his own.

Jelana turns and rushes off toward her room.

Eliza: But you don't come near me for DAYS.

Keli: How did your last transfer go, Ison?

Mostan: Of Course Not! Look what almost happened!

Eliza: But that's why I got them!

Eliza: Snake said, well, she said lots of things.

Mostan: Well you could've TOLD Me!

Eliza: Including stuff about oral... errrr.... [realises they are in the lobby and people are looking]

Eliza: Well anyway. Why didn't you tell me about that?

Ison can't remember anything, just knows he needs selyn.

Mostan: Snake? What does that Farris Ferret have to do with anything?

Eliza: You are NEVER around.

Eliza: Don't you call Snake that!

Eliza: She is more helpful then this whole Center put together!

Eliza: She gave me pills.

Mostan snorts. "A nice out-t farm girl like you? Agreeing to that sort of thing?"

Keli checks her watch.

Keli: It's about time, Ison.

Keli: Are you ready?

Eliza: And told me, this, other, stuff.... [gradually getting quieter]

Ison nods.

Mostan: But, you wouldn't....

Eliza: How do you know!

Eliza: You never even told me that stuff!!!!!

Eliza: We could have....

Eliza: We didn't have to....

Eliza: Oh, shen.

Mostan: Because none of you ever have Before!

Eliza: I'm ME!

Eliza: I'm not a group of people.

Mostan: I Know!

Eliza: Then why didn't you say anything to me?

Mostan waves at all the shocked onlookers.

Eliza: You just didn't want me.

Mostan: I don't Love THEM!

Keli ~~ desire to give ~~

Eliza: You don't want me at all.

Mostan: I Love YOU!

Eliza: Then PROVE IT!!!!

Eliza: ~~ desire ~~

Mostan grabs her shoulders. "YES I DO!"

Keli slides her arms up Ison's arms, allowing him to wrap his tentacles more firmly.

Mostan picks her up and kisses her hard.

Eliza kisses him back passionately.

Ison feels his need build as he is finally about to receive.

Keli works to pull Ison hyperconscious, which isn't very hard.

Eliza wraps her legs around him.

Keli ~~ need to give ~~

Mostan tosses her slightly as he shifts to a hugging grip under her arms.

Ison exposes his laterals.

Keli ~~ excitement ~~

Mostan hugs her too tight to breathe as he kisses her deeply.

Keli ~~ encouragement ~~

Eliza gasps as his arms crush her tight against him.

Jergens comes in the door, chatting with another donor.

Ison feels Keli's excitement and makes contact with his laterals on her arms.

Keli shivers with delight at the contact.

Ison holds back on the 5th for a moment.

Keli: Yes, Ison. Great.... ~~ joyous desire to give ~~

Jergens: And I said to Him, 'That nice Mr. Vrack would never allow anything like that down there, he's such a responsible person".

Eliza: ~~ lust ~~

Ison then makes contact and draws a slowly as he can, which is really rather quick.

Mostan loosens his grip. "You mean it? Prove it to you.? Now?"

Eliza: ~~ frustration, desire ~~

Jergens: But she sai-

Eliza: Yes!

Keli allows Ison to draw as fast as he can... urging, encouraging it.

Jergens sees Mostan and Eliza in a scandalous position in the middle of the Lobby and is shocked speechless.

Ison feels the transfer and draws even quicker noting that Keli is fine.

Keli ~~ joy ~~

Ison draws the last few drops ~~elation~~

Mostan hugs Eliza again as he bites at her neck.

Keli ~~ completion ~~

Eliza moans.

Mostan pauses and looks around at the staring crowd.

Alea waddles into the lobby, sees the donors and the Donor and channel, and sighs.

Alea shakes her head.

Mostan blushes.

Mostan: Excuse us.

Ison withdraws his laterals and releases his grip with his tentacles.

Alea goes over and touches Eliza on the shoulder.

Eliza: Don't stop!

Mostan starts lumbering towards the stairs with Eliza still wrapped around him.

Alea: Perhaps you should know, the thought of putting on a show is not quite as fun when it actually happens....

Alea is speaking from experience.

Alea: I'd suggest you take it upstairs.

Eliza: ~~ frustration ~~

Ison parts lip contact with Keli and looks into her eyes.

Mostan stops rather than run over Alea.

Ison feels the energy inside him building.

Eliza: What?

Keli sits very still, knowing that a Sime sees with his normal senses after and giving him time to react in post.

Eliza: Oh!!!!

Mostan: [tightly] "I'm Doing that."

Eliza: ~~ embarrassment ~~

Eliza: [whispers] Put me down, PUT ME DOWN!

Alea looks coldly at Mostan.

Mostan carefully lowers Eliza.

Alea: Then DO it, you shendoni mouthy channel.

Alea turns on her heel and waddles off.

Keli waits.

Keli: Well, Ison....

Mostan quickly moves to stand behind her lest he make a spectacle of himself.

Mrs. Gessin comes into the lobby, limping badly.

Ison smiles and lets out a laugh.

Mrs. Gessin's eyes widen as she sees the show.

Jergens: Well!!! I Never!

Mrs. Gessin: Really! [a bit weakly]

Keli ~~ relief ~~

Keli: Shall I make us tea then?

Keli smiles.

Keli: Or do you just want to leave?

Ison moves back to Keli and kisses her.

Mrs. Gessin: I'd heard stories, but one doesn't always believe what one hears.

Eliza grabs Mostan by the hand and drags him off towards her room.

Mostan follows quickly.

Ison looks at Keli and reaches for her hand.

Ison: Perhaps we could stay here for a little while?

Mrs. Gessin limps over to sit on a couch.

Keli smiles.

Keli: Of course.

Mostan puts his hand out to, uh, hurry her along, that's it....

Keli holds Ison's hand, offering comfort, thinking of her own post partner waiting for her.

Keli: Do you know if you'll be assigned here long?

Eliza can't hurry any more - she is running as it is.

Eliza fumbles with the door knob.

Mostan comes up behind her and fumbles with other things.

Mrs. Gessin looks at Mrs. Jergens.

Mrs. Gessin: Does this sort of thing happen often?

Alea smiles at Miz Jergens and Miz G.

Alea: Hello, may I help you?

Mrs. Gessin waits politely for Miz J to speak, since she was there first.

Jergens: No, I've never seen such a disgraceful display in all my born days!

Ison zlins Keli and realises it is strictly business and decides its high time he met some others.

Alea hears that, looks down at her stomach and no ring on her finger and turns and walks off... not even wanting to touch that one.

Mrs. Gessin thinks that Miz J sounds just a little disappointed by that lack.

Eliza finally gets the door open and falls in, dragging Mostan after her.

Ison: Thank you very much Keli, but I must be off.

Mrs. Gessin: I thought the stories were just stories.

Jergens: I'm certain Mr. Vorsek would not approve!

Keli smiles softly at Ison.

Keli: Thank you, for the wonderful opportunity to work with you.

Keli stands.

Mrs. Gessin: I'm sure.

Ison smiles and nods to Keli as he leaves the room.

Jergens: I mean you hear all those stories but I always say they aren't true just gossip, which I never listen too, it's all such nonsense!

Mrs. Gessin has no idea who Mr. Vorsek is, but some things are given.

Mrs. Gessin: Well, of course.

Mostan kicks the door closed.

Ison feels ALIVE again and heads to the cafeteria hoping to meet people on the way.

Mrs. Gessin: Who listens to gossip? Which reminds me, I heard the wildest story only yesterday....

Mostan grabs at Eliza and yanks at her blouse, popping the buttons off in all directions.

Mrs. Gessin leans closer to Mis J.

Mrs. Gessin: It seems there's a channel in this town who burns the donors!

Mrs. Gessin: Of course, I didn't credit it.

Keli leaves to go find her post partner.

Jergens looks shocked. "Really? People like you or [gulp] me?"

Mrs. Gessin: So they say. But the Tecton would put a stop to that kind of thing as soon as they found out.

Mrs. Gessin looks around pointedly.

Mrs. Gessin: Of course, the authorities don't know everything that's going on here, that's obvious.

Briel comes into the lobby, Donorless.

Briel: Ah, hello. May I help you?

Jergens: I'm sure they would. I'm a very good friend of the Controller here and I'm sure he'd never permit such an outrage. Why, I mean....

Mrs. Gessin: Well, how could he?

Mrs. Gessin: He ought to be told.

Mrs. Gessin looks at Briel.

Mrs. Gessin: I believe she was first.

Jergens: Was I? I was so shocked that I really can't say myself.

Briel: I see.

Briel: Well, how about you both come with me then?

Briel: Have you donated before Mrs. Gessin?

Briel recognizes Mrs. Jergens and knows she has.

Mrs. Gessin: Why, no. Does that matter?

Briel: Not at all.

Briel: Will you both come with me?

Jergens: Of course deary, I'd be glad to, before some other decadent spectacle starts out here, I mean really!

Jergens looks around just in case one has done so already.

Mrs. Gessin collects her largish purse and follows Briel and Miz J.

Briel: Decadent? What...?

Briel wonders if Veraik has been at it again... or Alea... or Eliza... and realizes there are too many who like to cause scenes to count.

Briel shakes her head and goes down the hall to a donation room.

Briel: Let's go right in here.

Jergens is both ~~ relieved ~~ and ~~ disappointed ~~

Mrs. Gessin limps down the hall after the other two.

Briel gets two charts.

Mrs. Gessin looks around the room with interest.

Briel fills out the pertinent information on Miz Jergens.

Briel: And your name is? [to Mrs.G]

Briel plucks up the other chart and waits, poised over the paper to fill it out.

Mrs. Gessin: Berta Gessin.

Mrs. Gessin: I'm attending a conference here in Bender Cove.

Briel writes down her name

Jergens: Gessin? One of the Eastcove Gessin? Don't I know your cousin Gladis?

Briel: Ah, okay.

Briel makes notes, zlinning her.

Mrs. Gessin: Well, Gladis is my second cousin. My branch of the family moved to Restown.

Briel: Well then, let's start with you.

Mrs. Gessin: But when the weaver's guild decided to hold their conference here, so different, you know, I just had to come.

Mrs. Gessin: I do like to travel.

Jergens: Oh really? Business is It? My husband goes to a conference in Laveen every year you know....

Mrs. Gessin is uncomfortable standing, so limps over to the lounge and sits.

Mrs. Gessin: Yes, one meets so many people, and comes back home positively inspired.

Mrs. Gessin: Why, last year, when I came back (the conference was in New Washington that year, of course), I made my best rug ever.

Briel sits the chart down and motions to Mrs. G.

Briel: Let's get that donation now, shall we?

Jergens: Yes, one does have to stay in touch doesn't one, or you fall completely out of touch, don't you deary?

Mrs. Gessin sighs and reaches for her purse.

Mrs. Gessin: All right. How much does it cost?

Mrs. Gessin: Although I don't see why you don't call it a bill here, like a regular doctor.

Briel: There's no charge.

Briel: As soon as we're done, I'll give you a voucher.

Mrs. Gessin: There isn't?

Jergens: New Washington? I've never been there, you hear such stories about all those politicians....

Briel: You see, your selyn is like money for us.

Mrs. Gessin: ~~ pleased surprise ~~

Briel: No, not at all.

Mrs. Gessin: Well, imagine that.

Briel sits down my Mrs.Gessin and takes her arms, sliding them up under her coat.

Briel: Now, what we'll do is we will touch lips and you'll just sit still.

Mrs. Gessin looks down, a bit surprised.

