Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #207: Shattered (4/4/98)
Mytag waits for Katryn in the lobby
Katryn walks into the lobby
Mytag: Good morning Katryn
Mytag: it's quiet here today
Katryn: Yes, it is.
Katryn zlins Mytag.
Mytag: ~relaxed ~
Katryn: Are you ready to work?
Katryn moves over next to Mytag soaking in his field.
Eliza hesitantly, and with great reluctance, is looking for D'cor.
D'cor is trying to convince himself that yesterday wasn't as bad as what he thought it was.
D'cor glances around his room, realises that there was no way it was a needmare and decides to see if he can find Eliza to explain to her.
D'cor leaves his room and heads towards the cafeteria hoping that he can find Eliza there.
Eliza decides that if she just sits in the lobby sooner or later (preferably later) D'cor will turn up.
D'cor has decided that he wants to avoid the lobby if at all possible.
Eliza stares at the schedule board and kicks her heels.
D'cor asks a passing renSime where Eliza is, and when he answers "She's in the lobby", shudders and changes direction.
Eliza starts biting her nails.
D'cor enters the lobby, looks around and walks over to Eliza.
Eliza: ~~oh bugger~~
Eliza: Hello.
D'cor: [Recoils slightly from the negative emotion in Eliza's field.]
Eliza: Did you want me to work with you today?
D'cor: Hello, Eliza. Of course I do, you being assigned to me after all. [Trying to sound bright]
Eliza tries her damnedest not to feel anything at all. ~~disappointed~~
Eliza: Yeah, okay.
Eliza stands up.
D'cor: You must learn to control your emotions, Eliza, channels are trained to be able to handle negative emotion but for a renSime negative emotions can be damaging to them.
Eliza: ~~resentment~~ I know. I'm trying.
Eliza wishes he wouldn't be so negative at her all the time.
D'cor: Since there seems to be no-one waiting to get a donation done, would you like to go for a walk?
Eliza: Sure.
Eliza walks to the lobby cupboard and gets out her cloak.
D'cor goes upstairs to grab a coat, and comes back down wearing his household colors. "Shall we go then?"
Eliza is working at feeling numb.
D'cor strides towards the front door.
Eliza opens the door for him.
Eliza steps out after him. The day is sunny, and, although it is still a bit brisk is starting to warm up.
Frody sits down by the lake and starts to put on his skates
Frody is a young male Gen, about a year after Establishment.
D'cor: I'll let you lead, I'm still not sure of what's what around here. Are there any shops nearby? Perhaps we could head in that direction?
Eliza: Down there [points] is the park and the lake. Over that way [points to the right] is the Harbor District, shops and things and the main market. Over that way [points left] is the Ferry Building, and if you keep going you eventually reach EastCove.
Eliza: Did you particularly want to go shopping?
D'cor: Well, since there's a lake close, I'll put off my shopping until another day. The lake may be nice and relaxing. Shall we go down there?
Eliza: Okay.
Eliza starts to actually relax a bit as they walk in the warm sun.
D'cor allows himself to relax in the sun and even starts to enjoy Eliza's field.
Eliza skips a bit, but is careful to avoid patches of melt.
D'cor ignores the patches of water and just strides straight ahead not saying anything.
D'cor: [Though he does look more relaxed that at anytime since arriving in Bender Cove]
Eliza remember that she isn't alone....
Eliza: Oh, so D'cor, where did you work before you came here?
D'cor: This is actually my first assignment outside of V'lar. I finished my training last year but I was kept within the House for ahh... advanced training.
Eliza: Oh? What sort of advanced training?
Eliza: ~~curious~~
D'cor: I'd ahh... prefer not to talk about it. ~~embarrassed~~.
Eliza: Oh! [nods thinking it must be some sort of secret stuff]
Eliza: I would like to see a Household one day. ~~wistful~~
D'cor: There's probably one out there for you, you may get your chance. [Being polite, doesn't really think that she has any chance.]
Eliza: I don't think I want to live in one. Sounds a bit, well, I mean I like to be free.
Eliza hopes that didn't sound too rude.
Eliza doesn't feel very free anyway.
D'cor: Yes... well, you never know.
B'lony comes running down the muddy street.
Eliza wonders what D'cor means by that but couldn't be bothered asking.
Eliza has never had trouble making conversation before!
B'lony darts in and out of traffic.
B'lony ignores the shouts of anger and warning from different people, only determined to hide from the person he just stole from who is in hot pursuit.
Eliza sees the excitement up ahead.
Eliza: What's happening up there?
D'cor zlins but can only pick up a child's nager and some excited people.
D'cor: I'm not sure, shall we go up to take a look?
B'lony slips and goes down in the mud, but is right back up, narrowly missing a nicely dressed Sime with her child.
B'lony ducks and hurries on....
B'lony is approximately 10 natal years young boy.
D'cor starts to speed up as he gets close enough to distinguish some of the details.
Eliza hurries ahead.
B'lony hears the shoot, looks over his shoulder and realizes the person is gaining.
B'lony, in desperation, makes a lunge to cut between two wagons... and doesn't make it..slipping and ending up under one.
B'lony ~~ PAIN ~~
B'lony screams out in agony as his leg is crushed beneath a wagon wheel.
D'cor augments towards the child.
Eliza gets left behind as D'cor speeds up.
B'lony ~~ pain ~~ ~~ world fading as he focuses solely on the pain ~~
D'cor gets to the wagon just in time to watch the child's leg get crushed.
Eliza hears the scream and runs faster.
B'lony: Aaaaaaahhhhh aahhhhhhhhh !!
B'lony stiffens in agony and then begins to sob in loud gasping sobs.
Eliza pounds up behind him.
D'cor gratefully relaxes on Eliza's field, while trying to work out where to start.
D'cor: Ok [mutters to self], first of all to get the wagon off the leg.
B'lony [lower left leg crushed just below the knee] ...right leg badly bruised]
B'lony: [wagon is off the leg]
Eliza jumps out onto the road next to the kid.
Eliza: Gosh, that's a mess. Just stay still, we will help you.
B'lony ~~ bleeding and becoming shocky ~~
D'cor: [Mutters again] OK that's done. [zlins the child to see how severe the damage is, wincing slightly when he zlins the extent of the damage.]
B'lony: I...huuuurt....[sob].....don't lethimgetmeeee....[sob]......
D'cor: Ouch.. Don't worry kid, you're in good hands here. We will have you back up on your feet again in no time.
B'lony is clutching in one hand a nearly crushed loaf of bread.
Eliza takes off her cloak and puts it over the kid's chest.
B'lony is an undernourished and dirty looking street urchin
Eliza: It's okay, we will look after you.
D'cor applies a back field on the child's left leg, while looking to see if there are any other injuries.
Eliza looks questioningly at D'cor.
B'lony: Oh oh oooooh... I'm gonna lose it... I'm gonna die.
Eliza: It's okay, D'cor is a channel, he will make it better for you.
Eliza: Just stay still.
D'cor: Eliza keep him quiet [snaps], I've got to concentrate on this.
Eliza buries her resentment.
D'cor: I can't do much out here, grab a couple of Gens and find something I can use as a stretcher, I'm going to have to get him back to the Center.
B'lony sobs.
B'lony: He's gonna put me in jail....
Eliza: No no, not in jail.
B'lony: I only took it cause well... I was hungry... and I'll die in jail... with no leg....
Eliza: We will take you somewhere we can look after you.
Eliza: That's all.
D'cor takes a full transfer position, and deeps zlins the kid, working hard to bring his pain down to manageable levels.
Eliza can't make out what the kid is babbling.
D'cor takes the opportunity to try to impose a nageric calm on him as well, though with only a child's nager that's hard for him to do.
B'lony slowly calms down realizing this is one of those Simes that helps people.
B'lony starts to feel good when the Sime kneels there next to him.
D'cor: Ok, uhmm what's your name anyway? [without waiting for an answer], I'm going to carry you back to the sime center. I'll be able to fix you up properly there. Is that Okay?
B'lony thinks the pain isn't so bad after all.
Eliza sees that D'cor has the kid under control and looks back to see how far they came.
Eliza decides that as the center is still in sight D'cor can probably carry him back.
