Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #208: Rules of Acquisition (4/5/98)
see note 1
Briel goes into the donation room and seats herself on the lounge.
Katryn: Does that sound okay to you?
Allaire: Yes, can't wait till I get out of this place.
Mytag: Do you have someone at home who can bring you back if you feel worse?
Jerl follows Briel into the donation room and sits on the lounge beside her, hoping that his pants don't leave too much of a mark on the clean upholstery.
Mytag thinks he would probably do well around Simes in need. Errrr, then again, maybe not.
Katryn: Okay.
Katryn: Mytag, can you get him his clothes?
Katryn: If you have any problems, be sure to come back.
Katryn turns and walks out of the room.
Mytag gets the man's clothing out of the cupboard and hands them to him.
Briel: How have you been doing this month, Jerl?
Allaire gets dressed, and tries to stand up, wobbling as he tries to regain his sense of balance.
Mytag puts out a hand to balance him.
Katryn feels ~~ down ~~ now that she's away from Mytag and sighs.
Jerl: [mumble]
Allaire grabs Mytag's hand and steadies himself.
Briel waits for Jerl to push his sleeves up so she can take his donation.
Jerl realizes that she didn't hear.
Jerl: Fine.
Mytag: Just take it slow.
Jerl blushes with the painful embarrassment of adolescence.
Briel: And how is your brother doing?
Jerl: The kid's going to get himself seriously dead one of these days, if he manages to cross the wrong person. But that's nothing new.
Briel nods.
Briel: I had a brother like that.
Briel smiles.
Briel: Ready for your donation?
Jerl wonders how much of this is going to end up on his Tecton records, and curses his too-loose tongue.
Allaire proceeds to the door, taking slow foot steps.
Jerl pushes up his sleeves, rolling the half-rotted fabric carefully to prevent it from tearing.
Mytag stays close to him in case he falls.
Mytag opens the door for him.
Katryn is standing outside waiting.
Mytag smiles at her and surrounds her with ~support~.
Briel reaches out and wraps her arms around Jerl's arms.
Mytag: Kat, I think that Allaire should have someone to escort him home.
Katryn ~~ relief ~~
Jerl holds out his hands, wanting to get this whole ordeal over with, and get back to his familiar slum, where he understands his place.
Briel: Now then. Let me just make contact and then we'll be done in no time.
Allaire sees Katryn, and immediately moves behind Mytag.
Briel leans forward and makes fifth contact point and begins to draw.
Jerl allows Briel to make the contact.
Katryn smiles at Allaire.
Katryn: If you need anything, let me know.
Jerl: ~~ unease about the whole situation, but not about donating in particular ~~
Katryn: We'll be here.
Briel quickly finishes the donation and breaks contact.
Allaire: Umm yeah okay.
Briel snatches up the voucher and fills it out.
Briel: There we go, Jerl.
Jerl takes the voucher.
Jerl: Thank you, ma'am.
Katryn: We'll have a Gen escort you home.
Briel: You know, Jerl, I heard Snake might be hiring people to clean around the Ferry Building.
Jerl looks at Briel with interest.
Jerl: Really?
Katryn walks into the lobby with Allaire and Mytag, keeping her pace slow so Allaire can keep up.
Briel: You might give her a check out.
Jerl in fact is well aware of this, as Snake's doings are quite well known in the slums of Bender Cove.
Briel: Yes, it's possible. And if that doesn't pan out, then you might try the shelter down on Dove street.
Briel: They're looking to hire people to work in there.
Briel: Cleaning, running errands, that type of thing.
Briel makes some notations on the chart and then stands.
Katryn nods to the desk clerk and tells him what she wants and Gen returns shortly to escort Allaire
Jerl reflects that none of these pay as well as gutting fish.
Jerl: Thank you for telling me, ma'am.
Briel: Good luck.
Jerl realizes, of course, that no matter how much he brings home, his mother will manage to spend it on her drug habit.
Briel goes out the door toward the lobby.
Katryn nods to the Gen and then Allaire and walks over to see who is next on the list.
Jerl goes to collect his payment, hoping that he can manage to pay the rent before his mother remembers he was donating today.
Briel goes down the hall to her office.
Mytag stays close by.
Allaire follows the Gen, as he motions for Allaire to follow him outside.
Alea wanders back into the lobby, glad to see Tormer is gone.
Alea is still wondering what all he was muttering about.
Alea goes over to the schedule board to find where Jirelle is.
Alea can't believe that Jirelle isn't with her, the way the child has been following her around so much.
Alea goes over and seats herself on the sofa.
Jor-El enters the lobby, taking care to look around at his surroundings.
Alea hears the door and glances up.
Alea sees the Gen and smiles.
Alea: Hello.
Alea pushes back up off the couch and walks across the room.
Alea: I'm Alea Farris. Can I help you?
Jor-El: Hello.
Jor-El: Umm, yes, I was considering donating.
Alea: Considering?
Alea motions for Jor-El to take a seat.
Alea: So, you've never donated before?
Jor-El: No, I haven't.
Alea: Are you from this area, then?
Jor-El: Yes, I'm a local person.
Alea: What made you decide to come donate?
Jor-El: I've always been curious, and have now decided it's time to do something about it.
Alea: Ah, well... I see.
Alea: That's great.
Alea gets up and goes and retrieves a chart before returning to the sofa.
Alea: And your name is?
Alea holds the pen poised above the chart.
Jor-El: Jor-El.
Alea writes that down.
Wise Snake zlins the auction from some distance outside of it and debates not going in.
Alea: And this is your first donation, you live here in Bender Cove....
Nick places a reassuring hand on her arm, just above the retainer.
Alea: Any known diseases or allergies?
Nick: ~~ support ~~
Wise Snake: Well... it's not going to get any better, so we may as well go in now.