Mrs. Gessin tries to see what Briel is doing, but can't see because of the coat.

Mrs. Gessin: Sit still?

Briel is bothered that she has no Donor and getting nervous at the two chattering so much.

Briel: Now, let's touch lips....

Briel: Yes.

Briel: Perfectly.

Briel lunges forward and makes lip contact... and quickly draws....

Jergens: Yes Dear they actually pay us can you believe it? Of course I just tuck it all away for my children, so they can get started well in life, which does cost so much these days, as I was saying just the other day....

Mrs. Gessin thinks that's easy enough, because she's not going anywhere until Briel stops holding her arms so tightly.

Briel pulls selyn from the first level being careful not to allow the old woman to feel movement.

Briel moves on to the second level....

Briel finishes quickly and sits back.

Briel is going choke her Donor when she finds him.

Briel: There we go.

Briel smiles.

Mrs. Gessin is a bit confused, but willing to give Briel the benefit of the doubt.

Mrs. Gessin: You mean that's it?

Briel snatches up a chart and begins to write.

Briel fills out a voucher.

Briel: Yes.

Briel: You go to the cashier and fill that out and get paid.

Briel turns with gleaming eyes to Miz Jergens.

Briel: Now, you.

Mrs. Gessin: Oh.

Briel moves over by Miz Jergens.

Jergens pauses to watch, never having seen it from the outside before.

Mrs. Gessin takes the voucher, stands up, takes a step, and starts falling as her bad ankle collapses under her.

Mrs. Gessin: Oh!

Briel augments, catches Miz Gessin and sits her back down.

Briel: Just sit right there now....

Mrs. Gessin: ~~ throbbing pain ~~

Mrs. Gessin looks at Briel in an accusatory fashion.

Briel moves quickly away from Mrs. G to Miz Jergens.

Mrs. Gessin: You said you'd finished helping me, but my ankle's just as sprained as ever.

Jergens: Yes, It's like she didn't do anything isn't it. I never felt anything for years and years until the Mr. Vuruck said I could be a GN-1....

Mrs. Gessin: That's all well and good, dear, but the lady at the conference center said that this was the place to get my sprained ankle treated.

Briel moves up to Miz Jergens.

Briel slides her hands up the old bat's arms.

Mrs. Gessin: I still can't walk, and how am I supposed to attend a conference when I can't walk?

Mrs. Gessin: You know how they always have you running around all day.

Briel lashes her tentacles around Miz Jergens' arms.

Briel: I haven't been sleeping too good lately and we have had all kinds of interesting people in here.

Briel: You like donating, do you?

Briel smiles

Briel leans forward and makes fifth contact point....

Briel draws, all the way up to the GN-1 level.

Briel enjoys working with calm steady donors and quickly finishes it off, before releasing Miz Jergens.

Alea goes down the hall toward the back door.

Alea wants to paint.

Jergens: Oh yes, they can do that here, there terribly good with those things the doctor just tells you to put up with, even with the prices they charge....

Briel scribbles out a voucher for Miz Jergens and hands it to her.

Briel: Now for your ankle.

Briel moves over and bends down, projecting need at Miz Gessin's ankle.

Briel: This will fix it up in a jiffy.

Alea goes into the back toward the gazebo.

Miz Gessin looks down curiously.

Briel continues to project need.

Miz Gessin: What are you doing, dear?

Jergens is surprised speechless for the second time today.

Briel: Healing your ankle.

Briel thinks, then going to go find my Donor.

Miz Gessin: By just touching it?

Jergens takes the Voucher. 'Thank you so much young lady, I know it must be difficult working here given the shocking state things have come to here it seems.

Briel: Yes, ma'am.

Briel stands.

Briel: There you go. All healed.

Briel: Now, don't forget your voucher.

Briel: You have a nice day, you hear.

Miz Gessin wiggles the ankle experimentally.

Briel smiles at both old women and nearly flees the room.

Briel ~~ turnover ~~

Miz Gessin looks after Briel.

Miz Gessin: What a strange woman.

Miz Gessin tries to but a little weight on the ankle.

Miz Gessin: My goodness, it's only a little bit sore.

Miz Gessin looks at her voucher.

Miz Gessin: What am I supposed to do with this?

Jergens: You see, deary? Isn't that better?

Alea goes into the garden.

Alea: Oh my, what a beautiful day!

Miz Gessin: Much.

Alea twirls around, seeing the ground is finally free of snow and that the sun is actually shining again.

Alea thinks this calls for a celebration.

Jergens: Yes, well, these channels they are so busy with their work they just don't have time for a proper social life.

Alea sees the swing in the garden tree and hurries over to it.

Alea forces her thoughts of the letter from Muryin aside and climbs into the swing. 2

Miz Gessin: Yes.

Miz Gessin looks at her watch.

Miz Gessin: My goodness! I've got to run, or I'll miss the panel on Ancient dyes.

Jergens: I mean, I ask that nice Mr Voras to dinner every time I see him and he never comes, when I promised him my famous pot roast even....

Alea wiggles into the swing and then sends herself back with the tip of her toe.

Alea: Oh, this is woooooonderful!

Alea giggles.

Jergens: Oh you can cash that with that nice Miz Smalan down the hall right here.

Miz Gessin stuffs the voucher into her purse and hurries out, wondering if she can get a cab back to the conference center.

Alea shoves harder in the swing, getting it to swinging, pumping her legs back and forth, getting the swing to going high.

Alea laughs in pure pleasure and throws her head back, shaking her hair loose.

Alea: Spring, spring spring!

Jergens: I'll show you deary, right this way....

Alea pulls on the ropes of the swing, throwing her feet out, keeping the swing going back and forth.

Ison comes out from the cafeteria quite full, and heads towards the garden.

Prestt shambles by the Sime Center's back gate and pauses.

Alea laughs out loud.

Prestt looks through the gate at the sound of Alea's laughter, but the sound can't touch him.

Ison hears a laugh and follows the sound.

Prestt: ~~ black despair ~~

Alea is so happy to be having fun after being locked up in the Center all day.

Prestt is a young man a few years past Establishment, sloppily dressed in working-class, out-T clothing.

Ison espies the contemptuous Farris.

Ison: Well, hello Alea, how are you this fine day?

Alea hears the contemptible little worm and looks at him and she swings past.

Alea: Better than you are!

Alea giggles.

Alea points with a finger at the black on her collar.

Alea laughs again as she swings back past.

Prestt sees the Sime talking to the laughing woman.

Prestt decides that walking around to the front of the building is too much effort.

Jergens: Oh. Well terribly nice meeting you and we must get together sometimes soon!

Jergens waves.

Alea: Just absolutely wonderful.

Alea: No more snow....

Alea: The sun is shining....

Alea: I'm a Farris....

Alea: It couldn't get any better!

Ison sniggers to himself, "isn't it a glorious day?"

Alea thinks 'take that you little worm', while smiling all the while.

Ison: Oh, so you are, I apologize it slipped my mind.

Prestt opens the gate and shambles through, bent over as if he was carrying a huge weight on his shoulders.

Alea: Yeah, well... it wouldn't mean much to you, since you can't appreciate it.

Jergens goes off to redeem her voucher.

Alea slows the swing.

Alea sticks her foot out to stop it.

Alea: That's okay. They have Donors for Seconds too.

Prestt: ~~~ depression and despair ~~~

Alea: I mean, what would we do without Seconds?

Ison: Care for a walk, Alea?

Alea lifts a haughty eyebrow before a slow smile curves her lips.

Alea: I'd love to, Ison.

Alea slips a hand through the curve of Ison's arm.

Ison: Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?

Alea carefully guards her field.

Alea: Ask away.

Alea: A Farris' life is an open book.

Prestt sees the Sime walk away with the other Gen.

Ison: Well obviously you have power, style and class, so how was it Mytag and I found you the way we did?

Alea: Still harping on that, are we?

Alea tsks.

Alea: Ison, Ison, Ison....

Alea: You should lighten up, enjoy life.

Alea: Don't be such an old fuddy duddy.

Prestt gives a semihysterical giggle, then collapses against a tree.

Alea turns and starts down a path, grinning.

Prestt: Can't even.... Can't even get myself....

Tamlen comes walking up the alley.

Tamlen comes in the back gate, whistling and swinging his stick.

Ison smiles to himself noting her embarrassment.

Ison: OK Alea, lets have some fun.

Prestt's giggle ends in a sob.

Tamlen comes up behind Prestt.

Alea: You worry too much about trivial things.

Ison: Any suggestions ?

Alea: About what?

Alea: About enjoying life?

Alea: Yes. Stop worrying so much.

Alea: Stop trying to one up everyone and just relax and enjoy it.

Ison: How do you have fun around here?

Alea grins as she thinks how she has fun.

Tamlen: Afternoon!

Alea: Ah... well... I don't think you'd enjoy... er... I mean....

Alea: Walking in the park.

Alea nods.

Alea: Or in the gardens.

Alea: Now, I paint, and sketch, and embroidery.

Alea: Others enjoy shopping.

Alea: Perhaps you might enjoy fishing.

Alea grins at the last.

Ison: 'One up'? Me? I am just making conversation.

Prestt turns slowly to look at Tamlen.

Prestt: Is it?

Prestt hadn't noticed the time of day.

Ison: I wouldn't enjoy what ?

Alea would in no way tell him that she thinks he is obviously a stick in the mud by the way he acts and could not possibly enjoy what she does with Tarsh.

Alea: Cleaning the Sime Center.

Alea smiles

Tamlen moves over, concerned.

Alea: That's the perfect way to relax.

Alea nods.

Tamlen: Sir?!

Tamlen looks at Prestt.

Alea: Yes, but I'm sure you wouldn't enjoy that.

Ison takes Alea's hand in his as they walk. "Now, tell me about you."

Prestt looks like he hasn't eaten a full meal, or slept without nightmares, or taken a bath, in weeks.

Alea: Well... what is there to tell.

Alea: I'm a Farris Donor.

Alea: I work here at Bender Cove Sime Center.

Ison: Why do I always find you outside?

Ison: Always alone?

Alea: Alone?

Alea chuckles and rubs her tummy.

Alea: I'm not alone.

Tamlen: Yes. It's a lovely afternoon, Spring in the air!

Alea: However, I come out here to have a break.

Ison thinks abandoned would have been a better word.

Alea: Out here, I can do what I want without disturbing any Simes around.

Prestt: Oh.

Prestt stares at the scuffed toes of his boots.

Alea: I can let my hair down... laugh, cry, enjoy... without the risk of hurting a Sime.

Alea: I take my job very seriously.

Alea thinks, when it suits her and she likes the shendoni channel.

Ison: So tell me Alea, I presume by your condition you are married. Why don't you wear a ring?

Alea: Yes, I'm married.

Alea holds up her right hand.

Tamlen: You don't look well sir. What's the matter?

Alea: Unto Zeor Forever.

Alea smiles softly.

Alea shows Ison her Zeor Crest ring.

Prestt looks at Tamlen briefly, but can't summon the energy for a detailed description of the entire universe.

Ison: The father of your child must hold a very important position, as he never appears to have time to be with you.

Alea: I pledge my life....

Alea: Oh, yes, he does.

Alea [eyes shining]

Alea: Tarsh is the Chief Financial Officer of the Sime Center.

Alea: I'm very proud of him.

Alea suddenly chuckles.

Alea: My, my, Ison... how did I end up like this if we never had time together?

Ison mocks admiration.

Ison: Well, you must be proud.

Alea: Very proud.

Alea: He is a good man.

Ison: He? I thought you would refer to him by name?