B'lony: B'lony.
B'lony sniffles
B'lony: You'll fix it?
B'lony looks around to see where the bread store owner is.
D'cor: Okay B'lony, I'll fix it. I'm going to try to pick you up now, it may hurt a little bit but it has to be done. It that OK
with you?
B'lony nods hesitantly, only wanting away from the owner and seeing this as a way out.
D'cor: Quick then, let's go. [quickly picks up B'lony]
Eliza picks up her dropped cape.
D'cor: Eliza, have you done much healing work? [In Simelan]
B'lony gasps and promptly passes out.
B'lony ~~ unconscious ~~
Eliza: Only at the Center - the last 2 months.
D'cor is glad the child has passed out as there is no longer the need to do 4 things at once.
Eliza wonders if the kid is dead.
Alea walks into the lobby, yawning.
Alea's back hurts.
Alea's feet hurt.
D'cor: Ok, this is a little bit more serious than most, but you should be able to handle it, meet me back at the Center. [Augments off down the road]
Eliza trots to keep up, automatically (and therefore quietly) supporting D'cor.
D'cor is surprised that Eliza is keeping up with him but is grateful for the support.
Eliza runs after him as fast as she can.
Alea has no idea if they are swollen again today as she can't see them.
Alea grumbles
D'cor charges into the Sime Center lobby carrying B'lony. [sees Alea] Is there a treatment room free?
Alea's eyes widen.
Alea glances at the board.
Alea: Room Four.
B'lony moans.
B'lony ~~ semi-conscious ~~
D'cor: [without stopping to give an explanation, D'cor charges down the hallway to the treatment room.]
Alea turns and heads slowly down the hall.
Eliza tears after him, panting hard.
Alea jumps out of the way as Eliza charges past.
D'cor: Where's my Donor when I need her? [mutters to self].
Alea increases her pace, waddling into the room behind the others.
B'lony ~~ pain ~~
D'cor starts a deep healing session on B'lony only looking up as the other two come into the room.
D'cor: Could someone get some fosebine please, this child is in severe pain.
Eliza [huffing and puffing, gets out fosebine and bandages]
Eliza gets some water and hands the fosebine to the channel.
Alea goes in and gets a pair of scissors to cut off the pants from the child's leg.
D'cor: Make it a single dose for someone his size.. [D'cor goes back to concentrating on the child's left leg]
B'lony whimpers.
Eliza puts her arm under the kids head. "Here, swallow this for me and you will feel better."
B'lony swallows it, choking and gagging as he does.
B'lony [big tears well and start down his face again]
B'lony: ~~ scared ~~
D'cor extends his tentacles trying to get some sort of selyn flow back into the child's leg. "This is going to be hard, if he had Established it would be a lot easier."
D'cor: [softly]
Alea pulls the dirty pants off and tosses them aside.
D'cor is concentrating on the child almost to the total exclusion of everything else. Moving aside automatically to make way for Alea but not really aware of doing so.
Alea moves to remove his shirt.
Alea looks up at Eliza in question wondering what happened.
B'lony blinks as the Fosebine takes effect.
D'cor ignores the question, and keeps working.
Eliza catches Alea's inquiring gaze. "Run over by a cart, Alea"
Alea nods. ~~ worry ~~
Eliza wonders why D'cor hasn't sent for a First.
B'lony relaxes as the medication takes effect.
D'cor is relaxing on the combined fields in the room and is operating at a much higher peak than what he normally can.
Eliza would feel a lot better if Snake were here.
Alea gets a wash cloth and positions herself near B'lony's head, watching as she gently wipes his face.
Alea: You'll be just fine, sweetie. Did you know that we have kids come here visiting all the time?
Eliza watches D'cor work on the leg.
D'cor: Are there any Firsts available? This may be too much for me, I'm doing what I can but there is a lot of damage here. [in Simelan]
Alea: They do all kinds of reports, and just love to visit. Perhaps later, after the channel is finished, we can take you on a tour.
Eliza: Shall I go look?
Briel comes skidding into the room.
Briel: What's going on here?
Briel looks around, zlinning.
Briel: I zlinned that pain all the way down the hall.
Eliza is relieved that Briel is there.
Briel ~~ winces and backs up ~~
Briel: Shen.
Briel: D'cor?
Briel moves in and across from D'cor.
Briel: Multiple fractures... I see you have the bleeding under control.
Briel: What's your plan?
Alea moves to support Briel.
D'cor: Hajene Briel, this child was run over by a cart just down the street. Would you be willing to take over in here? ~~isn't too happy with the idea~~
Briel looks surprised.
Briel: It's your case.
Briel: Finish it.
Briel ~~ I"ll be here if you require assistance ~~
Eliza looks relieved.
Briel thinks this will separate the real channels from the ones who can't hack it here.
Briel is very touchy about V'lar channels anyway.
Alea: That's it, sweetie, you just lay real still.
Alea: This is Hajene Briel.
D'cor: My plan is to get the bone fragments aligned, then to stop internal bleeding, After that either myself or one of the Thirds shall have to sit here until he is out of danger. ~~not quite as sure as he sounds~~
Alea: I must say, you're very lucky.
Alea: Two of the best working with you. [to child]
Eliza wonders if Briel would let her sit there with Mostan, and decides probably not so holds her tongue.
Briel motions to Eliza.
Eliza: Yes, Briel?
Briel: Get him a gown, please.
Eliza gets a gown out of the cupboard.
D'cor goes back to aligning bone fragments in the childs leg.
Briel works with D'cor, meshing fields, and assisting in controlling the pain and swelling.
Alea ~~ support, steady and gentle ~~
D'cor is more relaxed now that he has someone assisting him, though he tries not to show it in his field.
Briel zlins.
Briel: That's good, D'cor... a little bit more to the left.
Briel: You're doing fine.
D'cor: ~~concentrating on the leg, but nervous underneath the concentration~~
Alea continues to talk with B'lony as they work to keep the child's mind off what the channels are doing.
Alea's voice is gentle, soft, melodic as she talks, working to relax the child as much as possible.
D'cor: I must say, Eliza, you have done very well today. [continues to enjoy her field]
Alea hears this and is proud of Eliza.
Briel hears this and wonders what he means find TODAY... and wonders if there is trouble brewing between the channel and Donor.
Briel works to keep his blood pressure up so he won't go into shock.
D'cor is too busy with the child to take any notice of Briel.
B'lony sighs, shuddering and drifting on the medication the nice lady gave him.
Briel: That looks good.
Briel: Let's get it splinted up now.
D'cor: Yes, he has a chance. Thank you hajene.
Briel: Don't thank me.
Briel: You're the one who did the job.
Briel continues to maintain systems with D'cor.
Alea goes over and gets the splints and brings them back to Eliza so she can assist D'cor.
Briel: Well then, I'll leave you to finish this up. Good job, Eliza, D'cor.
Briel moves back around the bed.
Briel: I'll have a renSime come sit with him the rest of the day.
Alea moves back over to the child's side and covers him with a blanket, smoothing his hair out of his face.
Alea: Do you have any idea what he was doing out on the street or where his parents are, D'cor?
Alea studying the child.
D'cor: Thank you, hajene. He does need to be watched. I'll stay here if need be.
Alea: He only looks to be ten or eleven.
Briel: That's fine, then.
Briel nods and walks out of the room.
D'cor: Well it looked like he had just stolen a loaf of bread. But I didn't really stay there for long enough to find out.
Alea No parents around?
Alea sighs.
Alea: Another homeless child.
D'cor: Nooo... unfortunately homeless children are everywhere now. ~disgust~. [Realises who he is talking to and stiffens up] I sure you must have work to do Alea.
D'cor: [looks significantly towards the door]
Alea looks up coolly at D'cor.
Alea: Children have a special place in my heart right now. However, you're right. I can certainly find something else to do for now.
Alea strokes the child's forehead again before going around the bed and waddling toward the door.
Alea leaves and goes down the hall.
D'cor sits in a chair by the bed brooding, not taking any notice as Alea leaves.
Alea goes out back to swing again.
Alea is finding, not able to leave the Center without a channel, and not allowed to do much work anymore, that this is one of the few activities she is allowed.