Nick: We might as well see what they've got, since we've come so far.
Alea pauses.
Wise Snake: [under her breath]
Alea hands him the chart and pen.
Jor-El: No, fit and healthy.
Wise Snake has no interest in what they've got.
Alea: Why don't you just fill this out?
Wise Snake: Fine. Let's go, then.
Jor-El: Okay.
Wise Snake strides toward the doors of the building the auction is being held in.
Jor-El proceeds to fill out the chart, pausing at some very strange questions.
Nick walks with Snake, keeping an eye out for unobservant Gens who might jostle her vulnerable arms.
Richard is sitting in the front row with his legs crossed, looking relaxed.
Jor-El finishes the form, and hands it back to Alea.
Richard is in fact not relaxed at all but is getting concerned that Wise Snake might not show up.
Alea: Thank you.
Wise Snake is appalled to discover there is a hefty fee just for entering the place.
Alea: Now, I'll just, uh, find my channel.
Wise Snake: Great, I get to pay for torture. [mutters, giving the gate person a dirty look]
Alea can't believe she has been alone THIS long without Jirelle following her.
Jor-El: Okay, then what will happen?
Wise Snake pulls the requisite cash out of her pocket and doles it over.
Nick points down to the front row.
Nick: Isn't that Richard down there in front?
Wise Snake follows Nick's attention.
Wise Snake tries to zlin, then settles for squinting in that direction.
Wise Snake, having never paid attention to Richard's looks before, has no idea.
Wise Snake: Maybe. Let's go see.
Richard looks around (for the 50th time) and sees Snake and her companion.
Richard stands up with a smile.
Nick walks close to Snake.
Alea: Then we'll take you back to a room take your donation.
Jor-El: Okay. [smiles]
Alea: It's really quite painless.
Richard has booked the whole row, not knowing how many Snake was bringing.
Richard: I'm glad you could come Hajene, Nick(?)
Alea: Some might even say enjoyable, considering you do no work and get paid for it.
Alea smiles.
Nick reflects that all Snake had to do to prevent the torture was to simply say "no".
Wise Snake finally gets close enough to zlin clearly through the crowd and the semi-fake retainers.
Wise Snake: Ah... Richard. Hello.
Nick reflects that anyone who's lived in Sime Territory as long as Richard should know that Donors are addressed as "Sosu".
Wise Snake sees the empty row and is relieved they won't be jostled physically or nagerically, at least until all those other people show up.
Nick nods shortly at Richard, not allowing his distrust of the man to reach Snake.
Richard offers Snake a seat
Wise Snake senses not all is well with Nick, but can't tell exactly what he's feeling, a situation she is not comfortable with.
Wise Snake fidgets.
Wise Snake: Thank you.
Wise Snake sits, cautiously.
Nick wishes that Rapol could have come along, so that they could have sat one on either side of her.
Alea: I'll be right back.
Alea pushes herself up.
Nick sits by Snake's side, ignoring Richard so that he can concentrate on field management.
Alea goes down the hall looking for Jirelle.
Jirelle is in her office finishing up some paperwork.
Richard: They will be starting soon. They have some rather lovely furniture that would do well in your building.
Jirelle thinks how much she loathes paperwork, then immediately reprimands herself.
Jirelle believes she is wrong to have negative opinions about something that is necessary and correct.
Richard: They also have some older exhibits. They really should be in a museum under glass, I personally feel.
Jirelle promises herself to try to think more positively, in order to avoid bringing everybody else down.
Alea goes to Jirelle's office and signals.
Jirelle: Come in.
Alea pushes the door open, surprised to find her.
Alea: Good morning, Jirelle.
Alea: How are you doing today?
Wise Snake: Oh?
Wise Snake hopes Richard will not be disappointed by the depths of her ignorance with regards to antique furniture.
Jirelle: I'm great!! [exuding enthusiasm due to her recent self-pep talk about positive thinking]
Jirelle gets up and goes over to Alea's nager.
Jirelle basks at Alea's side.
Nick reflects that nothing here is likely to be any worse than Rapol's acquisitions, particularly the banana couch, and the possible resale value would be much more.
Alea ~~ steady sensitive support ~~
Wise Snake doesn't like the sensation of a huge horde of not-quite-clearly zlinnable people behind her back where she can't see them.
Wise Snake: [fidget fidget]
Alea: I have a donor out here who wants to donate.
Nick sees Snake fidget and puts an arm around her shoulders.
Alea: Do you have time to take his donation?
Alea: Jor-el is his name.
Nick: ~~ solid Gen support ~~
Jirelle: Okay.
Alea: Great.
Alea falls in beside Jirelle, and waits for her to go into the lobby.
Richard , who is used to this sort of atmosphere, doesn't notice Snakes fidgeting and colours ever so slightly when Nick puts his arm around her
Jirelle goes past her assigned donation room, sees nobody there, and continues on to the lobby.
Eliza brushes her hair, ties it back in a neat pony tail, checks to make sure there are no bits of dust on her uniform, and heads out.
Jirelle waits for Alea to point out which donor it is.
Nick looks up as someone comes out on the stage.
Nick: I think they may be about to start.
Nick is already wishing that they were about to end.
Alea smiles at Jor-el.
Alea: Are you ready?
Wise Snake is used to transacting her business in a situation far less public than this.
Jor-El: Yes.
Wise Snake studies the person on stage.
Alea: This is Jirelle.
Jirelle smiles at the donor.
Jor-El looks at Jirelle
Jor-El: hello
Jirelle: Hi. Ready to donate now?
Nick thinks that the guy looks like a sleeker version of a card sharp.
Richard looks with interest at the first item, an interestingly designed desk of very solid appearance.
Jor-El: Yes, I am.
Jor-El gets up to follow Jirelle.
Alea begins feeling sick.
Alea thinks it had to be breakfast.