Prestt is, however, roused enough to realize that Tamlen isn't the solution he was seeking for his problem.

Alea: Tarsh?

Prestt starts shuffling towards the back door of the Center.

Alea: Yes, Tarsh is a very good man.

Mytag hurries through the Center looking for, and worrying about, Katryn.

Ison: Tarsh? No, sorry, I don't believe I have had the pleasure.

Katryn is in her office reading about the kill.

Alea: Ah well... your loss.

Alea: But not mine.

Alea grins.

Alea walks over to a bench and seats herself.

Tamlen follows Prestt. "Anything I can do to help?"

Alea: Now, Ison, tell me about yourself?

Ison sits down beside Alea.

Alea leans her hands on the back of the bench and leans back slightly, stretching her aching feet out in front of her.

Alea glances sideways at Ison.

Prestt turns bloodshot eyes on Tamlen.

Prestt: Isn't this where the Simes come for selyn?

Ison casually shifts closer to Alea and feels her arm touching his back.

Katryn turns the page and studies another case report about the way this poor Gen ended up provoking a Sime into the kill.

Katryn: Wow....

Tamlen: It can't be that bad, sir. Can it?

Katryn: He had no idea what as coming.

Katryn: How terrifying for the Sime.

Ison: Well, I am more of the traditional type, I put family before work.

Mytag finds Kat in her office.

Prestt: I used to think like that.

Mytag: ~~relief~~ ~~support~~

Alea: A Donor isn't able to put her family first. Zeor and her job must always be upper most in her mind.

Alea smiles at Ison.

Prestt can't really remember that long ago.

Tamlen: Yes, Sir, Bender Cove Lower Sime Center.

Mytag: I'm sorry Katryn. I didn't know where your office was.

Alea: If it wasn't for Donors who remembered that, now where would Channels like you be?

Prestt opens the back door and wanders through.

Tamlen: Did you want to donate, Sir? Did you need the money?

Katryn glances up.

Ison: Unfortunately I am not as blessed as you and Tarsh, I still seek that special person.

Katryn: Oh! Mytag.

Katryn: Please, come in.

Prestt thinks about it.

Alea smiles, thinking, 'with an attitude like yours, it's going to be long in coming.'

Ison: However, I guess my ideas of love are different than yours.

Alea: Well, I'm sure you'll find her....

Prestt: Isn't donating where the Sime takes your selyn?

Alea: I don't know. My love for Tarsh and that of our child is important. Just how do you think they're different?

Ison: I believe that people in love should be together A LOT.

Mytag: What are you reading?

Ison tries to hold back his laughter.

Katryn holds up the book.

Katryn: [101 Fascinating Kills and What Wasn't Done to Prevent Them]

Alea smiles slowly at Ison.

Alea: Well, Ison then I guess we both hold the same beliefs.

Mytag reads the title.

Mytag: Ah.

Tamlen: Yes it is, sir.

Mytag: Well, yes. Maybe we should have a talk about what happened the other day.

Tamlen starts to get a bad feeling about this donor....

Prestt: Well, that's what I'm here for, I guess.

Katryn: It says in here there was this Gen climbing a tree and the branch broke....

Katryn: About what?

Alea: You see, Ison, I am not neglected in the least, nor is Tarsh. We have plenty of time together.

Alea smiles smugly.

Ison stands and looks deep into Alea's eyes.

Alea realizes she shouldn't purposely push Ison's buttons, but he just brings it out in her.

Mytag: About what happened yesterday.

Alea struggles to her feet

Alea: Yes?

Alea smiles thinking she has run him off and inwardly gloating.

Tamlen: Ah. Have you donated before?

Katryn: Yes?

Katryn sits the book aside and waits.

Ison: I must be off, but thanks for the chat, I am sure your Tarsh is wondering where you are.

Alea nods.

Alea: You have a fine day.

Prestt blinks at Tamlen.

Prestt: No.

Ison: Oh I will, thank you.

Alea ~~ confusion ~~

Prestt thinks the answer to the question is self-evident.

Alea doesn't know what he means by that statement.

Prestt then remembers that it doesn't really matter, and slumps again.

Alea nods.

Ison leaves Alea wondering why she is so protective of a failed relationship.

Tamlen: Ah. Well, I'm afraid there are forms to fill out.

Prestt: Figures.

Alea smiles happily and goes back over to swing on the swing.

Tamlen: Yes, well, some things are eternal. Like Death and Taxes.

Prestt: Death. Yes.

Mytag scratches his head.

Mytag doesn't know where to start.

Mytag: Tell me, what was your opinion of what happened?

Tamlen: And Taxes.

Prestt: They tax death now?

Ison heads back to the lobby but ponders at the naivety of a Farris as he expected more.

Katryn: Well....

Tamlen: It's in committee.

Katryn: A Sime stalked a Gen but I was able to serve him and while doing that another Sime attacked the Gen anyway, but we were able to break it up and both lived.

Katryn: There is one odd thing.

Prestt: Oh.

Katryn: I flared my field... and Walter ignored me at first.

Katryn: That is one reason i'm reading this book.

Mytag: Yes, but what cased the attack in the first place?

Katryn: I think maybe I should have tried to zlin more 'fear' to overpower that other Gen.

Katryn: What do you think?

Prestt shambles down the hall, not going anywhere in particular.

Tamlen: If you'll walk this way, I'll get us the needed papers.

Prestt takes the path of least resistance by following Tamlen.

Tamlen leads down to the lobby.

Katryn: I have no idea.

Katryn: You see, I walked in on it after.

Katryn: However, I'm sure Controller Veraik or Briel will talk with Walter after they read my report and get to the bottom of it.

Mytag: The Gen was afraid of the first renSime, when he fled he took that fear with him. That, and the actual fact that he was "running from a kill" set off the renSime who was coming in for transfer.

Mytag: The question as to why a Gen would fear any Sime while inside a Sime center will have to be dealt with, as will Walter.

Mytag: Although I'm not sure that Walter was actually attacking. The Gen was fearful when he first entered from what I can piece together.

Tamlen gets a clipboard. "Now. Name?"

Katryn: Ah well, that's not my job.

Prestt: Danyel Prestt.

Katryn: As a Third Order, I don't zlin as well as the Controller. It's their Center. I wouldn't think of stepping in and trying to work with something like that... you know... all the intricacies, unless they asked me to.

Katryn [all wide eyed with respect]

Prestt looks back down at his boot tops.

Katryn: Can we go for a walk?

Katryn: I really am just a bit nervous.

Tamlen writes it down.

Katryn: I'm not sure why.

Katryn: Well, I am past turnover and this is really a new Center....

Mytag: No, you probably shouldn't have shown fear at the time. Did you zlin the attack outside before you served Walter?

Tamlen runs through the usual list, age, residence, shoe size, etc.

Mytag: Sure, if you like.

Prestt says 17, nowhere in particular, and extra large.

Katryn: Okay... yes. Fine, then, let's go.

Katryn hops up, her red hair bouncing as she bounds around the desk and for the door.

Mytag: Slowly Kat, I'm only Gen remember?

Katryn slows down.

Katryn: Oh, I remember all right.

Katryn: And you're mine for now.

Katryn zlins him protectively.

Prestt thinks the Tecton must be pretty serious about death taxes if they're trying to see how useful his old boots might be.

Tamlen: And did you plan to donate again next month?

Katryn walks almost bouncing with each step, right along with Mytag toward the lobby.

Prestt: No, I doubt it.

Prestt has never believed in reincarnation.

Tamlen: You'd get more next month.

You are now known as Jelana

Jelana is at loose ends since her channel is otherwise occupied.

Jelana is ~~ worried ~~ but knows better than to go barge in to check on him and make sure everything is okay now.

Prestt considers waiting a month.

Prestt: No, I don't want to wait until next month.

Prestt: Now is fine.

Tamlen: Why not now and then, sir?

Jelana decides, what the shen.

Jelana turns and heads for Mostan's room.

Jelana just HAS to make sure that he is okay.

Prestt decides that Tamlen must be some kind of religious nut from a group which preaches reincarnation.

Katryn: Come on, Mytag.

Katryn reaches back, hooks a tentacle around his wrist and hurries more.

Prestt decides to use the standard approach to such proselytizers.

Prestt: It's against my religion.

Jelana heads down toward Eliza's room, figuring, if she had her way, after hearing about what she had in her room, that is where they would be.

Jelana figures she'll just peek in and see if they're there, and then leave.

Tamlen raises his eyebrows. "Really?"

Katryn gets to the front door and goes out.

Katryn: Tell me what you see, Mytag?

Katryn: What you feel?

Katryn is standing on the front porch of the Sime Center looking out.

Prestt: Yes. Once is enough for anyone.

Jelana goes down the hall and locates Eliza's room.

Jelana tests the lock and finds it locked.

Jelana ~~ consternation ~~

Jelana puts her ear to the door and listens.

Prestt thinks that one life is more than he's willing to live.

Mostan: "Eliiiizzzaaaaaa!!!"

Mytag: Well, it's a lovely day.

Jelana: Ah well....

Mytag: Warm for this time of year.

Jelana smiles, delighted.

Jelana turns and hurries off.

Mytag looks around as much of Bender Cove as he can see from there.

Tamlen: Anyway, let me see who's available, Mr. Prestt.

Prestt: Sure.

Jelana goes down the hall and out into the lobby.

Jelana is again at loose ends.

Jelana goes over and gets her a cup of tea and seats herself again, wondering what to do.

Prestt goes back to contemplating his boots.

Katryn: That's all you see?

Katryn: Just Bender Cove?

Katryn sighs.

Katryn: Oh, Mytag... before my turnover next time we are together, we should talk about boosting the Channel you work with.

Mytag: Sure Kat, we can talk to Briel or Veraik if you like.

Ison walks up the Center's steps and opens the door.

Jelana is sipping tea, sitting on the sofa.

Tamlen looks at the board to see who is on duty.

Ison enters the lobby and looks around.

Prestt: ~~ despair ~~

Mytag is concerned that Katryn feels nervous and puts his hand on her arm.

Mytag: ~~support~~

Mytag: Where did you want to go Kat?

Jelana is a medium height dark haired Donor with dark brown eyes.

Jelana is currently sipping tea on the sofa in the lobby.

Katryn: Oh, I don't know, Mytag.

Katryn: I just didn't want to sit in that office anymore.

Katryn: The insulation in there makes me feel totally closed off, alone.

Jelana sees the channel and smiles.

Jelana: Would you like some tea, Ison?

Darrel decides to check his patient of the day before, before going to the cafeteria for dinner.

Darrel opens the door and zlins to see if the Gen is awake.

Prestt hasn't noticed Jelana, or much of anything else, for weeks.

Jelana stands and goes across the room and pours some tea, before approaching Ison.

Jelana ~~ concern ~~

Jelana: How are you doing today?

Ison: Fine thanks, quite energetic actually.

Ison: And how are you?

Allaire slowly awakens from his state of unconsciousness

Jelana: We met the other day. Jelana.

Jelana offers the cup of tea to Ison.

Mytag absently rubs her arm lightly.

Jelana: I'm at loose ends since my channel is otherwise occupied and have been hanging out in the lobby.

Allaire turns to see Darrel in the room, and goes into a state of panic.

Darrel zlins the Gen awakening, and winces at the feel of the transfer-burn headache.

Katryn slowly relaxes under Mytag's field.

Ison: Hi Jelana, it always a pleasure. No, thanks. [to the tea]

Jelana goes over and sets the tea aside.

Darrel: It's all right. I'm not going to hurt you.