Alea sits down on the swing, relieved to get off her feet... and pushes off with her foot, setting the swing into motion.
Eliza thinks she has finally learnt something important.
Alea rubs a hand over her stomach.
D'cor: Thank you Eliza, ever done this level of healing before? ~~curious~~
Eliza checks to see if the kid is still out to it before answering.
Alea: Well, little one, I got another letter from the Sectuib today.
Eliza: Never seen anything this bad.
Alea: I had no idea you were going to be so important to them... seems everyone has an opinion on where I should go or what I should do or who should be here for your birth.
Eliza: My cousin John's dad got run over on the farm, and died, but I was too young to remember that.
D'cor: Your fieldwork has being very good today, I offer you my congratulations [sincerely]. It seems to be better if you aren't concentrating on it...
Eliza: Yes, I realized that too. The less I try the less you compl.... errr [blush].
Alea: They want me to leave, but I got them out of that.
Alea: They say no one here i trained enough, and I'll agree to that.
D'cor: What was that? [looking towards her for the first time since being left alone in the room together].
Alea: They said they're going to send someone though.
Alea: And, I haven't asked Snake yet about staying with her in the next month or so.
Eliza is sorry for the slip. She didn't mean to imply that D'cor is a complainer, even if he is.
Katryn stands and stretches out her tentacles.
Katryn wraps and unwraps them around her arms before relaxing.
Katryn rolls her shoulders to ease the ache.
D'cor: Could you get me some fosebine please? After all this concentrating I need some myself.
Katryn: Well, Mytag, how did you enjoy this last session?
Katryn ~~ exhausted ~~
Mytag stands behind Katryn and rubs her shoulders.
Eliza: Sure.
Alea: What are we going to do?
Eliza gets the fosebine for him.
Eliza: Is the kid going to be okay?
Alea continues to swing gently, rubbing her stomach as the baby shifts and adjusts.
Alea: If Snake doesn't agree to this, it's possible we may have to leave.
Alea: But Tarsh won't go... he thinks he's not worthy of Zeor.
D'cor: He should be, I'm fairly sure we managed to save the leg though he may have a limp for the rest of his life. This is almost where a Farris channel would have come in handy.
Alea: And well, don't tell him this, but I have already had quite a few word with the Sectuib over that very thing.
Eliza: Maybe I should go get Snake?
D'cor: [glances in B'lony's direction with a worried look on his face]
Mytag: How about we get some food into you? A sleep is probably warranted too, Kat.
D'cor: Snake? [surprised] Snake Farris? Is she working here?
Katryn: That sounds... fine.
Katryn doesn't feel like food but would like some tea.
Alea: Yeah, and it's been quite an argument too, but I think I'm making her see reason.
D'cor: Ahhh.. No, I don't think so not Snake [worried expression on his face]
Alea: I'll tell you, I have learned a lot about bargaining, and I don't like the politics involved.
D'cor is feeling a lot better now that his systems have had a serious workout.
Alea: But we're going to get through it, you and I.
Alea: And hopefully Tarsh, even if I never see Zeor again.
Alea sighs.
Alea ~~ sorrow ~~
Alea sways back and forth in the swing, remembering the dream or whatever it was that she had.
Eliza: You know Snake?
D'cor: I have heard of her. [disapproving] She paid a visit out to V'lar at one stage. [flat voice]
Alea remembers seeing Snake run out in an emergency somewhere... the pain... the contractions... the life ebbing from her even as the child was born, delivered by its father... then everything went black....
Alea shudders.
Katryn walks with Mytag to the cafeteria.
Katryn goes into the cafeteria and pauses, looking around.
D'cor: Uhmm, could we talk about something else? That's a very uncomfortable subject for me at the moment.
Eliza can see that D'cor disapproves of Snake and puts another black mark against him in her book.
Eliza: Sure.
Alea forces the bleak thoughts away, remembering only that Snake, after Alea had told her of this dream, swore she'd be there.
Mytag feels ~~hungry~~ and allows his nager to reflect that.
Katryn feels a small interest in a bit of food.
Katryn walks over and peruses the food.
D'cor: Could you please go to see if there is someone else available to watch B'lony for a while? I'm bushed and it's about time that you took a break as well, I'd say.
Mytag grabs and tray and puts a goodly feed on it.
Alea gets off the swing and goes to the gazebo to get out her drawing supplies.
Eliza: I'll see if Mostan is about then! ~~enthusiastic~~
D'cor: If he's free, he'll do.
D'cor is to tired to even react to the sudden burst of enthusiasm.
Eliza runs out to look for Mos.
Alea sits down and begins to draw.
Mytag leads the way over to a table and puts his tray down.
Alea's pencil moves slowly as she makes curves and lines, working on the paper, expressing the fears and doubts inside her that she is afraid to express to anyone around her.
Eliza discovers that Mostan and Jelana are out visiting an old renSime couple.
Alea: As the lines blend together, a picture of her lying in a pool of blood appears.
Alea sighs.
Alea turns the page, and draws a picture of Tarsh.
Alea smiles softly as she draws, putting all of her love into the picture.
Alea draws him smiling down toward his arms, and in his arms she draws a wrapped bundle.
Alea sighs again, though, when she starts to put herself into the picture and realizes she just can't do it.
Alea: Oh, Tarsh, I'm sorry.
Alea: [whispers]
Alea slips the book of pictures back into her cubby hole and stands.
Eliza wonders around helplessly for awhile.
Eliza finally finds a renSime nurse and drags him enthusiastically back to D'cor.
Alea walks out and looks around, taking in the beginning of spring beauty.
Mytag starts eating hungrily.
Katryn looks wryly at Mytag.
Katryn: You don't have to try to make me sick, I'll eat.
Mytag: Sorry, been a long time since breakfast for me.
Katryn: Ah... you should have mentioned it.
Katryn lifts her sandwich and begins to eat.
Katryn: I was so involved in my work I didn't realize just how hungry you were.
Mytag: No problem, when you are busy you work, when you finish you eat.
Mytag: How have you been sleeping Kat?
Katryn: So, so.
Katryn: To be honest, I am having dreams about....
Katryn actually blushes
Katryn: about that scene the other day.
Katryn: I don't understand why I keep seeing Walter and the other renSime refusing to come to me for help.
Mytag: The attack?
Mytag: Must have made you feel a bit helpless, hey?
Katryn: No, not helpless.
Katryn: Just confused.
Alea rubs her stomach again and then heads back into the Center.
Mytag: Fear from a Gen is a strong attraction.
Katryn: Yes... I saw....
Katryn ~~ morbid fascination ~~
Katryn: I've never seen fear like that before.
Mytag: With education we hope that you won't see too much of it.
Alea heads down the hall and sees Eliza entering a room with a nurse.
Mytag: Still, early days yet!
Alea walks to the door and smiles coolly at D'cor.
Alea: Tired already?
Mytag shakes his head as he imagines what it must have been like living 30 - 40 years ago.
Katryn: Yes.
Katryn: Well, then....
Katryn takes a bite of her sandwich.
Eliza: D'cor, the nurse is happy to sit with the kid.
D'cor: Well, what do you want? [staring distractedly at the child]
Alea looks over at the small child and her smile turns soft.
Alea moves on into the room and touches the child's head, before running her hand down his cheek.
D'cor: Oh, the nurse is here. Good, have you eaten today Eliza?
Mytag: Let me know when you want me to sleep in your room, Kat.
Katryn glances at Mytag.
Katryn: Actually, well, I was going to ask you if you would start tonight.
Alea smiles at the nurse.
Alea: Please let me know if his condition changes.
Alea: Eliza, you might want to make sure a call is put into the child welfare people so they can find a placement for him when he is better.
Eliza wonders when Alea was put in charge. 1
Alea touches the child's cheek again and then turns toward the door.
Katryn: If it wouldn't be too much trouble, that is.
Katryn: I think I'd sleep better, and be more efficient.
Katryn: And you certainly want to be efficient down here in the slums of Bender Cove.
D'cor starts looking very distracted.
Katryn: There's no telling just who might come in that front door!
Katryn ~~ militant ~~
Alea pauses.
Alea: So, D'cor, how long were you homeless?
D'cor looks shocked.
Alea sees the shocked look and waits.