Jor-El notices Alea doesn't feel too well.
Jor-El: are you all right there?
Jirelle leads him to a donation room.
Alea smiles at Jor-el.
Alea: Just... uh... fine.
Jirelle zlins Alea.
Alea: Excuse me a moment, Jirelle. I'll be right back.
Jirelle: What's wrong...
Jirelle: er...
Alea hurries down the hall, leaving Jirelle Donor-less.
Jirelle shakes her head.
Jirelle: I'm sorry. [to Jor-el]
Nick looks at the desk.
Jirelle leads him the rest of the way to the donation room.
Jirelle: Now, er... may I ask your name?
Nick: Looks like it would take a bit of augmenting to move that one around.
Jirelle does not seem to have any of the paperwork; Alea must have run off with it.
Wise Snake: It beats the glass one with starfish and sea horses in it though.
Richard makes a half hearted bid.
Wise Snake tries to remember if it was starfish or sand dollars. Maybe both....
Wise Snake tries not to look at the desk in question too closely, on most days.
Nick is even less impressed with the uncomfortable-looking chair in the next lot.
Nick is, however, too busy holding the ambient as steady as possible to worry too much about the merchandise.
Alea comes back down the hall.
Alea ~~ green ~~
Jerl finally managed to get his voucher cashed, and is making his way back to the lobby.
Jerl sees a very pregnant woman in the hall.
Jerl sees that she looks unwell.
Jerl: Are you all right, ma'am?
Jerl takes a closer look, and recognizes her as the woman who sprained her ankle during the winter.
Alea: Yes, I'm fine, just fine.
Alea attempts a smile.
Jerl shuffles nervously.
Jerl: I see your ankle healed up fine.
Alea: Yes, it did.... oh!
Alea: You are... ah, yes.
Alea nods.
Alea: I remember you.
Jerl is somewhat surprised at this, since Alea had just overdosed on pain medication when they met.
Alea: And you are donating?
Alea: That's nice.
Alea notes the state of his dress
Alea ~~ concern ~~
Richard: Are you interested in the desk, Snake?
Alea wonders how to approach the child without offending him, and decides she'll wait until next month.
Wise Snake: Oh... no, thanks.
Jerl sees Alea inspect his tattered clothing and blushes with humiliation.
Richard: [the desk is sold to someone]
Jirelle: So, what's your name? [to Jor-El, as she guides him towards the transfer lounge]
Jor-El: Jor-El.
Jor-El takes a seat on the lounge.
Jirelle: Is this your first time donating, Jor-El?
Alea: Will you be back next month?
Alea: To donate?
Alea: [to Jerl]
Jerl nods jerkily.
Jor-El: Yes, it is.
Wise Snake studies the crowd, trying to determine what types of people have attended.
Alea smiles.
Jerl: Ma won't let me stay away, now she's seen what it earns her.
Alea slips an arm around Jerl and walks him toward the lobby.
Alea: You shouldn't stay away.
Alea: Although, I sometimes wish I could leave.
Nick thinks that he and Snake are underdressed for the occasion.
Alea: You know, I have an errand I have to run, but I simply can't do it. I can't leave the Center right now.
Jerl looks at Alea warily.
Alea: Do you think you could do it for me?
Jerl: What is it?
Alea sighs.
Jirelle: All right, Jor-El, well, you'll soon find it's the easiest thing in the world.
Jerl doesn't quite have the courage to add, "and how much will you pay me?".
Jirelle smiles sunnily at Jor-El.
Jirelle sits down across from him.
Alea: I have some packages that need to be taken to a local shelter.
Alea: Let's see... to do it, it'd take you maybe thirty minutes.
Richard looks at the rather ornate hall stand that is offered next with somewhat more enthusiasm.
Jerl: Which one?
Alea: I'd be willing to pay you...
Jerl knows that some of the shelters are definitely NOT safe places to make deliveries.
Alea: And if you do it, well... I'd even be willing to let you go through it and pick out anything you wanted.
Jirelle: All you've got to do is give me your arms, and then I'll touch my lips to yours. Stay still until I let you go... you won't feel a thing.
Jirelle smiles.
Richard: You know, that's a rather splendid piece of neo-romantic carving. I would really do well in your building, once the renovations are finished of course
Alea: It's over on Dove street.
Wise Snake: Oh? Er... you think so?
Wise Snake's knowledge of antiques is limited; she can tell it's old and valuable, but that's about it.
Jerl: Dove street?
Alea: Yes.
Jerl thinks that that shelter is better than most.
Richard: Of course, there are some fairly hard core collectors here today. The price might be exorbitant.
Alea goes over to the storage closest and pulls out two big boxes.
Richard doesn't comment that it would probably clash with the banana also.
Wise Snake: Well, it's not as if I'm desperate for an, er.. [doesn't know what the small table in question is for]
Alea digs in her pocket for money.
Alea: Here is the money for the delivery... and you have enough there for cab fare too.
Richard: Hall stand.
Nick listens to the opening bid on the thing and decides that it's already priced exorbitantly.
Wise Snake: For a hall stand.
Alea: And, since you're doing me such a favor, you can look through and see if there is anything in there you like.
Alea smiles.
Wise Snake hears the price and thinks some people really are desperate.
Wise Snake studies the "hall stand" again, trying to see the money in its shape and condition.
Jerl takes the money, already resolved to pocket the cab fare. Why throw money away?
Richard makes a bid.
Jerl: All right, ma'am. I'll deliver the packages for you.
Alea: Thank you Jerl.
Jirelle offers her arms to Jor-El.
Jirelle smiles encouragingly at him.
Alea turns and walks out of the lobby, wondering if Jerl will find any clothes in there that he likes.
Alea goes back to the donation room and slips in, still feeling a little green around the gills.