Jelana: I've seen you walk through the lobby twice now.

Jelana: I take it you're off duty too?

Mostan lifts his head and wipes a tentacle at the sweat on her face.

Ison: I am a little edgy today. Full of beans, as it were. [smiles]

Allaire sits up, the headache causing him to hold his head in his hands.

Jelana smiles projecting soothing emotions toward Ison, having no idea what the term he just said meant.

Darrel stays back, out of the worst of the Gen's field, and is glad that he's lowfield.

Jelana: That's nice.

Jelana sets her cup down.

Ison: How about accompanying me for some fresh air.

Jelana: Great.

Jelana: Anything to get out of this lobby.

Mytag: Well I haven't seen much of the town, been wanting to go out. Let's go.

Katryn: Why don't we go see if there are any donations to take?

Eliza: I'm so sorry Mostan, can you forgive me?

Katryn smiles at Mytag.

Darrel moves to the bench and mixes a strong dose of fosebine.

Ison grabs Jelana's hand and leads her outside.

Mostan: Forgive you? For what?

Jelana surprised, goes along willingly.

Katryn turns and walks back into the lobby.

Katryn goes over to the board and looks at what is on the list, and realizes there is a donor here.

Katryn goes down the hall toward where the donor is, and finds Tamlen with him.

Katryn: Oh!

Katryn: Naztehr!

Ison leads Jelana out to the garden hoping Alea has left.

Darrel brings the fosebine over to Allaire, offering it at arm's length, with a reassuring smile.

Ison: It's quite peaceful out here.

Katryn stammers, thinking it's a First and unable to keep from zlinning him with admiration. She thinks this is that old man who was once in the war.

Darrel: Here. This will help that headache.

Jelana: Yes, it is.

Jelana: I've been out here many times since I was assigned here.

Darrel: You're going to be all right, although it will be a week or so before you're up and about.

Jelana slips a strand of brown hair from her mouth and shoves it over her shoulder.

Allaire pushes the fosebine away, not trusting Darrel.

Jelana tosses it back out of the way.

Eliza: For being a total bitch before.

Tamlen: This is Mr. Prestt, a one-time donor.

Katryn: I... uh... would you like me to take this gen's donation, Naztehr?

Katryn is awed to be working with someone who actually was there during the history of Unity.

Ison: So tell me, Jelana, who are you assigned to?

Jelana: Mostan.

Mostan: Well, I have been awfully busy, I'm sorry.

Jelana: He's a Third Order channel here.

Prestt finally realizes that someone is talking to him, and looks up vaguely.

Ison: Oh, I have heard of him. Is he nice?

Jelana pauses.

Jelana: I suppose so. I hadn't much thought about it.

Tamlen: Yes, if you are free?

Darrel sighs at the rejection.

Katryn hurries into the room, smiling brightly.

Ison: And have you been here long?

Katryn: Hello Mr. Prestt. I'll be glad to take your donation.

Jelana: This is my second month.

Jelana: I'm pretty new here.

Jelana: This is my second assignment.

Darrel: Look, it's just fosebine. It will stop the headache, and help you to heal.

Darrel: It's not poison.

Jelana walks with Ison.

Ison: It's a little daunting at first, but I think I will like it here.

Allaire cautiously takes the fosebine, and slowly takes a sip.

Jelana: Oh... well, I'm glad to know that.

Jelana smiles.

Prestt looks at Katryn's tentacles with vague interest.

Prestt: You're here to take my selyn?

Katryn: Yes.

Katryn moves gracefully over to the Gen's side.

Katryn: I am Katryn.

Darrel goes hypoconscious, so he doesn't have to suffer through the taste with Allaire.

Katryn smiles back at Mytag.

Katryn: And that is Mytag.

Ison zlins Jelana as he walks close.

Prestt looks at Mytag.

Prestt: Oh.

Katryn: Why don't we sit down and you let me take your donation?

Mytag: Pleased to meet you.

Allaire decides that the fosebine is not poison, and gradually takes larger sips till it's finished

Prestt wonders if Mytag is the one who will collect his boots for the death tax, afterwards.

Jelana: So, where did you come from?

Eliza: No, it is all my fault. I just got so jealous.

Darrel nods in approval, and waits a few minutes for the medicine to take effect.

Jelana: Is this your first assignment... no, you're older than that, aren't you? You've probably worked other places before.

Ison: Oh, I am from quite a distance. The only one here I know is Mytag, but he has moved on.

Jelana smiles as she walks down the path, enjoying the beauty of the day, the smell of the clean fresh air, the warmth of the sun.

Ison: I know very few here.

Jelana: Oh.

Jelana: I'm sorry to hear that.

Jelana: I know Mostan... or well, I work with him. I've met a nice young channel named Jirelle too.

Allaire starts to feel the improvement, as his headache slowly fades.

Jelana: That's about it.

Jelana ~~ empathy ~~

Darrel: Feeling better?

Ison: Well it's early days I guess, and I have the company of a beautiful woman, what more could I ask?

Jelana blushes at the statement.

Allaire: Yes, a little.

Darrel smiles, and allows himself to zlin again.

Jelana: I hope the answer is nothing more.

Jelana smiles at Ison.

Ison feels quite comfortable with Jelana and reaches for her hand. [smiles]

Mostan: Just promise not to doubt my love for you again? Please?

Jelana intertwines her hand with his, watching his tentacles anchor the two hands together.

Darrel: The fosebine has blunted the pain, but you'll heal much faster if I do some more direct healing on those damaged nerves.

Eliza: I'll try not to [runs her hand through his hair]

Darrel drifts a bit .closer, still with tentacles retracted.

Allaire: ~~nervous~~

Eliza: It's just that I want to do, well, more for you and I'm just not allowed to!

Eliza: ~~ unhappy ~~

Mostan strokes her face.

Jelana's eyes lift to Ison's and her smile fades.

Jelana: It gets sorta lonely when you don't know anyone here, doesn't it.

Mostan: I know 'Liza. And I wish you could. But you are still everything to me.

Darrel: Is that all right with you?

Eliza presses her face against his.

Allaire: What are you going to do to me?

Ison leans forward and gently kisses Jelana as he pulls her closer.

Katryn realizes she is quite intimidated by Tamlen and decides to just get on with it.

Tamlen: I think room 3 is open Hajene.

Darrel: Just help you to heal faster, that's all.

Katryn: Okay, let's go to a donation room.

Allaire: ~~ hesitant ~~

Jelana enjoys the contact and leans into Ison.

Darrel reaches the side of the bed, trying to look harmless.

Jelana pulls back briefly and looks at Ison's lips, before lifting her gaze to his in question.

Katryn: Right this way.

Katryn goes down the hall to the donation room.

Mostan holds Eliza close.

Katryn motions for Prestt to follow.

Mytag: Okay.

Prestt follows, shrouded in his own misery.

Allaire slowly gives in. "Okay, you can heal me, but I don't want it to hurt."

Eliza closes her eyes and relaxes in his arms.

Ison moves a hand up to Jelana's cheek as he brushes it and slides his hand through her soft hair.

Darrel: You won't feel anything at all.

Darrel sits down on the bed beside Allaire.

Jelana turns her head and kisses the palm of Ison's hand.

Allaire: ~~ relaxes ~~

Katryn goes into a donation room.

Katryn: Right this way.

Darrel takes Allaire's arms and wraps tentacles around them.

Katryn wonders if this Gen ever worries about getting killed.

Katryn motions for Prestt to sit on the donation lounge.

Katryn: Please, take a seat.

Katryn: This shouldn't take long.

Katryn smiles at the Gen, wondering why he is so despondent.

Jelana: You had transfer today?

Prestt sits, happy to think that soon it will be all over, except for his boots being confiscated by Mytag for the death tax.

Jelana knows Ison was past turnover when she met him.

Ison smiles and moves lower to kiss and nibble on Jelana's neck as he pulls her head back

Prestt thinks a few moments of pain are a small price to pay for true oblivion.

Jelana runs her hands up his chest, tangling her fingers in his hair.

Katryn holds out her arms.

Katryn: This won't hurt, you know.

Katryn ~~ concern ~~

Katryn looks around to see if Tamlen is there, wondering what int he world is going on with this pooor pooor Gen.

Mytag smiles reassuringly at Prestt.

Jelana: I take that as a yes.

Tamlen watches from the door, wondering what is up with Prestt.

Jelana chuckles and combs her fingers up through the back of his hair.

Prestt thinks it's kind of Katryn to try to reassure him.

Ison gently pulls Jelana to the ground and positions himself atop of her, as he kisses her with even more passion.

Katryn: Okay, give me your arms. Then I'll touch your lips and all you have to do is sit there.

Prestt thinks that this sounds like an acceptable last effort.

Prestt holds out his arms.

Jelana opens to his passion, slipping her arms around him and running them down his back, enjoying the feel.

Muttley wakes up from his dreams of chasing rabbits and pads over to the bathroom door.

Katryn takes his arm and lashes her tentacles around them.

Katryn looks at the tentacles, nothing how light they are against this Gen's darker skin.

Muttley sniffs for a minute and realises that someone else is in the next room with his mistress.

Katryn notes how strong there are, even though this man's arms are bigger, with only her tentacles, she can hold him still....

Prestt is happy that his unbearable existence will soon be over.

Katryn enjoys the feel of it, before slipping her laterals out and seating the little pink tentacles along his arm.

Katryn realizes that her job - being a channel - makes this possible and painless.

Katryn smiles up winningly at Prestt.

Muttley noses open the bedroom door and quietly enters the room.

Mytag stays close and gives her steady support.

Prestt: ~~ despair ~~

Jelana reaches around and pushes Ison's shirt off his shoulders, totally engrossed in the feelings Ison has stirred in her and forgetting just where they are.

Katryn: You'll be fine.

Katryn: ~~ firm conviction~~

Katryn: And someone will live, because of you.

Katryn leans forward and touches his lips with hers.

Ison slowly kisses his way down Jelana's neck and chest as he bares one of her breasts with his right hand, and proceeds to encircle it with his tongue.

Eliza wraps her fingers sleepily in Mostan's hair.

Katryn draws.

Muttley looks towards the bed and sees something which somewhere in the dim recesses of his brain doesn't look quite right.

Jelana gasps in pleasure, her hands slipping back up to his head and running absently through his hair, encouraging him.

Prestt realizes that Katryn is right: his socks will be more than enough protection, since they're so stiff with dirt.

Jelana ~~ longing ~~

Muttley jumps onto the bed prepared to do anything to rescue Eliza.

Prestt feels himself slipping gently into oblivion.

Muttley: [and lands straight in the middle of Mostan's back]

Ison gently bites a nipple with his teeth as he feels the small of her back lift and she lets out a gasp.

Mostan jerks upright. "GAAH!!"

Eliza: What!

Eliza: Oh! No!

Katryn carefully empties his first level and takes just a bit of selyn from his second level before slowly, carefully bringing this to a close.

Eliza: ~~ bad dog ~~ Muttley!!! Stop it!

Mostan flails at his unzlinned attacker.

Katryn catches Prestt as he goes to sleep in her arms.

Muttley: Hoooowll.

Jelana: Oh, Ison....

Jelana squirms against him.

Prestt snores gently.

Mytag looks at the donor in amazement.

Mytag: Kat, did you put him to sleep on purpose?

Mostan zlins trying to get oriented.

Katryn shakes her head.

Katryn: No, while I was taking his donation, he slipped right into sleep.

Eliza grabs at Muttley.

Katryn glances over at Tamlen.