D'cor: Well I was without a home for while, yes. Quite a while [quietly].
Alea nods.
Alea turns and walks out of the room, having her answer.
D'cor: [Turns to Eliza] Shall we go down and grab something to eat?
Mytag: No problem, Kat.
Eliza: Sure. That sounds good. What did Alea mean by that?
Katryn: Thank you.
Eliza wonders if she should tell D'cor that if Alea knows something then the whole Center knows it, and decides not to.
D'cor: Oh, she simply picked up on the fact that I lived a life similar to B'lony here. Quite similar. Shall we go?
Eliza: Didn't you grow up in V'lar?
D'cor: Nooo... I was one of the lucky [voice changes slightly on the word lucky] ones. V'lar offered me a place before I changed over, they picked me up from the streets.
Mytag checks Katryn out unobtrusively.
Mytag thinks she doesn't look so hot.
D'cor: [feeling a need to explain] I would have being about 9 when I went there.
Eliza: Oh! that was lucky for you then!
D'cor: Yes you could say that.
Eliza: Do they like put you in with a family or what?
D'cor: Yes they do. We do a lot of research at V'lar, I quite enjoyed my time there [then very very softly] at least to begin with.
Eliza: what happened?
D'cor: Well suffice to say that training was a bit different to what I expected. But I did enjoy it, and that's the main thing for most people.
Eliza sighs. He got to live in a Household AND have training. What more could a person want?
Eliza: For most people? What do you mean?
Alea goes into the lobby and makes some notes about the young child and sends out runners to see if any work can be picked up on the street.
Katryn: Are you done there, Mytag?
Katryn sips her tea, watching him.
Mytag: Yep.
Mytag eats the last of the bread and washes it down with tea.
Katryn pushes back her chair and stands.
Mytag: How about you have a bit of a rest for awhile Kat? You look done in.
Katryn looks at Mytag.
Katryn: I'm fine.
Katryn: Not really tired at all.
D'cor: Well. Uhmm, can we talk about something else?
Katryn walks back to her office with Mytag in tow.
Mytag: Really? Sorry Kat, it's my professional opinion as your assigned Donor that you need rest.
Mytag: so guess what? You are going to rest.
Katryn looks at Mytag.
Katryn shakes her head.
Katryn: You can't do that
Katryn ~~ knows he probably can ~~
Mytag: Yes, I can. Don't make me. Don't fight me Katryn. You know I only have your welfare in mind.
Katryn: Well, fine.
Katryn: Thirty minutes, that's it.
Mytag: That's a start. [smiles at her]
Eliza: Sure. What do you want to eat?
D'cor: Let's see what they have today shall we?
D'cor: [heads off to the cafeteria]
Debette opens the door of the lobby and walks in
Debette is a stunning tall renSime woman, about a week past turnover.
Alea finishes her notes and sees a renSime walk in.
Alea looks at the woman.
Alea: May I help you?
Alea lifts an eyebrow at the renSime.
Debette: I'm looking for a channel, Ison ambrov Naros.
Debette: I have, an, appointment
Debette: [slowly and choosing her words carefully]
Alea thinks, yeah, right....
Alea turns to the desk clerk.
Debette: Is he here please?
Alea: Send someone for Ison please.
Alea turns back to the renSime.
Alea: I'm alea Farris.
Alea: And your name is...?
Debette: Debbette err Jones.
Debette: Debbette Jones.
Alea nods to the Gen who is on her way to find Ison, indicating to give her name to Ison.
Alea: Why don't you have a seat over there and help yourself to some tea?
Alea smoothes the pale pink top over her stomach.
Debette: Thank you.
Veraik walks down the hall then stops and looks around as he almost doubles over in pain.
Debette sits down, her long long legs gracefully crossed under her short short skirt.
Alea goes over and pours herself a cup of tea and then returns to the desk to make sure the desk clerk is going to know where she is.
Veraik: [using the Zeor breathing techniques he has only read about, he brings himself under control.]
Veraik: What Zeor can do, so can I?
Veraik enters the lobby.
Debette crosses her legs the other way.
Veraik zlins the lovely, young renSime, wishing he wasn't past turnover.
Alea sees Veraik enter the lobby and stiffens.
Alea: Good afternoon, Hajene.
Veraik: [Going to the clerk] Has she been taken care of?
Alea lifts an eyebrow at Veraik.
Alea: Yes, she has.
Veraik turns. "Good afternoon, Alea."
Ison hears a knock on the door and gets up to answer.
Alea: She is here to see Ison, our new second order Channel.
Alea smirks.
Veraik: You are zlinning a bit tired. Are you sure you should be up?
Veraik nods.
Alea: I am having transfer this month with Jirelle.
Alea: I'll be fine.
Ison opens the door to find a Gen waiting.
Alea: And you'd be tired too if every time you laid down your unborn child got the hiccups and kept you awake.
Veraik: Jirelle? Lucky Channel.
Eliza: There is a Debbette Jones waiting for you in the lobby Ison
Eliza shrugs.
Ison: Debette Jones?? I have never heard of her.
Alea sighs.
Eliza: Alea told me to tell you.
Eliza leaves.
Alea: I consider myself lucky.
Alea: Jirelle is a very up and coming channel.
Alea: When she gets over her shyness and nervousness she will be wonderful.
Ison decides to follow the Gen to see who this Debette is and why she is looking for him
Alea: Have you seen Tramila?
Alea: I had come to check on her.
Veraik notices Debette and even past turnover stares at the lovely sight.
Ison enters the lobby and his eyes are transfixed on the busty woman leaning over.
Debette zlins an interest and looks up.
Ison ~~lust~~
Debette stands and gracefully walks over to the Channel.
Veraik zlins Ison's echoing nager which matching his own reactions to the renSime.
Debette: Hajene Ison?
Alea: Hajene?!
Alea ~~ impatient ~~
Ison: Err Deb... excuse me are you Debbette Jones?
Alea steps in front of Veraik to block his view of the woman.
Veraik turns to Alea. "What? Oh, sorry."
Alea: Have you seen Tramila?
Alea: I was looking for her.
Veraik: Not today.
Debette: That's right. Garon sent me.
Debette smiles at him brightly.
Ison: Yes yes I am, Garon, do I know him?
Ison smiles back.
Alea: Not today?
Alea frowns.
Alea: I didn't see her on the list.
Debette looks worried.
Debette: You called in on him yesterday.
Ison: Oh yes, that's right, I met him yesterday with Mytag.
Debette looks relieved.
Ison: Perhaps you would like to continue this discussion elsewhere?
Debette looks into Ison's eyes. "As you wish"
Ison notices that Debette is past turnover.
Alea: Well, where is she?
Alea ~~ worry ~~
Debette puts her hand softly on Ison's.
Veraik: Tramila went... well... she... ah....
Ison feels the soft skin of her hand and lightly squeezes.
Ison: OK, let's go back to my room for a bit. We can talk there.
Alea ~~ fear ~~
Alea grabs Veraik's hand.
Ison [smiles]
Alea: She promised me she'd be here!
Veraik: She said that she was going to town to get her hair cut in the [mumble] district.
Debette follows Ison.
Alea ~~ relieved ~~
Alea: Well, why didn't you just say that!
Ison leads Debette to his room, all the while overwhelmed by her beauty.
Alea ~~ exasperated ~~
Veraik: She'll be back later.
Veraik: She didn't want you to know. She wanted to surprise you.
Ison opens the door and motions for Debette to enter.
Debette: Thank you, Ison.
Alea: Surprise me?
Ison follows Debette closely and closes the door behind them.
Alea: Surprise me!
Alea: Shen Veraik, I am six months pregnant. Surprise is NOT something I like to experience right now.
Veraik turns around to hide his expression.
Veraik: Sorry.
Alea: I've had ENOUGH surprises from shendoni Zeor to last me through three pregnancies.
Alea clasps her hands.
Alea: NO, no problem at all.
Veraik wonders what the pretty renSime wanted with Ison.
Veraik: Three? I thought this was only your second one.
Veraik: Are you holding out on us?
Alea looks at Veraik.
Alea ~~ exasperation ~~
Alea: I have gotten six letters in the last two weeks with demands and commands and warnings and lists and you name it.