Alea ~~ support ~~
Jor-El reaches his arms out, and takes hold on Jirelle's arms.
Wise Snake wonders if Richard will put the "hall stand" on his yacht.
Richard is rather surprised to find himself the owner of the hall stand at a price much lower then he expected it to go for.
Jirelle: Ah... you don't have to hold on, Jor-El. Just hold your hands open and relaxed.
Jirelle smiles, a bit pitifully.
Jor-El relaxes and opens up his hands.
Jirelle: Oh, much better.
Alea moves closer to Jirelle. ~~ support ~~
Jirelle shifts back slightly and takes hold of his arms, wrapping the handling tentacles carefully around.
Nick wonders if Richard will insist on putting the table in the Ferry Building.
Jerl takes Alea's packages and starts for Dove Street.
Richard: Well, that's a bargain!
Jor-El: ~happy~
Nick is astonished that anyone would call a table a bargain, after paying enough to purchase a reasonable fishing boat for it.
Wise Snake: It is?
Wise Snake thinks Sky would know far better than she, the resale of collectibles and antiques being his stock in trade.
Wise Snake: [so to speak]
Richard lets the next few items go by without commenting on them.
Nick notices an amazingly ugly tea service on the block.
Jirelle zlins Jor-El is doing well so she leans forward and takes a 5th contact.
Jirelle draws selyn smoothly.
Richard: Oh, I say.
Richard listens intently to what the auctioneer is saying.
Jor-El remains as steady as a rock.
Jirelle finishes up and dismantles her hold on his arms.
Jirelle: That was very good, Jor-El.
Jirelle: Especially for your first time.
Jirelle: Alea, do you have his paperwork?
Richard bids on the tea service.
Alea goes over and gets his paperwork.
Alea: Here you are.
Wise Snake squints at the tea service, trying to determine what, if any, redeeming qualities it has.
Wise Snake hears the bids and realizes considerable worth is one such quality, or at least so it would seem.
Jor-El: I've just got one question, I've heard of people becoming Donors. How do you become one?
Jirelle: Oh!
Jirelle: Well, you have to apply, and they give you a bunch of tests and stuff, and then if you qualify, you get to go to Tecton Donor trainee school for a few months.
Jirelle: Are you interested in becoming a Donor?
Jirelle: I could give you some literature on the subject, if you like.
Richard is fairly determined, even in the face of some rushed and high bidding, to get that tea service.
Jor-El: Yes, that would be great.
Richard: [finally the hammer comes down]
Richard smiles brightly at Snake.
Jirelle gets up and checks the lit rack, finds what he needs.
Richard: I'm so pleased I got that. Don't see much of it around these days and Smythe is a collector.
Jirelle: Here you go. [hands the brochures to him]
Jirelle: Oh, let me give you a voucher.
Nick sees Richard bidding, and refrains from commenting on the idiocy of paying lots of money for stuff one would be ashamed to show one's friends.
Richard: Rather ugly isn't it though?
Wise Snake is really surprised that Richard didn't like the tea set either.
Wise Snake: Um... you think it's ugly too??
Jirelle sits down and fills out the voucher for Jor-El.
Jor-El takes the brochures and begins to have a look over them.
Jirelle: Bring this to the bursar's office, that's just down the hall and to your left. They'll give you your payment.
Richard: Taken out of context of course. At the time it was quite the fashion.
Jirelle: Did you fill out some forms before you donated?
Richard: By today's standards, it is much too overdone.
Jor-El: Yes, I did.
Jirelle glances at Alea again, judging by her lack of response that she is feeling even greener than she is letting on in her nager.
Jirelle: Great. I'll find them when I go back out to the lobby then.
Jirelle smiles at Jor-El.
Alea nods to Jirelle thinking she is probably guessing right.
Jirelle: Thanks for coming in and donating. We really appreciate it.
Jirelle gets up to show Jor-El out.
Richard shows no interest in the large bed that is wheeled in next.
Alea walks with Jirelle to the door.
Wise Snake: Oh, I see.
Nick thinks that the bed actually looks serviceable.
Jor-El: Okay, so is that it then?
Wise Snake tentatively thinks if she ever bought furniture that expensive, she would feel compelled to pick some she actually liked the looks of.
Wise Snake wonders how many tea services Richard owns.
Wise Snake sits up suddenly.
Wise Snake: WHAT is THAT?
Alea ~~ sensitive support ~~
Wise Snake points a hand (and then, belatedly a finger) at something big and orange behind some other pieces of furniture.
Alea: That's it, Jor-el.
Alea: Take that up to the cashier and then read up on all of that and we'll see you next month.
Nick squints at the object.
Richard: That would be lot number 42.
Jor-El: Okay then, nothing to it. The whole thing was quiet enjoyable really.
Jor-El gets up and proceeds to leave the room, giving Alea and Jirelle a smile on the way out.
Alea smiles, thinking they have a winner here.
Wise Snake: It almost looks like a...
Richard: That, I believe, is one of the exotic items.
Nick: Companion piece to our lobby couch?
Richard: Have you ever heard of a "bean bag"?
Jirelle returns the smile.
Nick: Yes, but I didn't think they usually came with straps.
Jirelle goes to the lobby to find his paperwork and finish filling it out while she still remembers all the numbers.
Richard: It's basically a large sack full of beans
Richard: Straps?
Alea goes up to her room to lay down.
Richard looks at Nick oddly.
Wise Snake: It's so... orange.
Richard: You need one with straps?
Wise Snake rubs her eyes.
Richard: What ever for?
Nick points at the chair.
Wise Snake is not used to her non-Sime senses being offended by overly blaring input.
Wise Snake: Don't ask.
Nick: See those fastenings around the base?
Richard: Would you be interested in the bean bag?
Wise Snake is not unaware of the... uses... Toi Toi puts the banana to.