Muttley gets hit on the end of his snout by one of Mostan's hands.

Katryn ~~ proud ~~

Eliza: No no no. Bad dog. ~~settle down~~

Katryn moves awkwardly and smiles at Mytag.

Ison drops a hand a slides it up against her thigh, he can feel her heat as he draws upwards.

Katryn: He's going to be fine. I told him he'd be fine.

Mostan focuses on Muttley. "Whaaa?"

Muttley: Woof, Woof.

Jelana sucks in a sharp breath.

Eliza: It's okay.

Eliza: Mos, just stay still.

Jelana ~~ desire ~~

Eliza: It's ok Muttley, come here boy. Come meet Mos.

Muttley can't decide if this is just another game or not. So, "Woof, woof".

Mostan stays still.

Eliza: ~~ good dog ~~ it's okay, Muttley.

Eliza: Come on boy [pats the bed next to her].

Allaire reacts to the tentacles being placed on him, and thinks he's being attacked.

Jelana tugs gently on Ison's hair urging his lips up to hers.

Eliza: Do you like dogs, Mos?

Muttley tries to scratch himself and falls off the bed.

Darrel winces at the flare of fear.

Muttley: [Thump]

Katryn shifts and lifts Prestt into her arms, augmenting.

Katryn: Where should we put him?

Katryn ~~ proud but a little baffled ~~

Darrel: I'm not going to hurt you. Calm down.

Eliza giggles.

Ison lifts and returns to the sweet taste of her lips.

Tamlen: Uh....

Darrel does not, however, let Allaire go.

Muttley: Hoooowl.

Mostan tries to think of diplomatic way to say "no."

Jelana moans into his mouth, wiggling closer.

Mytag resists the temptation of taking Prestt off her.

Ison loosens all the ties to her dress and attempts to ease Jelana's clothing from her, forgetting where he is.

Mostan: Never had a dog.

Katryn decides perhaps the infirmary.

Allaire tries to struggle, but can't escape Darrel's grasp.

Eliza: Well, this is Muttley.

Eliza: Please don't tell anyone he is here yet. ~~quiet~~ Quiet, Muttley.

Muttley: Woof [scratch], Woof [Scratch].

Jelana smiles softly, her eyes drugged with desire as she shrugs the dress from her, helping to slide it down past her hips.

Ison traces the outline of her teeth with his tongue and takes in her flavour.

Eliza: I think I had better get something on. I think Muttley wants to go outside.

Katryn: To the infirmary, Mytag.

Katryn slips out of the room and past Tamlen down toward the infirmary.

Darrel: No, just hold still and let me work on you.

Ison kisses his way down past her breasts and over her stomach he can smell her sweetness as he moves lower.

Eliza quickly slips out of bed and into her clothes.

Darrel: Relax. This won't hurt at all.

Muttley sits there wagging his tail.

Allaire tries to remain calm.

Jelana moans, twisting slightly, desire building.

Mytag follows Katryn closely.

Darrel: That's better.

Katryn goes into the infirmary and gently places Prestt on the bed.

Katryn: I want him to have a bath and several good meals before he is released, Mytag.

Katryn: I want to make sure he is okay.

Mostan: Ok. If you want me to keep quiet.

Darrel: Just hold still for a bit, and let me work on you. Go to sleep if you want.

Katryn: And I want to make sure he gets paid for today's donation too.

Eliza takes Muttley and opens the door.

Eliza: come on, out the back.

Muttley isn't so sure about that, but decides to trust Eliza.

Mytag: Yeah, he smells.

Katryn: He smells!

Katryn looks at Mytag. ~~ appalled ~~

Mytag starts to remove his boots.

Katryn: Is that all you can think of? That he smells?

Darrel projects need to promote healing in the damaged nerves.

Allaire seemingly not nervous now, falls asleep.

Eliza walks down the hall to the back door.

Katryn: This poor man is down on his luck. He was despondent, needy. He needs someone to help him right now, to give him a chance.

Jelana: Ison, please. [whispers softly]

Darrel finishes doing what he can, then lets Allaire go and tiptoes out of the room.

Mytag: Yes, and he smells. [waves a boot at her]

Jelana: Now.

Mytag: So let's get him undressed and washed.

Ison moves his attention back to Jelana's lips as he gazes into her eyes with lust.

Mytag: And maybe burn his clothes.

Katryn: Why not get a nurse to do that?

Prestt snores gently, if not technically dead, at least dead to the world.

Mytag puts the man's shoes down and goes over to wash his hands.

Jelana's gaze returns his with the same burning intensity.

Mytag turns around and walks back to her, exasperated.

Katryn shrugs, grabs a pair of scissors and cuts off his clothes.

Mytag takes a deep breath, and immediately wishes he hadn't.

Ison positions himself above Jelana still with eyes focused on hers.

Mytag takes her arm. "Why not let a nurse do that?"

Katryn: Get the water. And the gown.

Jelana shifts better positioning herself as her hands slide up his chest to his shoulders.

Jelana: Now [whispers... encouraging] Please....

Katryn tosses the clothes into a heap.

Ison reaches down and in one powerful... see note 3

Katryn looks for old scars, zlinning every inch of him as she does.

Katryn zlins his state of health closely, zlinning for malnourishment.

Mytag returns with both.

Katryn takes the sponge, despite the fact she just told Mytag to get a nurse, and quickly and efficiently cleans up Prestt.

Katryn: Please slip the gown on him.

Katryn pulls the side rail up, and then goes over to wash her hands... and tentacles... in antibacterial soap.

Mytag covers the sleeping Gen.

Katryn: Wash your hands, Mytag.

Katryn smiles at him.

Eliza opens the back door to let the dog out.

Muttley bounds out into the garden.

Muttley sees some movement and goes over to see who it is.

Eliza follows the dog.

Muttley sees someone attacking another person and goes over to them.

Eliza sees Jelana and Ison in the garden.

Eliza: Oh no!!!

Eliza blushes and backs up.

Muttley runs up behind Ison and bites him on the leg.

Ison turns his head to follow the scream.

Jelana turns her head with Ison... and sees a Donor standing there.

Eliza turns and flees back into the Center, red with embarrassment.

Ison knows he should cease but is so close he has to keep going.

Muttley bites Ison on the foot. [Muttley has decided he doesn't like Ison]

Jelana: Oh noooo!

Jelana: Oh oh oh...oh....

Ison kicks and curses at the dog.

Ison: Get away you mongrel.

Ison: No, not you Jelana.

Muttley avoids the kick.

Eliza hears Ison yell and runs back.

Jelana: Oh no....

Ison has no choice but stop.

Eliza: Muttley! Muttley!

Jelana is teetering on the edge of release... and isn't sure whether to give in or to die of embarrassment.

Eliza: ~~ leave it alone ~~ Muttley come back!

Jelana: Oh no... don't... stop... oh... no....

Jelana realizes suddenly there is a dog there and that is the problem.

Muttley watches the pair on the ground warily.

Jelana: Oh noooooo.

Eliza runs over and grabs Muttley and pulls him off.

Ison scrambles for his clothing, and feels very uncomfortable.

Jelana grabs at her dress.

Eliza has her eyes carefully shut [now].

Eliza: Oh I'm soooooo sorry.

Muttley: Grrrrrrrr.

Ison closes his eyes and takes a deep breath as his pulls up his pants.

Eliza: I didn't know anyone was naked in the garden, I mean I didn't expect to see so much, I mean, oh dear.

Eliza: Muttley, please just behave!

Jelana trembles, trying to pull her dress on.

Eliza starts walking blindly backwards dragging Muttley.

Muttley moves back to be besides Eliza, just in case Ison decides to ah... attack... her as well.

Ison: I guess that make us even Eliza!!

Eliza still has her eyes shut.

Eliza: ~~ embarrassment, confusion ~~

Eliza keeps backing up, not realising that the Gnome is directly behind her.

Ison looks to Jelana, wanting to continue but realising the mood was lost.

Jelana gets to her feet, and realizes she is still wearing one shoe, but the other one is missing.

Eliza takes one more step, then one more, hits the Gnome and tips head over heels.

Jelana also realizes her backside is cold.

Eliza: Eeeekkkkk!

Eliza lets go of Muttley's collar as she falls.

Muttley sees the gnome but too late and goes flying into the air.

Ison: Are you OK Jelana?

Jelana looks around for it... hears Ison and looks up, blushing.

Eliza: ~~ ouch ~~

Jelana: Two more minutes and I would have been perfect.

Jelana ~~ extreme sexual frustration ~~

Eliza: Oooohhhh my back.

Muttley sees the ground heading towards him rather rapidly.

Ison whispers something to Jelana.

Muttley hits the ground and then sees nothing.

Jelana's eyes widen.

Jelana: Oh, yes... pleeeeeeeeease.

Jelana ~~ an end in sight ~~

Ison: OK I better be off now, [hurries of embarrassedly]

Eliza struggles to get up.

Jelana nods.

Eliza: ~~ pain ~~

Jelana runs off in the opposite direction, making a beeline for Ison's room.

Eliza: Muttley?

Ison ~~ ensuing ecstasy ~~

Eliza: ~~ ouch ~~

Alea comes walking out into the garden.

Muttley: [silence, and lack of movement ensues from the dog.]

Alea sees Eliza laying on the ground by the Gnome.

Alea pauses by Eliza.

Alea: You know, Eliza, most people just sit by it.

Eliza: Oohhh my back.

Eliza: Alea, I fell over the Gnome

Alea: You know, Eliza. You have to be careful about things like that. Gen pain is a dangerous thing. It can cause Simes to attack.

Alea sees the dog.

Alea: Well at least you have the mutt outside.

Alea nods in satisfaction.

Eliza: ~~ pain ~~

Eliza: Ooohhh Muttley?

Eliza: I thought he ran off.

Eliza turns her head painfully towards him.

Eliza: Muttley?

Alea: Come on, let's get you inside, in an insulated room before some Sime zlins your clumsiness and you're the laughingstock of the Tecton Tattler.

Eliza pulls herself up despite the pain.

Eliza: Oh no! Is he dead?

Eliza reaches over to the dog.

Alea reaches down for Eliza's hand to lead her back toward the infirmary and zlin proof insulation.

Muttley opens one eye.

Eliza puts a hand on him.

Eliza: Oh Muttley, I'm sorry!

Eliza puts her hands on Muttley to make sure he is okay.

Muttley: Whine... whimper... whimper, whimper.

Muttley whimpers again, but a bit more loudly this time.

Eliza: Oh Alea, do you think he has broken anything?

Alea: I have no idea.

Alea: Find a vet....

Alea: I have to go visit Snake.

Eliza: What do we do? Go get a channel!!!

Alea turns her nose up in the air at the dog that bit her hand and walks off.

Muttley opens one eye again.

Alea slows and looks back at the dastardly little beggar.

Eliza: Alea!

Eliza: ~~ pain ~~

Alea mutters and turns back around, patting the letter from her Sectuib in her pocket.

Alea reaches awkwardly down for Eliza.

Alea: Okay, come on, let's get you up.

Eliza: Ouch! My back.

Eliza: Oh, Muttley.

Eliza: I won't go inside without him.

Alea: Don't worry about him. I'll carry the demon from out-Territory with us.

Mytag heads towards the cafeteria.

Muttley opens one eye again sees a red and white blur then closes his eyes hoping that the vision will go away.

Alea bends down and picks up the dog, glaring at it.

Alea: come on you mangy mutt.

Alea lifts him up and holds him up against her stomach, glaring at his face.

Alea begins waddling toward the back door.