Veraik places tentacles on her arm. "Alea. Please. Calm yourself."
Alea: Zeor is driving me insane about this pregnancy.
Alea realizes she is losing her composure and quickly works to ~~ soothe ~~.
Alea: I'm fine.
Veraik: You're a Farris or so you delight in pointing out.
Alea stiffens.
Alea: Yes, I am.
Alea looks down her nose arrogantly at Veraik.
Veraik: Then you should be used to all... [tentacle circling to encompass all] ... this circus media and planning.
Alea: Thank you, no. Not when they hint that it might be best if the father wasn't included in these plans.
Veraik: Oh.
Alea: Or when they suggest inviting twenty different people of certain political groups and Houses that would help to further things... for Zeor.
Alea: I am not going to be put on display like a... a... a cow on auction.
Veraik: Yes. Well. [tentacle brushing through his long, dark hair] I've also been getting some very usual requests about you and the child lately which I've had to firmly turn down.
Alea ~~ wary ~~
Alea: Like what?
Veraik: Certain media would like to be in the attending room.
Alea: What!
Alea: no.
Veraik: Some would like to be able to follow you everywhere you go.
Alea: Absolutely not.
Alea: Oh, no. No, way.
Veraik: I've been fielding these questions eve since the word got out about you.
Alea sighs and rubs at her head.
Alea: Thank you, hajene, for fielding that for me.
Veraik steps around and begins to massage her neck and shoulders.
Veraik: My pleasure Alea.
Alea: Thank you.
Alea: I was on my way to visit Snake, actually.
Veraik: Oh! Are you rested enough to go there?
Alea ~~ frustration ~~
Alea: Why does everyone keep trying to put me to bed?
Alea: I mean... I'm hardly allowed to do anything now, except my exercises.
Veraik holds his tentacles up. "Whoa. Who said anything about putting you to bed? All I asked was whether you feel rested enough to go or not?"
Alea sighs.
Alea turns and offers an apologetic smile to Veraik.
Alea: I apologize for jumping to those conclusions.
Veraik: No problem. You have a lot to deal with these days.
Eliza comes into the lobby from the cafeteria.
Alea suddenly smiles at Veraik.
Alea: I need a channel to escort me.
Veraik looks down.
Veraik: Are you asking?
Alea: Yes, I am.
Veraik zlins Eliza coming into the lobby.
Eliza walks carefully around Veraik and Alea and goes to check both her and D'cor's mail boxes.
Veraik: Then I am accepting. Shall we get our capes?
Veraik zlins Eliza with curiosity but says nothing.
Alea: Eliza, would you like to join us?
Eliza hums as she goes through her mail.
Alea: I'm sure Snake would like the visit.
Eliza: Oh! I'd love to Alea, but I don't think I should leave D'cor.
Veraik: Go get your cape and I'll meet you back here in 5 minutes. I have to check on something real quick first.
Eliza: Thanks for asking me anyway. Say hello to Snake for me.
Alea: No, no... I insist.
Alea moves over to Eliza so Veraik won't hear.
Veraik: We will Eliza.
Alea: I may require your help with Veraik....
Alea: [whispers]
Alea: He isn't doing good today.
Veraik looks on in curiosity.
Eliza looks troubled.
Alea: Ah well... if you can't make it, you can't make it.
Alea ~~ concern ~~
Eliza: Well, I'll have to check with D'cor.
Alea: Of course.
Alea goes over and gets her cape.
Veraik quells a spasm. "Alea? Five minutes? Capes?"
Alea: Yes.
Eliza trots back to the infirmary where D'cor is checking on the kid.
Alea slips on her light cloak.
Veraik goes to his office. As soon as the door is closed behind him, he does his Zeor exercises again then mixes a strong drink of fosebine.
Alea pulls her hair out of the cloak, letting it drape over the back of her cloak
Veraik washes his month out to get rid of the fosebine taste and smell then grabs his cape and rushes back to the lobby.
Veraik tosses his cape over his shoulders. "Are you ready?"
Alea: Yes.
Alea makes her way down the stairs and hails a cab.
Veraik opens the door to the cab to allow Alea to enter first.
Alea clambers up into the cab.
Alea sits quietly as the cab takes them to the Ferry Building.
Alea: Here we are.
Alea smiles in relief.
Veraik nods and opens the door then holds out a tentacle to help Alea exit the cab.
Veraik pays the cabbie.
Alea walks carefully up to the Building and starts to pull the bell.
Alea pauses, then goes to the door and signals.
Toi Toi answers.
Toi Toi: Hell -- o, Alea.
Alea: Good afternoon Toity.
Alea smiles.
Alea: Is my niece in?
Toi Toi: Er.... yes and no.
Alea: Yes and no?
Alea moves to go inside.
Alea: This is Controller Veraik.
Toi Toi: Yes, but she's... indisposed.
Alea: Indi---another headache?
Alea: Well, then, is Sky here?
Toi Toi: She didn't say, only that she wanted no visitors.
Toi Toi: You could make an app - [begins helpfully]
Toi Toi: Him? [disparagingly]
Alea: 'fraid not.
Alea: Yes, him.
Toi Toi: Probably.
Alea: Great.
Toi Toi: Never leaves the place.
Alea: Not even to see his wife?
Toi Toi: Do you want to have a seat on the banana while I get him?
Toi Toi: No, she has to come visit. He's not an outdoorsy kind of guy. [lack of respect]
Alea: No, I'd rather sit on the carousel.
Alea smiles.
Toi Toi looks at Alea.
Toi Toi: The carousel?
Alea smiles back sweetly.
Alea: Yes, that horse over there, the one that is partially covered.
Toi Toi: You mean, the single horse, that's not attached to anything, just leaning up against a turnstile?
Alea: Yep. That's the one.
Toi Toi thinks the standards of safety sure have gone downhill since SHE was pregnant.
Veraik looks around, allowing Alea to do the talking so he can concentrate on keeping the spasms down.
Toi Toi: You'll fall and hurt yourself.
Toi Toi thinks besides, Rapol will throw a hissy fit if the horse gets dinged up.
Alea: Oh, I didn't say I was going to get on it. You asked me if I'd like to sit on the banana and I simply told you where I would like to sit.
Alea smiles.
Toi Toi thinks, oh, it's Juvenile Retort day.
Alea starts toward the stairs.
Alea: I'll just find Sky on my own.
Toi Toi sighs.
Toi Toi: Could you please show a little respect and sit and wait?
Alea: Respect for you?
Alea: When you leave me waiting all hours...?
Toi Toi: Respect for the people who live here.
Alea slowly smiles, thinking she is really REALLY going to enjoy it when she moves in, if she does.
Toi Toi: I have always told them immediately when you have arrived.
Alea lifts an eyebrow.
Alea: Fine.
Alea continues to smile.
Alea: Then I won't keep you now.
Toi Toi: I can't help it if they are not ready to receive you immediately, but I was placed here to keep people in the waiting area until someone is ready for them.
Alea: And it's your job to stand here and argue too, I suppose?
Toi Toi: Only if people insist on not doing the polite thing and waiting.
Alea: Would you please tell one of them I am here?
Alea moves over and sits down.
Veraik smiles as he zlins Alea in her finest element.
Toi Toi would have done that anyway, and resents the order.
Toi Toi waits to make sure Veraik is going to sit also.
Alea notes with a bit of concern her feet are swollen.
Alea stretches them out. ~~ relief ~~
Toi Toi locks the door and goes up the stairs.
Veraik sits near Alea and indicates that he wants a foot so he can help the swelling.
Toi Toi returns a short time later.
Toi Toi: He says he will be down momentarily.
Veraik: Thank you.
Alea: Thank you.
Sky comes down the stairs, dragging his feet just a little.
Sky has been recently shaved of his scraggly beard, and now sports about a week's growth.
Alea: Hello Sky.
Alea stands.
Alea: Hajene Veraik, this is Sky. Sky, Controller Veraik.
Sky looks from Alea to Veraik nervously, his hands washing each other.
Veraik nods. "Sky."
Sky: Oh, it's a pleasure, er....
Sky: How can I help the two of you?
Sky is hoping it is some mistake Alea is asking for him, after the chewing out Snake gave him the last time.