Wise Snake: No! [quickly]
Jor-El hands in his voucher to the cashier, and leaves the Center, browsing over his brochures.
Richard is relieved.
Nick: ~~ emphatic agreement with Snake ~~
Richard thought for a moment there that Snake had no taste at all.
Wise Snake: Although....
Wise Snake pauses.
Nick nods.
Wise Snake: You know, Rapol has been under a bit of stress lately. Maybe as a present....
Wise Snake smiles.
Wise Snake: Yes, I'll buy it for him.
Nick winces, then nods agreement.
Jirelle finishes the required paperwork, then seeing Jor-El leave, wonders what became of Alea.
Auctioneer: Next up we have Lot 41, This painting has been dated as belonging somewhere around the 1000 year mark.
Jirelle goes back to the donation room, then tries the Bursar's office, then her and Alea's offices.
Auctioneer: The subject shows a typical Sime town of that period, and the flag flying top right has been identified as that of the government gen pen flag
Wise Snake chuckles.
Wise Snake: That would look odd hanging in the Terminal with that Gen mural all around it.
Wise Snake isn't THAT crazy, however.
Nick looks at the painting.
Nick: Well, it might give some balance.
Auctioneer: I hold an auctioneer's bid on this item. Can I please have a bit to start? I'll let you know when the auctioneer's bid has been reached.
Nick: And an answer to anyone who gets offended by pre-Unity Gen Territory excesses, without remembering their own past.
Richard looks at the painting carefully.
Richard suddenly bids.
Jirelle shakes her head.
Auctioneer: [the auctioneer takes bids like a fisherman pulling in a net]
Richard keeps up with the bidding.
Jirelle goes back to the lobby and studies the board, to see if Alea was actually not scheduled during this time, and she'd just forgotten.
Richard looks a bit frantic at the pace of the bidding.
Wise Snake: Well, that price is a little steep. [opines to Nick]
Auctioneer: Any further bids ladies and gentlemen?
Richard holds his breath.
Auctioneer brings down the hammer.
Wise Snake: Tempting as it is to be able to simultaneously offend every living person who enters the terminal....
Auctioneer: Sold to Lord Hardwick-Greeves.
Richard: [aside to Snake] I'm not sure, I'll have to get that painting checked. But I suspect... no, I won't say it. I'll wait until I'm sure.
Auctioneer: The next item today, lot number 42, is most unusual.
Wise Snake sits up with more interest.
Auctioneer: We have a rather large, what could be called "industrial strength" "bean bag".
Auctioneer doesn't look very pleased with this.
Taffyd rubs his hands together.
Wise Snake: A bondage beanbag, no less. [to herself, noting the straps coming from underneath it]
Nick thins his support just enough to let Snake zlin the audience for competing bidders.
Wise Snake thinks Rapol will love this thing.
Auctioneer: It is uncertain as to why the late Lord Harper owned this piece, however - do I have an opening bid on it?
Taffyd ups the bid.
Nick: I think it's upside down, judging from the straps.
Auctioneer: Anyone?
Wise Snake signals the auctioneer.
Auctioneer: Ah, I have a bid.
Auctioneer: Do I have a rise on this bid?
Taffyd ups the bid.
Auctioneer: I'm told it's very functional.
Wise Snake: I am sure these people take pride in NOT knowing how it's supposed to go.
Wise Snake: [to Nick]
Auctioneer tries to think of something good to say about it.
Nick: No doubt.
Auctioneer: I have another bid.
Auctioneer: Do I hear 5?
Nick: Although I think the auctioneer suspects.
Wise Snake: 5 [signals]
Auctioneer: Thank you. [looks at her oddly]
Taffyd gives Wise Snake a glare.
Auctioneer: It would be a pity for anything of Lord Harper's to go for less then 10. Do I hear 10?
Taffyd: 10 [signals]
Auctioneer: 10 from the gentleman in the back row.
Wise Snake sits again.
Wise Snake thinks it's not that important; shakes her head at the auctioneer.
Nick: Who's bidding against you?
Wise Snake: Some sicko I'd imagine.
Richard bids 15.
Auctioneer: Thank you my lord???? [looks shocked]
Wise Snake: Either that, or someone too far back to see exactly what it is he's about to own.
Wise Snake looks at Richard in exasperation.
Taffyd: 20 [signals]
Auctioneer: Ah, I have 20.
Auctioneer: Going once...
Richard: 25.
Auctioneer: Errrr....
Auctioneer sighs.
Taffyd: 30 [signals]
Auctioneer: I have 25 no, 30!
Auctioneer: Do I hear 35?
Richard: 40.
Auctioneer: 40?
Heckler: It's upside down!! [from somewhere in the crowd]
Auctioneer: Errr, 40. I have 40.
Auctioneer looks hassled.
Taffyd: 50.
Auctioneer: 50!
Auctioneer: Oh okay. I have a bid of 50 for this, errrr, bean bag that is very orange.
Richard smiles. "55."
Auctioneer mops his face.
Nick looks at Snake, wondering how much she is willing to let Richard spend on a present for Rapol.
Heckler 2: Hey mister, why dontcha climb on and demonstrate it! Haw haw haw!
Heckler 2: [sounds of a struggle as security gets to him]
Auctioneer: I hold a bid here for 55.
Auctioneer: Do I have a raise on 55?
Wise Snake: 56!
Wise Snake stands up.
Nick stands quickly by her side.
Wise Snake has just realized what Rapol would do to her if he ever found out she let Richard outbid her on something that had been intended as a present for Rapol.
Taffyd: 65.
Richard looks at Snake in surprise.
Richard had only been bidding to annoy the person who had the hide to bid against Snake.
Wise Snake: 66!
Richard puts out a restraining hand - too late.
Taffyd: 75!
Richard: Shen.
Wise Snake: Oh shen!
Richard: Let it go, Snake.