Alea: don't know why I'm carrying you.

Eliza struggles to ignore her back and get up.

Alea: You bit me. Do you know how dangerous my pregnancy is without risk of infection?

Muttley doesn't care he's just happy to be moving under someone else's power.

Muttley licks [or at least tries to] Alea's hand.

Alea: Shendonie dog... don't even think of snapping me....

Alea: Come on... come on....

Alea: Shen I need to talk to Snake and time's wasting away.

Alea gets into the back door and takes the dog to the infirmary... and starts sneezing.

Alea: Oh... achooo!... noooo.

Alea: Aaa... aaaah... achooo!

Alea: Shen---chooo!... allergi--choo!--es.

Alea sets the dog quickly down on the table and hurries out of the room.

Eliza crawls up the stairs after her.

Muttley doesn't move as he gets covered in the resulting mess.

Eliza rests in the doorway.

Alea hurries to a sink, washing up, before seeing how puffy her eyes are again.

Alea shakes her head.

Alea turns and heads down the hall to go find Snake.

Alea goes to the front lobby.

Muttley sinks into a restless sleep on the table.

Alea grabs her light cloak

D'cor comes striding into the Sime Center lobby.

Alea sees the person and pauses, her cloak in her hands.

D'cor looks around disgusted with the general look of the place, and also disgusted with the fact that he was transferred there.

Alea: Uh... may I...?

Alea thinks No... no... no... she is NOT going to ask this person if she can help him, it always gets her in trouble.

Alea remembers she should have a Channel with her to go to Snake's.

Ison enters the lobby.

D'cor is especially disgusted when he realises that there is a Farris of all things in the lobby obviously waiting for him.

Alea sees Ison and thinks NO WAY - then sees the stranger at the front door and thinks Ison's the lesser of two evils.

Alea: Ison?

Alea waddles over.

D'cor is a mid range 2nd level channel from V'lar.

Ison: Hello, Alea. [smiles]

Alea: I am going to my cousin's.

Alea: would you accompany me please?

Ison: It would be my pleasure, my dear.

Mytag walks into the lobby having left Katryn quietly reading that grisly book.

Ison puts an arm around Alea.

Mytag sees Alea with Ison, and a Channel glaring at everyone else.

Mytag decides to be diplomatic.

Ison: Hi Mytag, how have you been friend?

Mytag: [walks over to the channel] Hello Hajene, can I help you?

Alea stiffens in shock.

Alea knows he did NOT just put his arm around her. She knows it.

Alea moves quickly forward out of his reach.

Alea: We should go.

Alea keeps going as she says this, right out the door, down the steps, waving down a cab as she goes.

Ison ~~comfort~~ "Okay, lead the way."

Alea wonders what put him in such a good mood.

Alea waves down a cab.

D'cor: Yes I am Hajene D'cor, I have just being transferred to this Center. I presume that you were expecting me.

Ison feels very ~~benevolent~~ today.

Mytag wouldn't presume anything about this place.

Alea: Oh... uh.....

Alea pulls her hand back.

Alea waves the cab on.

Alea: That one is a death trap, I'm telling you.

DeathCab's driver thrashes his horses and disappears up the street.

Alea puts a protective hand on her stomach.

Alea waves down another cab.

Mytag: I'm sorry Hajene, I'm afraid I don't know about that. Come over to the desk [where, or course, there is NO clerk] and I'll see, then we can find [maybe if we are lucky] one of the Controllers.

Mystery Cab's driver is smoking a large cigar.

Ison puts a hand onto Alea's shoulder. ~~soothing~~

Alea is a Gen and though she as one shendoni Farris Gen can't quite zlin that, though she can certainly SENSE it....

Mystery Cab's driver: Ah well, if it isn't Sosu Center of the Universe. Where to, lady?

Eliza drags herself along the hallway.

Alea, however, doesn't soothe when it's not Tarsh doing the touching and immediately tenses.

Eliza: ~~pain, ouch my back, pain~~

Alea: The Ferry Building.

Alea [haughty]

Mystery Cab's driver: Well, get in.

Alea climbs into the cab.

Mystery Cab's driver seems to recall this lady was very bossy and had lots of instructions for how he should drive.

Alea: I happen to be encinte... if you can't see that... and it takes time.

Mystery Cab's driver clucks to the horses and the cab pulls away from the curb.

Alea looks at Ison.

Alea [stiffly]

Alea: Thank you for escorting me.

Alea: I am getting too far along to go anywhere by myself.

D'cor zlins his surroundings.

Ison projects ~~reassurance~~

Ison: Hey, don't be so uptight, Alea.

Mytag keeps his nager carefully neutral.

Alea wouldn't be so uptight if Ison was still his calculating self... but he is suddenly nice and that has Alea worried.

Ison revels in his full strength and enjoys the game even more as Alea can't see through him.

D'cor follows Mytag [having nothing better to do].

Mytag looks at the day book on the counter - no mention of a new channel.

D'cor keeps one hand in his coat pocket, almost as if hiding something.

Alea: The person you will meet is a very top notch channel. She is also a cousin of mine. You will see the resemblance, I'm sure.

Mytag checks back rapidly, nope, nothing there.

Mystery Cab's driver lays the reins over his knee, sets the cigar on the back of the driver's seat, and leans way down for something near his feet.

Mytag sighs deeply.

Alea: As I was saying... she is... HEY!

Mytag: I'm sorry Hajene, nothing here.

Alea looks up in ~~ shock ~~~

D'cor: Well? Where is someone in charge of this place?

Mytag: We will have to see if we can find either Controller Briel or Controller Veraik.

Mystery Cab's driver: [horses start at Alea's yell, jerking the cab enough to knock the cigar off into the passenger area]

Alea: Please hold those Reins!!!!

Alea: Oh no!

Mystery Cab's driver: Yeah, yeah, lady, don't get your underwear in a bunch.

Alea jumps up, trying to avoid the cigar, wrapping her arms around her stomach.

D'cor follows along behind Mytag.

Ison flinches and regains composure.

Mystery Cab's driver comes up from bending over, with an insulated bottle in his hand.

Alea: No no! Get that nasty....

Alea turns green....

Mytag checks on Veraik's office first - it's open and empty.

Alea falls weakly down to the chair, holding her throat.

Alea: I... I.... ~~ nausea ~~

Alea: The cigar.

Mystery Cab's driver grabs the reins and narrowly makes a corner the horses hadn't been going to take.

Alea: Get it out of here... it's turning my stomach....

Ison: Hey Alea stop it, its not so serious.

Mystery Cab wheels run up on the curb with a grinding lurch.

Ison: A simple "please put it out" would suffice.

Eliza edges along the cafeteria wall, radiating pain with every step.

Eliza: Ouch ouch.

Mystery Cab's driver: Whoa! Get on there you lazy brutes!

Alea looks around trying to find the cigar and is thrown against Ison.

Alea: Oh... uh ~~ nausea ~~

Alea grabs onto Ison.

Ison instinctively embraces Alea.

Alea buries her head against his shoulder.

Alea ~~ ill ~~

Mystery Cab's driver: [cab falls off the curb with a crash, then jerks onward]

Mytag smiles wanly at D'cor and heads towards Briel's office.

Alea: Get the cigar... ugh....

Alea pulls back from Ison and looks around.

Ison feels her warmth and projects ~~comfort~~

Alea sees it, between Ison's feet.

Alea reaches down for it.

Mystery Cab's driver lays one arm against the back of the seat, lays the reins over his knee again, and takes a long drink from the hot toddy in the insulated bottle.

Ison steps on the cigar and extinguishes the smoke.

Alea's eyes water from the smell of the nasty old cigar.

Alea blinks, waves a hand in front of her face and sits back up, leaning her head against the back of the seat.

Mystery Cab [the horses start down the hill and soon realize their driver isn't applying the brake as he should]

Alea: Oh myyyyyiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!

Alea's eyes widen and she grabs Ison's leg.

Alea: Brace... your... self!

D'cor strides towards the office door, giving every impression that he intends to go straight through it if it isn't open by the time he gets there.

Alea ~~ Tense fear ~~

Alea: DRIVER!!!!!!

Ison senses Alea's discomfort.

Mystery Cab's driver: Whad, whad??? [annoyed]

Ison holds onto Alea's hand. "What's wrong?"

Mystery Cab's driver grabs hold of the brake and thus prevents the cab from running over the horses.

Alea: Hold the... reins!

Mytag signals at Briel's shut door.

Mystery Cab's driver belatedly snatches the reins.

Briel: Come.

Mystery Cab's driver: Hold yer horses, lady! I've got my hands full at the moment.

Eliza shuffles alone slowly. Never has her room seemed so far away.

Frutata comes down the hallway.

D'cor halts suddenly [and looks profoundly unimpressed about having to do so.]

Mytag opens the door.

Mytag: Hajene Briel, This is Hajene errr D'cor. He says that he has been transferred here.

Mytag leads D'cor in.

Briel: Oh... I see.

Briel pushes the work aside.

D'cor follows Mytag into the office and stands and waits.

Mystery Cab's driver mutters and keeps his hands on the reins and brake as the cab continues downhill.

Alea: Please please please... keep your hands on the reins.

Ison takes Alea's arms and despite her resistance manages to manipulate her field and lay her to sleep.

Alea is holding onto Ison and... falls asleep. ~~ rat ~~

Mystery Cab's driver: what do you think I'm doing, milking a cow?

Alea collapses into Ison's arms.

Alea ~~ out like a light ~~

Briel: And you are from?

Frutata sees Eliza.

Briel sees the silver and green cape... and tries not to flinch.

Frutata: Eliza?

Frutata can see she is not all right.

Briel: Ah... welll.... R'lea offers greetings to V'lar.

Briel stands.

D'cor: I have being transferred here from householding V'lar.

D'cor: ~~ proud ~~

Ison supports Alea and smiles as she melts into his embrace.

Briel: I see.

Briel: Please have a seat.

D'cor: V'lar offers greeting to householding R'lea.

Briel: I need some information from you.

Eliza: Err, Frutata.

D'cor sits in the offered chair.

Frutata: Can I be of any assistance?

Eliza: Hello. ~ouch~ [grimace]

Frutata approaches Eliza.

Allaire continues to sleep peacefully.

Briel: When is your transfer date?

Eliza: I've hurt my back, fell over the gnome.

Briel gets out a pen and scribbles some notes.

Frutata: Have you been seen to by a channel?

Alea ~~ totally relaxed, except for the baby, who doesn't particularly like being squished ~~

Eliza: No [groan]

Eliza: Just trying to get inside.

Briel looks up to see if he has his folder.

Frutata: Can I help?

Ison cuddles Alea and brushes her hair from her face.

Frutata offers Eliza his arm.

Mytag: Briel, you want me to stay? [indicating Briel's Donorless state]

D'cor: My transfer is due in 21 days time.

Mystery Cab's driver pulls to a halt in front of the Ferry Building.

Eliza takes it and leans heavily on it.

Mystery Cab's driver turns to Ison.

D'cor: ~~slightly nervous~~

Alea dreams she is being mauled by a flesh eating monster and squirms.

Mystery Cab's driver: That'll be 10.

Mystery Cab's driver holds out his hand.

Briel: I see.

Briel makes a note of that.

Briel: And your last assignment?

Briel: Was at V'lar or was it at another Sime Center?

Mystery Cab's driver sees that "Princess Hold-The-Reins" is asleep and understands now why the last half the ride was so peaceful.

D'cor: This will be my first assignment outside of V'lar. I only completed my training last month, but I am fully up to Tecton standard.