Alea: I have a letter here for Snake.
Alea digs in her pockets and finds it.
Alea hands it to Sky.
Sky: Oh!
Sky glances at Toi Toi, wondering why Alea didn't leave the letter with her.
Sky: Oh er, thanks. [takes the letter looking a bit anxious]
Alea: It's a ... um... list of all the suggestions Sectuib has for the um... birth.
Veraik zlins the old behavior.
Sky: The, uh, b [stumbles over the word] b-birth?
Alea touches her abdomen.
Sky 's eyes dart down to Alea's big belly.
Alea smiles.
Alea: Snake is going to be helping with the birth.
Sky was traumatized by witnessing his mother dying in childbirth and then being saddled with a Farris baby during the prime of his youth, and doesn't take the idea of births well.
Sky: Oh, dear. [hand on side of face]
Sky: I mean... how nice. [squeaks]
Sky clutches the letter.
Alea smiles
Sky hopes Snake isn't getting herself into anything really heavy duty.
Alea: And, while I was here, I wondered if you could give me... er... us a tour of the Ferry Building.
Sky usually doesn't feel qualified to judge Snake's actions, but in this particular case....
Sky: A tour??
Sky is thrown off by the change in course.
Alea: Yes.
Veraik looks to Alea but says nothing.
Alea: A tour.
Alea looks at Veraik.
Sky glances nervously at Veraik.
Sky: Well, I don't know... uh....
Veraik: If the lady wants a tour, I think you should give her a tour.
Sky stops and stares at Veraik.
Sky: ~~confused surprise~~
Alea stares at Veraik, surprised.
Sky: Er... you do?
Veraik: Yes. Please begin.
Alea smiles at Sky.
Alea: Thank you so much for the tour.
Alea: You're so kind to do it.
Sky calculates the potential for his getting into trouble with Snake for touring Controller Veraik through the building without her knowledge or permission, and turns green.
Sky: I am? [weakly]
Alea: Yes, you are.
Alea smiles sweetly.
Sky: I mean... I'd better ask first.
Alea: Ah.
Alea sighs.
Alea: Well, if you think you MUST....
Veraik: So ask, but don't keep us waiting too long. I have to get back to the Center soon.
Sky remembers Snake using the phrase "Do the words 'out on the street' mean anything to you?" after the last time he took liberties in talking to Alea. Something about cat doormats.
Sky: Yes, I'd better ask.
Sky hurries up the stairs.
Alea: Oh, well.
Alea looks at Veraik.
Alea: What is it? I'm pregnant so I've lost my convincing ability?
Veraik takes a tiny step closer to Alea, to be closer to her nager.
Sky goes into Snake's office and, with much hand-wringing, tells her a tale of Tecton people coming and demanding to inspect the building.
Veraik: Or at least, he is getting smarter.
Sky is gratified by the speed with which Snake drops everything and lunges out the door.
Alea seats herself on the sofa.
Veraik breathes evenly to help to quell the quiver of entran.
Wise Snake bolts down the stairs, hoping to nip anything really nasty in the bud.
Wise Snake looks around for the squad of Tecton goons that Sky had implied, and sees only Alea and (surprisingly) Veraik.
Wise Snake thinks this is the first time Veraik has ever seen the building.
Wise Snake: ... Hello?
Alea smiles at Snake.
Alea: Hello, Snake.
Wise Snake: Alea, Veraik?
Wise Snake zlins Veraik, frowning.
Veraik: Hello Snake.
Wise Snake zlins Alea, still frowning.
Alea: What's the matter?
Wise Snake thinks "double shen".
Alea ~~ concern ~~
Alea moves forward touching Snake's forehead.
Alea: Are you ill?
Veraik takes a step back.
Wise Snake: I'm okay, I'm okay.
Veraik: Alea wanted a tour of your building.
Wise Snake fends off Alea's hand.
Wise Snake: What have you been doing to yourself, Veraik?
Wise Snake: [a bit sharply, mostly out of unease]
Veraik: Doing? Why nothing. Why do you ask?
Veraik: ~~ unease ~~
Alea positions herself carefully ~~ support ~~
Wise Snake: The entran, it's a bit obvious. You have plenty of work available at the Center... what's going on?
Alea thinks 'he's got a death wish, what's new?' but doesn't say it.
Wise Snake thinks whatever it is, it's been going on for quite a while now.
Veraik frowns. "It's only a tiny bit. I can live with it."
Wise Snake: That's ridiculous. What reason is there to live with entran when you have a whole Sime Center of work to do, and customers coming right up and asking to be served?
Alea thinks 'to prove something to himself'.
Veraik: Snake. I... I have a ton of paperwork that the Tecton demands. I don't always have time to work at Dispensary.
Alea wonders if Veraik has forgotten all the Gens and renSimes there who are quite capable of doing work--or someone like her who isn't NEEDED anymore.
Alea ~~ grumble ~~
Veraik backs off another step at Snake's anger.
Wise Snake 's nager is perfectly controlled as always.
Wise Snake: You're doing it to yourself on purpose. That's sick, Veraik. Sick.
Wise Snake does appear somewhat upset, visually, though.
Alea rubs at her forehead.
Veraik: No. I... I have to practi... I.....
Wise Snake realizes she is backing Veraik across the room and stops, rubbing her forehead.
Wise Snake: You have to do what? What is more important than being a channel?
Veraik closes his eyes, thinking 'I will control. I will control'.
Veraik: Nothing Snake. I love being a Channel. You know that.
Wise Snake: But you're not being a channel. You're being a renSime if you're not working.
Wise Snake: Your body will self-destruct if you don't give it what it needs.
Wise Snake: If you could only zlin yourself....
Veraik: [forced tiny smile at corner of mouth in hopes of creating a distraction]
Alea somehow isn't surprised at Veraik's Zeor obsession surfacing again.
Wise Snake: What do you want, a big headline in the papers that says "Bender Cove SC Controller Dead of Work Anorexia"?
Veraik: That's not going to happen.
Wise Snake: What do you think entran is, besides the body starting to attack itself for lack of exercise?
Wise Snake: You are supposed to be the most experienced and skilled channel in the lower city, that is why you were made Controller. Why are you here with Alea doing nothing, instead of saving lives that nobody but a Controller would have the skill to save?
Veraik: I am making my body strong. What is what is taught in Zeor? The disciplines of breathing, of control, of being. That is what I am aiming for. The perfection of Zeor.
Wise Snake: Veraik, entran is not perfection.
Wise Snake: Entran is decay. Destruction.
Alea: The only reason, Hajene, that Farris channels experience entran is because they cannot FIND enough work.
Veraik: I am conquering it. I am not allowing it to control me.
Veraik looks at Alea.
Alea: And it ties them in knots. Do you know how many Channels I've had to help because they have been in absolutely horrible shape?
Veraik: No.
Wise Snake closes her eyes briefly.
Alea: Farris Channels... desperate for work to stave off some entran.
Veraik: [a tear drops even though he is pass turnover] "No. Don't do this."
Alea: But for some reason, their schedules... travel... prevented them for doing what they wanted to... needed to do.
Alea sighs.
Wise Snake: Don't do what? [asks softly]
Veraik looks from one to the other. "But I have tried so hard to be like both of you. How else am I to achieve perfection? How am I ever to go good enough to be a part of Zeor?"
Wise Snake: Veraik.
Wise Snake: Have you EVER, EVER seen me turn down work?
Wise Snake: Especially when I had entran?
Veraik: Veraik sits down as a spasm hits.
Wise Snake: I'll bet if you have, it was for a different reason than trying to prove something.
Veraik: [Spoken softly] No.
Wise Snake: I am terrified of entran, Veraik. I am so scared of entran I'll stick my laterals in open wounds at the fish gutting warehouses to avoid it.
Alea moves over and sits down ~~ support ~~
Wise Snake: I'll take any kind of sick, degraded, revolting filthy work I can get my hands on to avoid it.
Wise Snake: So help me, I go stand in line in front of the whores at the whorehouses and take donations off sick weirdoes who want some ungodly thing done to them, just to avoid entran.
Veraik blinks up at Snake. "I know. I've heard."
Veraik: But you are Zeor. You both are.