Wise Snake clutches her head.
Wise Snake: Uggh.
Wise Snake sits suddenly.
Wise Snake: Rapol is going to kill me.
Nick: Do you think he would pay 75 for the banana couch?
Richard looks concerned.
Richard: Are you all right?
Nick: ~~ soothing Gen support ~~
Wise Snake: Yes, yes. Retainers and crowds aren't a good combination.
Wise Snake: That's all.
Richard notes to get the person's name just in case Snake does want to sell the banana couch.
Nick puts a hand on Snake's neck, trying to work on the incipient headache.
Wise Snake unobtrusively signals "100" to the auctioneer when Richard and Nick aren't looking.
Auctioneer: 100!!!!! [squeak]
Taffyd shouts obscenities at Wise Snake.
Wise Snake looks away, casually.
Nick blinks.
Wise Snake: Thanks Nick, that feels good.
Auctioneer: I have a bid for 100!!!! [looks as if he is going to collapse]
Wise Snake: [enjoying Taffyd's upset]
Taffyd: 105 [signals]
Richard wishes he could do what Nick is doing.
Wise Snake thinks this could actually be fun.
Wise Snake subtly nods a raise to the Auctioneer.
Auctioneer collapses forward across the lectern.
Auctioneer: Ladies and gentlemen.
Auctioneer: I have a bid of 110 for an orange bean bag.
Wise Snake looks at the auctioneer with some interest, hoping she will be able to pick up some healing work in a few minutes.
Auctioneer: I don't know why I have a bid of 110, but I do.
Auctioneer: Is there anyone here who would, for any reason, like to up that bid?
Taffyd thinks 'I'll be damned if i'm gonna miss out on this."
Taffyd: 115!
Auctioneer: Thank you, sir.
Auctioneer: I do. I now have a bid for 115 for a very bright, very large, very strong, orange bean bag.
Auctioneer looks unsure what to do with the bid.
Heckler: It's upside DOWN!!
Heckler: [shout from way in the back]
Auctioneer: Oh yes.
Auctioneer looks at Snake.
Wise Snake smiles at the Auctioneer.
Auctioneer: Is that a bid sir? [to the heckler]
Heckler: [crowd laughs]
Auctioneer: Then we are at 115.
Auctioneer: Going once.
Wise Snake signals the auctioneer that she would like to inspect the bag.
Auctioneer: Going twice....
Auctioneer: Ah.
Auctioneer: Please hold.
Auctioneer walks down to Snake.
Auctioneer: Yes?
Wise Snake stands.
Wise Snake: I may like to make another bid, but I would like to inspect the item in question first. May I do so?
Auctioneer decides that appearances can be deceiving. This person is, after all, with Lord Hardwick-Greeves.
Auctioneer: You want a closer look at the bean bag?
Wise Snake smiles "disarmingly" which for her usually means people throw their weapons down and run.
Wise Snake: Yes, please.
Auctioneer thinks it is most unusual for anyone to examine anything DURING the action, but Lord HG nods so he complies with her request.
Wise Snake follows the auctioneer back up to the stage.
Nick follows Snake up to the stage.
Auctioneer: Of course. [leads Snake up to the bean bag]
Auctioneer looks at the retainers with distaste.
Taffyd blows a raspberry at Wise Snake.
Nick thinks that the thing's even more obnoxious at close range than at a distance.
Richard stays where he is and enjoys the Auctioneer's discomposure.
Nick moves between Auctioneer and Snake, muting the distaste.
Wise Snake walks slowly around the Orange, studying it.
Wise Snake: It IS upside down, you were right. [to Nick]
Nick paces at her side, trying to look as if he knows what she's doing.
Wise Snake uses the height of the stage to get a clear zlin of who the shen is this guy bidding against her.
Wise Snake: Ah... it's Taffyd Bollockshire. Owner of the Buxumhouse.
Nick: Yes, the straps would never reach the way it is now.
Nick: He's into bondage now?
Nick: I thought his operation was more mainstream.
Wise Snake nods to the Auctioneer and descends from the stage again to their seats.
Nick follows as closely as practical.
Auctioneer: I'm still holding a bid for 115.
Wise Snake: 150.
Wise Snake: 150.
Nick: Hmm, you think Taffyd wants the thing for his personal use?
Taffyd curses.
Wise Snake: Beats me. He can buy it off Rapol if he does.
Taffyd: 155!
Richard looks upset.
Wise Snake glances at Richard.
Wise Snake: Richard?
Auctioneer looks more composed now.
Richard: You really want that thing Snake?
Wise Snake: Um....
Wise Snake thinks "want" is such a strong word.
Auctioneer waits to see what his Lordship and his guests are going to do.
Wise Snake realizes Richard is offended that Snake is bidding on something that isn't fashionable.
Wise Snake: Er... no.
Richard thinks that it's going to be interesting when this story gets around.
Wise Snake signals to the auctioneer that she is declining to bid again.
Auctioneer: Then sold! [crash] to the gentleman in the back row for 155.
Auctioneer: And that concludes today's bidding.
Auctioneer rushes out the back.
Taffyd wipes his brow.
Richard chuckles.
Richard: I was concerned that you were going to up the bid again. I'm fairly certain you can purchase them new for around 30.
Nick looks at Snake.
Wise Snake looks at Richard incredulously.
Wise Snake wonders how Richard knows the price of bondage furniture shaped like fruit.
Nick: Do you think that fellow would be willing to purchase a matching banana for the same price?
Wise Snake: Nick, Rapol's banana is not yours to sell. [sourly]
Wise Snake thinks besides, if it wasn't for that banana Toi Toi would never be able to restrain people to the entry area until Snake was able to come down.
Richard: We could ask him.
Richard signals to a Lackey who runs over to him.
Richard: Can you please give this (hands card) to the gentleman who purchased the bean bag?