Briel: Yes, please. [to Mytag]

Mytag moves around to ~~support~~ Briel.

D'cor starts staring at Briel's left ear.

Briel nods her thanks.

Briel wonders what D'cor finds so fascinating.

Frutata helps Eliza along.

Alea mutters "Tarsh, baby" and snuggles down to sleep.

Eliza: Just let me get to my room please, Frutata.

Frutata nods.

Ison frowns but pulls Alea closer as he looks out the window.

Eliza: Mos is there.

Frutata leads Eliza toward her room, at her speed.

Frutata assumes that Mostan will be able to see to the injury.

Ison pulls out some money and hands it to the driver.

Briel nods to D'cor.

Briel: And... we do have a Donor available.

Mystery Cab's driver waits to see how much luck Ison will have getting Alea out of the cab.

Briel: If you report back tomorrow, we'll have your schedule ready.

Briel: In the meantime, you'll have a room in the Sime quarters assigned to you.

Frutata drops Eliza off at her room, where Mostan is waiting.

Ison looks at Mystery Cab's driver menacingly and awaits his change.

D'cor: Ah thank you.

Briel: And you'll have a key. We have an entire package of paperwork you'll need to fill out.

Briel: Unless, that is, you don't want to get paid.

Mystery Cab's driver pulls out some bills and counts through them as if trying to figure out how much change is needed.

Briel opens her drawer and pulls out a large folder full of paperwork.

Briel hands it to D'cor.

Briel: You don't happen to know B'cal do you?

D'cor: That is of no concern of mine, though my house may not be happy if I do not receive full remuneration.

Briel ~~ casually ~~ as she proffers the envelope.

Ison reaches over and grabs his own change. "Thank you."

Briel zlins D'cor unbelievably surprised at his attitude.

Alea rolls over and curls up on the seat when Ison moves away.

Mystery Cab's driver sees no tip was left, and figures "it figures" with all that complaining earlier.

Alea dreams of running through a wide open field with only the sun on her... and giggles.

Ison puts his arms around Alea and easily lifts her from the cab and walks to the door.

D'cor: Yes, I know B'cal ~~ flare of horror/fear/sadness at the mention the name ~~. I knew her quite well.

Alea frowns as a dark cloud passes over her dream.

Briel: I see.

Briel: Well, then....

Briel wonders just how much this person is like her.

Ison with arms full softly but deliberately kicks at the door in a knocking fashion.

D'cor: ~~ goes back to offering a Tecton standard show field ~~

Toi Toi opens the door, wondering when these shenned Gens will learn how to use the signal.

Alea clings to the body. "Make it go away, Tarsh."

Toi Toi is surprised to see a Sime... carrying Alea.

Toi Toi: Hello?

Toi Toi: Can I help you?

Alea hears a creaking... and hears a dreaded dragon talking.

Toi Toi is a Gen receptionist.

D'cor: If that is all...? [voice trails off]

Briel: Ah, well, yes.

Briel: The desk clerk can help you.

Ison Zlins Toi Toi. "We are here to see Wise Snake, is there somewhere Alea can compose herself?"

D'cor: Well then I shall go up to my room.

D'cor turns and leaves.

Toi Toi: ~~no nonsense~~

Alea hears the rumble and it doesn't feel the same as Tarsh.

Briel: Yes, your room will be on the first floor.

Toi Toi: Unfortunately, no. However, the two of you may have a seat on the bondage banana and I'll let Her know you're here.

Ison juggles Alea taking firm grip.

Toi Toi realises the word "bondage" slipped out and turns bright red.

Briel: If you go back down this hall and turn left, go through the double doors and on back past the teaching wing, you'll find the Sime quarters.

D'cor: Ok then. [heads down the corridor and out of sight]

Toi Toi stands aside to let them in.

Briel thinks 'great... another one from V'lar'.

Ison glares at Toi Toi with disdain and pushes past.

Briel shakes her head, wondering when this job got so bad.

Toi Toi frowns at being treated this way, then decides he will have to receive her worst... a bad recommendation to Snake.

Toi Toi is not sure how bad exactly that would be, but likes to think it would be very bad.

Alea reaches up to pat Tarsh's cheek and pauses, rubbing against his cheek with her hand.

Toi Toi closes and re locks the door.

Ison frowns the insolence but refrains from commenting.

Toi Toi glances casually at the banana to make sure that no straps or anything got left there by mistake (for the 100th time that day) and then goes up the stairs.

Alea leans her head back and blinks blurrily at the person holding her, trying to break the sleepiness.

Toi Toi signals at the door to Snake's office.

Ison decides against laying Alea down in the circumstances and stands rigid, Alea in his arms, awaiting Snake.

Alea tries to focus on who is carrying her... trying to remember where the shenned she is at.

Toi Toi: Yes, Hajene. An extremely rude! man pushed past me into the building, carrying the body of your cousin.

Alea blinks once, twice, and then a third time before she finally recognizes the face of the person holding her.

Toi Toi pauses as Snake hurries past her, then smiles to herself.

Alea thinks HOLDING HER!

Toi Toi is now known as Wise Snake.

Alea: what ARE you doi----you put me to SLEEP!

Alea shakes her head trying to get rid of the last bit of muzziness.

Alea: Put me down!

Alea: What is Snake going to think. What is TARSH going to think!

Wise Snake hears Alea's shriek and augments the rest of the way down the stairs. [thinking something awful is happening to the Donor]

Alea: Oh shen this will be in the Tecton Tattler for SURE.

Ison gradually places Alea's feet on the ground and steadies her as she stands.

Wise Snake pauses, seeing Alea in the embrace of a channel.

Alea is bright red, gripping Ison unsteadily.

Wise Snake zlins Alea.

Wise Snake: What's... what is going on here?

Alea ~~ shock and embarrassment ~~

Alea: You knocked me out.

Alea: In that cab.

Alea: Didn't you!

Alea: How could you do that?

Alea: Snake?

Alea looks over, just realizing Snake is there.

Ison, knowing of Snake's stature, zlins her.

Alea drops her hands from Ison and takes a step back.

Alea ~~ embarrassed ~~

Wise Snake: ~~very powerful channel with less than adequate personal hygiene~~

Wise Snake zlins them both.

Alea: Snake, this is... a new channel at the Center.

Wise Snake: Er, do I get some kind of an explanation?

Alea: You will note I did not come here alone today.

Ison changes his stance to a more compassionate one.

Alea: Hajene Ison, this is Hajene Snake.

Alea: Snake Farris.

Ison: Please make sure Alea has some rest, she is quite exhausted.

Alea: My niece.

Alea ~~ fumes ~~

Wise Snake mouths the words "my niece?" in apparent confusion.

Wise Snake studies Ison.

Wise Snake: Hello.

Ison smiles at Snake. [contempt]

Alea: Ison is one of our Second Order channels that just arrived at the Sime Center.

Wise Snake studies Ison a second time.

Ison: A pleasure to meet you I am sure.

Alea ~~ less than enthusiastic about this ~~

Wise Snake gives Ison a thoroughly unpleasant look.

Ison smiles the best he can manage.

Ison: You live up to you reputation, my dear Snake.

Wise Snake is not smiling... she doesn't handle contempt well.

Alea: I received a letter from....

Wise Snake: Is that so?

Alea trails off.

Ison bows his head.

Alea thinks ~~ oh dear ~~

Ison now realises why Alea is the way she is.

Alea lifts an eyebrow at Ison, looking down her Farris nose at him.

Ison looks for Toi Toi , hmmm pitiful.

Alea: Thank you, Ison for the trouble of assisting me to Snake's.

Alea: Snake, I received a letter from the Sectuib today.

Alea: That's why I came to see you, actually.

Wise Snake: Ummh. [distracted]

Alea: However, I do want you to note I have an escort.

Ison: Pardon me for saying "your royalness" I think it best I leave. [inwards snigger]

Alea: Ison here was kind enough to offer to escort....

Alea trails off again... slowly glaring

Wise Snake grimaces.

Wise Snake: Thank goodness.

Ison is amused at the Farris audacity.

Wise Snake unlocks the door and holds it open for him.

Alea turns her back on him, brushing at her cloak as if he is totally insignificant.

Wise Snake: Good bye, and you are welcome back any time you care to try civility.

Ison walks to the door and turns.

Ison extends his hand to Wise Snake.

Wise Snake does not touch the hand.

Wise Snake looks Ison in the eyes.

Wise Snake: Yes?

Ison [smirk] it has been an experience.

Wise Snake is not impressed.

Ison abruptly turns and leaves.

Wise Snake shakes her head and closes the door.

Wise Snake: Where did you say they picked him up?

Ison mutters to himself "hierarchy" and chuckles.

Alea sighs.

Alea: He is a new channel at the Center.

Alea: He took an instant dislike to anything black.

Alea strokes her collar and the Farris black.

Wise Snake: Ummh.

Alea: How are you today, Snake?

Wise Snake has never been a Farris-worshiper herself.

Alea of course is very proud of her heritage.

Wise Snake: Better now that I know your dead body wasn't being dragged in by a raving lunatic. I'm afraid your announcement was a bit garbled.

Alea: My announcement....

Alea looks around.

Alea: I was tired, not watching what he was doing and the shenned channel put me to sleep.

Wise Snake: [Toi Toi is sitting at the front desk looking innocent]

Alea: Veraik used to to that to me all the time.

Alea: I hate it when they do that!

Alea goes over to the yellow banana and takes a seat.

Wise Snake leans against the newel post.

Alea sees a strap sticking out and wonders what it is.

Wise Snake zlins Toi Toi's attention leap to the strap at the same time Alea's does, and a ping of alarm.

Wise Snake glances at the receptionist, then back at Alea.

Alea sighs and drops the strap.

Wise Snake shakes her head and puts it from her mind.

Wise Snake: So, ah, how can I help you?

Alea: I got a reply from Muryin today.

Alea digs in her pocket and pulls out the letter.

Wise Snake had suppressed the memory that this conversation involved Zeor.

Alea hands it to Snake.

Wise Snake: Uhh... yeah.

Alea: I... well....

Alea: Muryin wanted me to leave Bender Cove... go somewhere else, Snake, to have this child.

Wise Snake takes it with an attempt to hide her true feelings, and opens it.

Alea: I begged her to let me stay. I didn't want to leave T... uh... I just didn't want to leave.

Alea: I mean, if I'm going to die, if it's that dangerous, it could happen here as easily as somewhere else.

Alea: She finally answered today.

Alea: I promised her you were going to be there... and Tramila and that she could send the best doctor she could find.

Wise Snake: You TOLD her I'd be there?

Alea: As you can see in the letter.... she has said if she gets weekly reports, from you and Tramila on my health..and....

Wise Snake reads the letter.

Alea: Well, you did promise.

Alea: And on the baby... she said she would allow it on a week to week basis.

Wise Snake feels boxed in.

Wise Snake: I never.... [stops]

Alea: I told her what a wonderful channel you have turned out to be. Of course, she already knew that....

Alea pauses paling.

Alea: You're not going to be there, are you?

Ison waits outside for a cab to hail.

Wise Snake: Yes, I will.

Alea ~~ relief ~~

Wise Snake rubs her forehead.

Alea: Snake... I'm worried....

Alea: Well, actually, I haven't told anyone else this, but I am scared to death.

Alea: Tramila mentioned the other day I am barely zlinnable and that this will have to be the last transfer I have.

Alea: I don't want to lose this baby.

Alea stands up and goes over to Snake.

Wise Snake looks visibly distressed by the topic.