Wise Snake: Veraik, you are ambrov Liorie.
Wise Snake: Have some sense of pride and dignity!
Alea: Why did you pledge to Liorie if you hate it so much?
Wise Snake: And I am hardly Zeor.
Veraik: Pride? Yes, pride. In a house that publishes PlayGen and PlaySime. That's pride. Yes. I read them but my House publishes them. So you understand? Can you understand?
Veraik: I don't hate it, but it isn't Zeor.
Veraik: No other House is.
Wise Snake looks at Veraik narrowly.
Wise Snake: Then when you pledged, you didn't really pledge yourself?
Alea: So, you would rather bring disgrace on your house?
Alea looks at Snake, thinking her point exactly.
Veraik: I wear my colors with pride but I still want to be a part of Zeor. It is my life's dream.
Wise Snake goes and sits down on the front of the desk, trying to think of what Veraik was like when she'd known him as a child.
Alea sits back thinking some people get so caught up in their pipe dreams that they are no good to anyone else.
Veraik: Disgrace? [whispered] No.
Wise Snake: I don't think you understand Zeor at all if you think that destroying your body is something Zeor would want.
Alea loves Zeor.
Wise Snake: Zeor stands for Excellence. Excellence in all things.
Wise Snake: Not self-destruction, not self-pity, and certainly not self-disbelief.
Veraik: No. I'm not destroying. I am developing disciplines, only I've only read about them. That's all.
Wise Snake: Veraik. Listen to my words. Entran IS destructive by nature. Just as disease is.
Wise Snake: And there is no Zeor discipline which embraces entran. Whatever you read, it isn't that.
Veraik looks at Snake.
Veraik: Then what are the Zeor disciplines used for? The book I read only mentioned entran.
Wise Snake massages her forehead.
Wise Snake: Discipline is learned in a formalized, extremely intense setting, and is taught by trained teachers.
Alea: Discipline is not neglect.
Wise Snake: Controlling entran is intended as a skill to be learned and used when necessary, but NOT a lifestyle.
Veraik looks from Snake to Alea and back.
Wise Snake: Ask Tramila if you don't believe us.
Veraik covers his eyes with his tentacles. ~~ despair ~~
Veraik: Tramila? I... I can't. She would never....
Alea: Then try just letting go of these pipe dreams and getting back to helping people, and being the channel you should be.
Veraik: Sure. All right. ~~ total despair ~~ I don't know why I ever thought I could be good enough for Zeor anyway.
Wise Snake: Veraik, you're completely missing the point.
Alea doesn't believe him for a minute.
Veraik: Am I?
Wise Snake: We're not telling you you're not good enough for Zeor, we're telling you you're doing something peculiar and self-destructive that is NOT what Zeor wants from a channel.
Alea thinks the point is simply entran is wrong... it has NOTHING to do with Zeor.
Wise Snake: What Zeor wants is for you to be the best channel, and the best person, you can be.
Wise Snake: And you can only do that by working hard, and being a good healer and Controller.
Wise Snake: NOT by hiding from responsibility to your Center and, importantly, yourself.
Veraik: I have no way of knowing how to become Zeor. You both are Farrises. You were automatically welcomed at birth. You are lucky. There was no work for you.
Wise Snake 's eyes narrow at Veraik's words, since he knows perfectly well how difficult it had been to get Zeor to accept her.
Wise Snake: Stop it, Veraik. [snaps]
Wise Snake: You're feeling sorry for yourself now.
Veraik looks dully at Snake.
Wise Snake: You're the Controller! You have power. You should be acting as the vitality, the strength of the Center.
Veraik nods. "I'll work. Sure I can do that."
Wise Snake: You should be taking all the most difficult cases.
Wise Snake: You should be making all the most difficult decisions.
Veraik: Tramila has been getting those cases.
Wise Snake: You should have so much WORK to do, that you have no time to try to....
Wise Snake: And you will not ask her advice?
Veraik: I have tried, but every time I get near her to ask, I freeze up in fear.
Wise Snake: Veraik, that's really, really weird.
Wise Snake: You are the Controller of a Sime Center. Why are you afraid of a channel who works for you?
Veraik: She is the more powerful. She, by all means and terms, deserves the Controllership.
Wise Snake: True, but that doesn't explain your fear.
Wise Snake: I think you are obsessive about this and it's not at all healthy.
Wise Snake: Look at you... I can't believe how differently you zlin from only a few months ago.
Wise Snake moves a little closer to Veraik, displaying her concern.
Veraik looks at Snake. "If I say the wrong thing, everything is over."
Wise Snake: What?
Veraik: If Tramila disapproves my request for help, I will never be good enough. What is my fear? I had hoped to prove that I could learn the disciplines on my own but I guess I was wrong.
Wise Snake: Veraik, right now you aren't even good enough to be Controller. Why don't you try to straighten out your life so you can at least do that?
Wise Snake: Please?
Wise Snake: It's painful to see you in this state.
Wise Snake: Briel in charge there... shen, she's only just out of training.
Veraik looks away. "Sure. All is lost now. I have nothing else to lose."
Alea stands and moves across the room.
Wise Snake tries to meet Veraik's eyes.
Wise Snake: ~~creeping horror~~
Wise Snake: Do you really mean that?
Wise Snake: Do you mean, you have no interest in the Sime Center any more, all you want is this... this misguided obsession?
Veraik: I don't know. I don't know what I think right now. I hurt too much to think or I wouldn't have been telling you all this.
Wise Snake: You hurt because you have been failing to work as you were designed to work.
Veraik: You're right. I have to work.
Alea walks over to the stairs and looks up.
Wise Snake: Where is the Veraik that founded this Sime Center, Veraik? [whispers]
Alea starts up the stairs.
Veraik: I don't know. I guess he just wanted to fulfill his last childhood dream before he got too old.
Wise Snake: At the expense of everything else?
Wise Snake: Including the faith of those who have depended on him in the past?
Alea goes on up the stairs to the second floor.
Wise Snake: ~~pain, partially revealed~~
Veraik zlins and almost cries out. "I...." [shakes head]
Alea walks down the hall, examining the rooms as she goes.
Alea cannot believe what Veraik was saying downstairs, afraid he has gone over the edge with his obsession.
Alea had also saw the look on Snake's face and thought they should be allowed some privacy.
Wise Snake: I... would like to hope that the one who took my hand, and guided me, is still alive today.
Wise Snake: Somewhere.
Wise Snake offers her hands.
Veraik stands. "I'll go back to the Center. He is, Snake. He has just been lost for a while. I know now that I am too old to change. Too old to learn. Thanks for telling me."
Veraik hesitates then takes them.
Wise Snake: I think you did learn. Just now.
Wise Snake: Will you let me help you balance your systems?
Alea wanders back to the stairs and up to the third floor.
Veraik: Yes. Please.
Alea goes quietly down the hall, past Nick and Rapol's rooms.
Wise Snake shifts her grip to something more appropriate.
Alea looks in the next room she cleaned for occupancy and wonders if Snake would allow her and Tarsh....
Veraik zlins the power of the Farris nager and sighs.
Wise Snake works with Veraik on stabilizing his fields.
Wise Snake tries to remember the last time she did a functional with another First Order Channel, and can't.
Alea goes on down the hall looking.
Veraik feels all the kinks go out of his system as she works.
Alea thinks Snake certainly has made some improvements here and is proud of what she has accomplished.
Wise Snake releases Veraik when they are done.
Veraik steps back, with his head hanging, refuses to look at Snake.
Wise Snake thinks the obsession has eaten away the man who'd been her mentor so briefly as a child, and there is nothing left.
Alea goes back down to the second floor and wanders out onto the balconies.
Wise Snake: Go back to the Center, Veraik. [softly]
Veraik: Alea?
Wise Snake: You'll feel better once you've w....
Alea walks out to the balcony and holds onto the railing, looking out over the bay, smiling as the wind blows her hair out of her face.
Wise Snake realizes Alea has slipped away.
Wise Snake: Shen.
Alea smiles softly, enjoying the slightly chilly breeze.
Veraik: What's the matter, Snake?
Wise Snake: Alea's loose in the building.
Alea runs her hands over the railing and notes it's rather unrepaired.