Richard: If the gentleman would be interested he could approach Rapol.
Lackey runs over to Taffyd who is admiring his purchase.
Lackey: Sir, Lord Hardwick-Greeves would like to have a moment of your time.
Taffyd: certainly.
Lackey leads him back.
Nick looks with interest as Taffyd approaches, following the lackey.
Wise Snake hopes she isn't going to be forced to defend Rapol's rights in front of these people.
Richard puts his hand out in typical Gen greeting.
Richard: Thank you for coming over. I'm Richard Hardwick-Greeves and this is Hajene Wise Snake and Sosu Nick her companion
Nick is glad Richard remembered the "Sosu" this time.
Taffyd: Pleased to meet you all.
Taffyd looks at Wise Snake a faint glimmer of recognition goes over his face.
Wise Snake smiles snakelike at Taffyd.
Richard: Congratulations on your purchase.
Taffyd: Why, thank you.
Richard waits for Nick to mention the banana.
Nick wonders just what Snake has on Taffyd.
Nick wonders in particular if it is sufficient to convince him to part with the orange.
Nick hopes, if so, that it is at a more reasonable price than he paid for it.
Nick decides to reinforce Snake's snakelike smile with a knowing look of his own.
Taffyd thinks 'hmm, Wise Snake, where have I heard that name before?'
Richard: If you will please excuse me, I will go and arrange for my purchases to be delivered.
Richard doesn't have to do any such thing, but wants to get a better look at the painting.
Nick is just as glad that Snake won't feel inhibited by Richard's presence, if she wants to negotiate with Taffyd.
Wise Snake: Hello, Taffyd. How is business? ["pleasant" smile, which on Snake is not a pretty sight]
Taffyd: Doing very nicely, Wise Snake.
Wise Snake: I thought you'd given up the B&D scene after that unfortunate incident with the Mayor.
Nick wonders if Taffyd's purchase today was because he wanted to reap the fruit of his labors.
Nick wonders what the "unfortunate incident" entailed, and then decides he's better off not knowing.
Taffyd: ~embarrassment~
Taffyd: Ahh, well, that is better left forgotten.
Wise Snake: All right.
Wise Snake: What do you need that bondage orange for that is more important than my Donor's morale?
Taffyd gives Wise Snake a knowing wink.
Nick is suddenly a bit embarrassed as he realizes that Taffyd might think HE is the Donor who wants the bondage orange.
Taffyd looks at Nick, and gives him a smug smile.
Wise Snake zlins Nick's embarrassment and Taffyd's embarrassment-turning-to-smugness and thinks "Male Gens... they're all alike."
Wise Snake shakes her head disgustedly.
Wise Snake: Well, how much do you want for it?
Taffyd: Well, I've got some business uses for it.
Richard returns to the group looking pleased with himself (and incredibly handsome, tall and rich, but that is a given).
Taffyd: So I won't be giving it up cheaply.
Wise Snake: Is that so.
Wise Snake considers.
Wise Snake: Do you still have that terrible problem with your sump pump, and the garbage chute?
Wise Snake: Because, you know, I'm still awfully good friends with the sanitation inspect--- oh, hello, Richard.
Nick would rather not consider what sorts of things end up in the sump and garbage of Taffyd's establishment.
Richard: I'm sure I was right about that painting! ~pleased excitement~
Richard: hello, I'm sorry, was I interrupting something?
Wise Snake: Not at all.
Richard smiles happily around the group.
Taffyd thinks to himself 'hmm, the garbage chute does need to be fixed.'
Wise Snake: I was just telling Taffyd here that I haven't seen our mutual friend Bovvy [using the City Sanitation Inspector's first name which is little-known] in AGES and was thinking of stopping by and visiting him later today.
Wise Snake: Maybe even on the way home from here. [beams]
Taffyd nods at Wise Snake, and replies "that sounds like a good idea to me."
Richard hopes that Snake hasn't forgotten that she promised to have dinner with him after the auction.
Wise Snake: Perhaps I'll let him know you want a visit too. As soon as possible?
Wise Snake: He'll want to see what you've done with the place, I'm sure.
Taffyd: Yeah, I was only telling him the other day, that I needed to see him.
Wise Snake: Say ah, about that trade idea....
Wise Snake: Still interested?
Taffyd: Oh, very much so.
Wise Snake nods.
Wise Snake: Well, perhaps I'll stop by your place first, then.
Wise Snake smiles.
Taffyd: Okay, I'll have it ready and waiting.
Wise Snake: Thank you. Nice seeing you again.
Richard is pleased that everyone looks so pleased with the business conducted.
Richard: Right. You ready to go now Snake? You did promise to have dinner with me after the auction
Wise Snake: Certainly.
Nick is happy that Snake was able to find a way to get the bean bag for less than 150.
Richard smiles and indicates for Nick and Snake to lead the way out.
Richard: My driver will be waiting out the front.
Wise Snake wends her way toward the front, laughing at the people who stare at her because of the ridiculous bidding war.
Nick sticks close by, to keep people from jostling her, nagerically or physically.
Richard opens the door for Snake and Nick to get into the carriage.
Wise Snake climbs in.
Nick follows, checking quickly for Farris allergens before settling into place.
Nick then checks Snake over for accumulated crowd- and retainer-damage.
Richard: I have arranged a meal for us at a local establishment. Oh, don't worry Nick, all Farris safe. [smiles at him]
Richard: And you will be able to safely remove the retainers once we are inside.
Richard: I don't know why Channels are still required to wear them anyway.
Wise Snake: Really? The establishment is legally zoned as Sime Territory?
Wise Snake wonders if Richard splurged to have it done just for this day, or if it always had been.
Richard: I assure you it will be quiet legal and safe.
Wise Snake nods.