Alea: I'm afraid I'm going to die.

Alea: If you're not there, I know I will.

Wise Snake: Alea....

Alea: I've seen it.

Alea: At night, in my dreams.

Wise Snake: ...Oh.

Wise Snake: [resigned]

Alea: If you can't make it....

Wise Snake: I told you I'd be there. [tensely]

Alea wants to say she'd understand....

Alea: I know.

Alea: I'm sorry, Snake. I know this is a touchy subject for you.

Alea: But will you do me a favor?

Wise Snake cringes internally.

Wise Snake: What?

Alea: If something does happen to me, and Tarsh is somehow unable to function--he's not a member of a Householding and has never been to Zeor--would you be its godmother and make sure the baby gets training at Zeor?

Wise Snake stares at Alea.

Alea: You're the only one I would trust.

Alea: Besides Tarsh.

Ison knocks on the door.

Alea turns her head and looks at the door.

Ison knocks even harder.

Wise Snake jerks, startled.

Wise Snake goes over to the door and opens it.

Alea rubs her lower back tiredly

Wise Snake wonders what kind of a channel would do that to himself, not to mention the people around him.

Ison: Hello again. [smiles] Could you please call me a cab?

Wise Snake's pale eyes turn subtly colder.

Alea thinks you're a cab... but doesn't say it... realizes she must be tired.

Wise Snake: I am not the valet.

Wise Snake: Walk down to Bayview, three blocks to your left.

Alea goes over and sinks down on the banana, stretching out to ease the cramping in her back.

Wise Snake closes the door.

Wise Snake returns to Alea.

Alea sees Snake and struggles back up.

Wise Snake: Alea... what you ask of me. This is a... [doesn't say formidable]... honor.

Alea: You think so?

Alea: I'm glad.

Alea: I was afraid you would think of it as an awful burden.

Wise Snake was just thinking what a tremendous weight has just been put on her shoulders.

Wise Snake: Ah... no. I'll do it.

Alea: Thank you.

Ison thinks to himself,  "as I thought, all the same."

Alea suddenly looks up in horror.

Alea: Oh no!

Alea: Snake!

Alea: I just sent away my escort!

Alea: I need him back!

Wise Snake jumps back at Alea's sudden change of mood.

Wise Snake: Umm... he's right outside, last I checked.

Alea: One of the promises I made to Muryin was to be extra careful going out on excursions.

Alea struggles up and waddles toward the door.

Wise Snake thinks, glad you listen to someone!

Wise Snake sighs and goes and unlocks the door for Alea.

Alea: You would not believe what she made me promise unto Zeor.

Alea looks out.

Alea: Ison!

Alea: ISON!

Alea signals him nagerically with her field.

Alea looks back at Snake.

Ison pops his head from around the corner.

Alea: Unto Zeor and Tarsh... my two weaknesses and Muryin new them both.

Alea: Why don't you come in here and wait?

Alea: Snake has some nice hot tea for us.

Ison: I take it you're ready Alea?

Alea: No, please... come back in.

Ison stops at the entrance.

Alea steps back to let him enter

Ison looks to Snake for an invitation.

Alea looks at Snake entreatingly.

Wise Snake glances at Alea, then shrugs, flicks a tentacle at Ison to enter.

Alea: Thank you ~~ nagerically ~~

Ison enters again.

Wise Snake re locks the door behind him.

Ison: Why, you are so kind.

Alea goes back over to the yellow banana couch and sits down.

Wise Snake: Let's see. You promised him tea, that's my cue to invite you both upstairs.

Wise Snake: Come on, then.

Alea stands.

Wise Snake starts up the stairs.

Alea: Thank you, Snake.

Alea climbs laboriously up the three flight of stairs behind Snake.

Ison briefly looks at Snake then turns his attention to Alea.

Ison: Are you better now?

Alea: Just tired for some reason.

Alea: Could be because a channel put me to sleep and i was awakened before I should have been.

Ison assists Alea up the stairs.

Alea smiles.

Alea: Thank you.

Alea follows Snake to her office.

Wise Snake offers them seats near the fire.

Ison looks around as he follows behind Alea.

Wise Snake: [it is a large, run-down public building of impressive architectural merits and even more impressive rat population]

Alea takes a seat near the fire.

Alea ~~ relief ~~

Alea looks around the office.

Ison sits close to Alea and makes it obvious.

Wise Snake studies Ison, then shakes her head and goes to prepare the tea.

Wise Snake: Trin for you, Alea?

Alea glances at Ison, her eyes widening, and tries to move away a bit.

Alea: Yes, please.

Ison: Oh, thank you. [to snake before the offer]

Wise Snake: Ison? Trin, blackberry, straw... er,

Wise Snake: Right.

Ison: Blackberry, thanks.

Ison smiles.

Wise Snake wonders what the strawberry is still kicking around for, as she'd told Sky in no uncertain terms to get rid of it.

Wise Snake brings the two teas back to them then sits at her desk.

Alea: So, how is the purchase of this building coming?

Wise Snake: I have the deed in my hand.

Wise Snake: Got it a little over a week ago.

Alea: Oh, that's great!

Alea: I'm so happy for you, Snake.

Alea: Snake was trying to purchase this building.

Alea: [to Ison]

Alea: Looks like you have succeeded.

Alea looks around.

Alea: Where are Rapol and Nick?

Wise Snake: Yes, [darts a glance at Ison] persistence does occasionally have its merits.

Alea nods.

Alea: That is does.

Wise Snake: They're here.

Ison: Tell me, Snake, what is your official occupation here?

Wise Snake looks to Ison.

Alea: Her official....

Wise Snake: That depends on your definition of "here", and your definition of "official".

Alea blinks... blinks again... and decides to sip her tea.

Ison wasn't asking a cryptic question, but decides to simplify it for the uneducated.

Ison: what exactly is your role in Bender Cove, Wise Snake?

Ison smiles at Snake almost enticingly.

Wise Snake continues to watch Ison, then blinks once, slowly.

Wise Snake: I believe it was my Donor Rapol who compared my function to that of a drip pan.

Wise Snake: I catch what is about to fall out of society, before it does.

Ison: Oh, you work with the less fortunate I take it?

Alea chokes on her tea.

Ison: That explains why I haven't yet heard much from you.

Ison: Alea are you OK?

Wise Snake thinks that depends on one's definition of "less fortunate", especially since not having anything to do with Ison appears to be a criteria.

Alea wipes at the spill on her stomach thinking less fortunate, drug dealers, politicians....

Alea: I'm fine. Just fine.

Alea adds lawyers... and certain law enforcement people at different agencies to that list.

Alea carefully avoids both sets of eyes as she cleans up the mess and returns to sipping her tea.

Alea thinks some of those less fortunate Snake... works... with own half of the town.

Wise Snake: I have been known to work with the, unfortunate, at times. [allows]

Alea winces at the word 'unfortunate'.

Wise Snake: As a channel I serve mainly those who cannot or will not use the Sime Centers.

Ison: Oh you poor thing Snake, how on earth did you get lumbered with that?

Wise Snake zlins Ison.

Alea sets her tea down.

Alea moves her chair a bit closer to the fire and stretches her feet out listening.

Ison ~~blank blank~~

Alea 's eyes drift closed and she thinks of how lucky she is to be sitting in the same room with two people who are most probably going to tear each other apart.

Alea's head falls to one side and her right hand drops from her stomach to hang limply at her side as she drifts off to sleep.

Ison hides his ~~curiosity to snake~~ and contempt of Farrises~~

Wise Snake finishes zlinning him and sighs.

Wise Snake: By choice, actually.

Wise Snake: I grew up in this city and it feels right to be serving it.

Wise Snake: I do have other goals, of course.

Wise Snake's eyes flick to the sleeping Alea.

Ison: Alea, shall I escort you home?

Ison grabs Alea's arm and shakes.

Ison: Alea.

Ison sits back and allows her to sleep.

Wise Snake frowns.

Ison: Your goals? What may they be?

Wise Snake: According to B'cal, another Donor I once had, my goals will eventually expand to include saving the world. At present, however, I am content to work for dominating the underclass, gaining a foothold in City politics, and founding a Householding.

Ison: I saw you once before, you were called to help with a groupie. is that what you do?

Wise Snake: Yes, in part.

Ison: Can you communicate with them or do they merely fear you?

Wise Snake: People?

Wise Snake: It is a mixture.

Wise Snake: Often for any given person it falls somewhere in between.

Ison: And your personal reward for this, is it pride or monetary?

Wise Snake: Pride would be mine regardless. [dryly] As for money, it is a tool.

Ison admires Snake's strength.

Ison: Is pride a right for you?

Wise Snake looks at Ison oddly, having never considered the question.

Ison sighs as he he sees someone at last genuine, but still ignorant as to others' needs.

Wise Snake: Insofar as it is anybody's right, I suppose. However, in me, it is more of an inherent characteristic.

Wise Snake still isn't sure what Ison had been getting at.

Ison coming from a Household finds it hard to accept hierarchy or class, either you help or you don't, you are strong or you are weak.

Ison feels respect is earned, it's not a birth right.

Ison: [hence, his dislike for Farrises]

Wise Snake has never been able to figure out why people question her commitment to her clients, as she has always considered that commitment natural and inevitable.

Wise Snake: Ah... Ison, could you hand me Alea's tea?

Ison considers Wise Snake a Farris and therefore questions her commitment.

Wise Snake: She's going to knock it off if it stays there.

Ison reaches over and passes Alea's tea to Snake.

Wise Snake: Thanks.

Wise Snake: This building is intended to house my Householding, which does not yet exist.

Wise Snake: Its first purpose will be to serve as a community center for the Dockside area.

Wise Snake: I obtained the blessings of the neighborhood council and the Chief of Police based on the community center proposal.

Ison: Do you work alone here as a channel, or do you have support?

Wise Snake: That proposal was based on my observations, during... er....

Wise Snake: I have two Donors.

Wise Snake is surprised Ison hadn't heard that elsewhere.

Wise Snake: Companions, I suppose you could call them.

Wise Snake: Nick and Rapol.

Ison is amazed that this is all on the shoulders of one channel.

Wise Snake: I also work with two Third Order channels but they do not work out of this building.

Ison: You must be so worn down.

Wise Snake looks a little defensive at the worn down comment.

Wise Snake: It can be hard at times. But the work gets done.

Ison is impressed at her commitment considering she is a Farris.

Ison quietly admires Snake but lets on nothing to imply.

Ison: Well, I must be off, will Alea be OK here?

Wise Snake zlins Ison's admiration and thinks he isn't as bad as she had feared.

Wise Snake: Yes. I'll look after her.

Wise Snake: You will want to let Tramila know that you left her with me.

Wise Snake wonders if Tramila knows Alea made Snake the child's godmother instead of Tramila.

Ison [smiles] it was truly a pleasure, and I will let Tramila and Tarsh know of her whereabouts. I will look forward to the next time we meet.

Wise Snake nods, and shows Ison out.

Notes:

1) In trautholo, the channel and Donor have meshed fields in such a way as to utterly relieve all symptoms of need, replacing them with a calm, protected feeling. In this state, a channel could die of attrition without realizing it. Therefore, either Keli and Ison have not actually achieved trautholo, or this line describing Ison's "dreadful" feelings was lagged. [return]

2) The letter in question evidently contained explicit instructions to Alea regarding her prenatal care, some of which (such as returning to Zeor) Alea plans not not following. [return]

3) Some of the Jelana-and-Ison bit has been omitted here. [return]

Go on to Episode #206: (under construction)

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