Wise Snake: Did you see her go up the stairs, or is she still down here somewhere?
Veraik: Is that a problem?
Alea: Snake will have to have this fixed.
Veraik: Up the stairs.
Wise Snake: Yes, it's a problem! [uneasily]
Alea moves it and sees it moves easily.
Wise Snake: We have doors that open out into a 40 foot drop to the harbor....
Wise Snake: Rickety railinged balconies....
Alea: [piece breaks off in hand]
Alea: Oh..my!
Wise Snake: And the tower roof... let's not even discuss that.
Wise Snake starts up the stairs.
Alea steps back suddenly, holding the piece to her chest.
Alea: This really should be fixed.
Veraik feels panic.
Veraik follows.
Alea feels the porch shift slightly and freezes.
Alea: Shen....don..i.....
Alea: You promised to be careful. You PROMISED to be careful. Just back up very very slowly....
Veraik zlins for Alea.
Alea takes a step back, and then another, until her back is securely against the wall.
Alea ~~ relief ~~
Wise Snake starts searching room-to-room on the 2nd floor.
Veraik sees that there is more than one floor and goes immediately to the next one, knowing that that would probably attract Alea like a fly to sugar water.
Alea steps carefully back.
Veraik stops on the third floor then chooses the left corridor and begins to open all the doors.
Wise Snake gives up looking in the obvious rooms and starts checking the most dangerous places.
Alea moves her foot to the right, checking the flooring as she goes.
Alea wishes her Sime was here right now to protect her, then shakes her head thinking how ridiculous that is.
Alea: You're a big girl, you just have to watch out for yourself, Alea.
Veraik pulls open all the doors on the third floor then rushes back back to the second.
Wise Snake hurries past the french doors to the upper deck, then does a double take and dashes back.
Wise Snake: ~~alarm~~
Alea moves her hand out, and finds the door.
Alea ~~ relief ~~
Wise Snake yanks the door open and grabs Alea.
Alea gasps ~~ alarm ~~
Wise Snake realizes in retrospect she probably should have warned Alea.
Alea ~~ relief ~~
Alea: Snake!
Wise Snake closes the door firmly.
Veraik zlins alarm coming from the hallway on the opposite end from where he was and rushes towards it.
Alea: I am so sorry.
Wise Snake thinks the less that was said about this, the better.
Alea: It was so beautiful I thought to step out.
Wise Snake: ~~nerves jumping~~
Alea looks down, sees the piece of railing in her hand and holds it out to Snake.
Wise Snake nods anxiously.
Alea: It's really dangerous out there.
Wise Snake sees the piece of railing and feels faint.
Alea ~~ concern ~~
Veraik rushes up to Snake then sees Alea and pales.
Alea ~~ strong steady support ~~ as strong as she can get it at the time.
Alea ~~ sensitive support ~~
Wise Snake reaches out touches the piece of wood, then lowers her hand.
Alea: You'll be fine, Snake.
Alea: Just fine.
Alea: Everything is fine.
Wise Snake: This just isn't my week. [plaintively]
Alea: Oh, Snake....
Wise Snake: No... no, you're fine, that's all that matters.
Alea strokes a tentacle before laying her hand over Snake's lateral sheaths.
Alea ~~ soothing caring ~~
Wise Snake jumps, nearly pulls her arm away, but it does feel awfully nice.
Alea: Thank you so much Snake for allowing us this time with you... but I know you haven't been feeling well.
Wise Snake reluctantly nudges Alea over in Veraik's direction.
Alea: Perhaps we should allow you to rest.
Alea doesn't want to go in Veraik's direction.
Wise Snake: You two had better get back to the Sime Center. [agrees, indirectly]
Alea: By the way, Snake, I gave your brother a letter from Zeor I thought you might want to read.
Alea: Just stuff about the child... things you might need to know.
Wise Snake looks extremely alarmed.
Wise Snake: I... I'll check with him.
Alea: And, ah....
Alea: There was one more thing....
Wise Snake wishes there wasn't.
Wise Snake: Ah...?
Alea: Muryin suggested... well....
Alea glances at Veraik then back at Snake.
Wise Snake winces at the "M" word.
Alea: If I stay here, she insists on near isolation. However, I got her to agree that if I found somewhere for Tarsh and I to stay the last month or so of pregnancy, that I could stay - and not be stuck in a room with four walls.
Veraik listens patiently but with great alertness.
Wise Snake tries to follow this oddly constructed statement.
Alea: And I have to have a channel that is capable of any emergencies living inhouse with me.
Alea: And well... you certainly do have a lot of room here.
Alea smiles brightly.
Alea: And you are a Farris.
Alea: And you can handle emergencies.
Wise Snake: Ahhh... I don't think a raw, unheated heavy construction site or an untrained rogue channel were exactly what Muryin would have had in mind.
Wise Snake would not ordinarily refer to herself in such terms, but this is an extreme situation.
Alea: And you are very sensitive....
Alea sighs
Alea: You're the only Farris around.
Alea: And I trust you.
Alea: If I don't... if I have to leave....
Alea looks into Snake's eyes.
Wise Snake: What about Tramila?
Alea: You won't be there.
Alea: Muryin wants me out of the Center the last month.
Alea sighs.
Alea ~~ defeat ~~
Alea: Thank you for your time Snake.
Wise Snake is bewildered by the quick termination of the conversation.
Wise Snake: I said I'd be there for it.
Wise Snake: ~~tensely~~
Alea: Not if I'm sent back to Zeor.
Wise Snake: IF you get sent back to Zeor, you won't need someone like me. You'll have real medical experts and the best channels.
Alea simply looks at Snake, remembering her dream.
Alea: Yes, I'm sure I'll have real medical experts.
Wise Snake doesn't know how to react to the silent look.
Wise Snake: Alea, can you possibly believe Muryin would accept this as a place for you?
Wise Snake: It's... it's... an abandoned building.
Wise Snake: Even if we postponed the beginning of the restoration, it wouldn't exactly be a comfortable environment.
Wise Snake: It's not sanitary... it's not very well heated.
Alea: As you say.
Veraik: She's trying to tell you, Snake, that she trusts you more than she trusts Muryin.
Alea: It's better than being sent back to Zeor.
Alea: Snake....
Alea looks at her seriously.
Veraik: [thinks: Why? Alea. Why do you not like Zeor?]
Alea: Do you remember when we were having problems and you made me an offer... Tarsh and I?
Alea: Can I simply take you up on that now, no questions asked?
Wise Snake: Well, yes, but, I can't stop Zeor from taking you if it decides to.
Alea: I know that. But if they take me, I know I'll die.
Alea: ~~ firm belief of this ~~
Wise Snake cringes at the second example of this type of nager she's zlinned today.
Wise Snake: Uggh... don't talk that way.
Wise Snake: ~~anxious~~
Alea forces it from her nager.
Alea: ~~ soothing support ~~
Alea: I apologize, Snake. I'm sure that's not something you want to hear.
Alea: Consider it. If you decide you'd rather take back your offer, come talk to me tomorrow, okay?
Wise Snake: I'm serious, I will honor my original offer but I cannot cross Muryin directly. [thinks, if it ever came to that it would be quite humiliating, because she'd have no choice but to show her belly]
Alea: I'll handle Muryin.
Wise Snake: Ummmh.
Wise Snake: Well.
Alea is already strained with the 'discussions' with her.
Wise Snake rubs the back of her neck, trying to picture what Sky will say.
Alea: Would it help if I have a letter of acceptance from the Sectuib?
Alea: allowing this as long as no problems develop?
Wise Snake: Alea, don't be ridiculous.
Wise Snake: She'll never permit it.
Wise Snake: You'd be better off hoping she doesn't find out until it's too late.
Alea thinks that's not likely.
Alea: Okay.
Alea: Well, then, I"ll let you get back to work.
Alea: I should go home and lie down for a nap, at least.
Wise Snake thinks she's not going to be good for anything but a heavy session with a Donor now.
Alea turns toward the stairs.
Veraik follows Alea.
Alea goes down the stairs.
Alea leaves the Ferry Building.
Notes:
1) An odd reaction from one who has surely been around long enough to understand Tecton hierarchy. [return]