Taffyd thinks to himself 'hmm, that woman [Wise Snake] has a good mind, maybe we could work together again' as he wanders back to his place.
Nick hopes that Richard understands the details of the retainer laws, and isn't just relying on his money to take care of any problems.
Richard: [the coach pulls up outside a tall building]
Richard: Here we are.
Nick would hate for Snake to be murdered by one of the wait staff before Richard could correct the mistake.
Richard opens the door and get out, automatically putting his hand out to help Snake.
Wise Snake slips out of the carriage, avoiding the hand gracefully.
Richard drops his hand slowly.
Wise Snake zlins Richard. [sort of]
Nick hops out behind Snake.
Richard shuts the door after Nick and leads them up the stairs to where it clearly says, on the large double door, that the building is indeed Sime Territory.
Richard: ~semi excited and showing off~
Wise Snake follows.
Wise Snake moves warily, studying the unfamiliar surroundings.
Nick sticks close to his channel's side.
Nick looks around at the decor.
Maitre D' walks over majestically towards them - all 6'4" and 300 pounds of him.
Nick is relieved to see that at least there is no bondage furniture in sight.
Richard: Charles! Pleased to see you again, dear friend.
Richard: this is Hajene Wise Snake Farris and her Companion Sosu Nick Reckage.
Richard: You have our Suite ready?
Wise Snake's laterals lick the insides of the fake retainers unpleasantly.
Nick is eager to get Snake out of retainers.
Wise Snake fidgets.
Nick: ~~ calm ~~
Maitre D': Of course, of course.
Wise Snake stops fidgeting.
Maitre D': We are HONOURED that you grace us with your PRESENCE my DEAR HAJENE!
Wise Snake's hair stands on end.
Maitre D': Please Please come THIS way!
Wise Snake: Uh... thank you. [mutters alarmed]
Wise Snake comes THIS way.
Maitre D' ROLLS across the large marble room.
Nick follows.
Wise Snake doesn't come THAT way... just walks.
Nick wonders if the marble is thick enough to provide good nageric insulation.
Maitre D': I must say that our CHEF was simply THRILLED that a FARRIS was visiting us TONIGHT!
Wise Snake: R..really?
Nick hopes that the chef wasn't too thrilled to study up on Farris allergies.
Wise Snake: [voice sounding awfully small and faded after the big booming one.]
Maitre D': He simply JUMPED at the CHALLENGE of cooking for someone with SPECIAL requirements.
Richard walks along with a very proud look on his face.
Wise Snake jumps at the loud word "JUMPED"
Maitre D' leads them into a very large group of rooms.
Nick: ~~ soothing ~~
Wise Snake's frazzled nerves feel somewhat better.
Wise Snake walks closer to Nick.
Maitre D': PLEASE consider this YOUR HOME.
Maitre D': I hope you ENJOY your stay.
Nick puts his arm around Snake to increase the effect of his nager.
Maitre D': FREDERICK here [indicates the waiter] will take CARE of all your NEEDS.
Maitre D': please let me KNOW if there is anything you want.
Wise Snake grimaces at the use of the word NEEDS and thinks, not likely.
Nick hopes that Frederick has more sense than to try to serve a Farris channel's need.
Maitre D': Richard, thank you so much for this WONDERFUL occasion to ALLOW us to serve a FARRIS.
Wise Snake glances at Richard trying to gauge his reaction.
Richard takes the Maitre D's enormous hand in his own.
Richard: Charles, it is no problem, it's wonderful to be here again.
Richard: Will you not join us in a drink?
Nick's attention turns to the retainers.
Maitre D': AH dear friend, I regret I can NOT. Work you know, so BUSY!
Nick: Do you want me to help you take those off? [softly, to Snake only]
Richard looks regretful.
Richard: Ah well, I hope you and Martha will come up and see me some time soon then.
Wise Snake turns to Nick, holding her forearms available.
Maitre D': OH OF COURSE dear friend! She will be SO PLEASED to see you again.
Wise Snake will be glad to be relieved of the things, which are currently overly blessed with the snail trails of accidental zlinnings.
Maitre D': I MUST get back, they simply CAN'T handle this place for a single MINUTE without me!
Nick opens the catches on one retainer and eases it off.
Wise Snake winces as the loud click echoes in the marble room.
Richard nods to the waiter.
Richard: Please Snake, Nick, have a seat.
Frederick pulls the seat out for Snake.
Nick removes the second retainer, and hides them in the medicine satchel before anyone can see that they're... distinctly nonstandard.
Alea goes down the stairs.
Wise Snake sits, discreetly massaging her poor, cramped handling tentacles.
Alea is bored, bored bored bored, her nausea having passed.
Nick moves a chair right over next to Snake, and puts a soothing hand on her abused tentacle sheathes under the table.
Alea goes out the back toward the garden.
Frederick: Now, what would everyone like to drink?
Frederick: ~~sorrow~~
Wise Snake zlins Frederick in confusion.
Wise Snake: Excuse me?
Richard looks at Fredrick in surprise.
Wise Snake thinks he zlinned like he was announcing a death rather than asking about drinks.
Richard clears his throat and wonders just how Frederick got into the building in the first place
Frederick: What would you like to drink?
Frederick: ~~sadness~~
Wise Snake: Ummmm... what is the matter?
Wise Snake finds it impossible to think about drinks when faced with such a lugubrious nager.
Frederick: Nothing.... [sighs]
Richard: Please get us a bottle of the best wine you have. Will you have tea, Snake? Or would you prefer some fresh juice?
Richard frowns again at the waiters lack of etiquette.
Richard: Frederick, Hajene asked you a question.
Frederick thinks "like they really care".
Richard stands up and turns to Snake and Nick.
Richard: Please excuse us a moment. Frederick, if you don't mind please? [exits the room]
Frederick follows the Lord.
Richard: Frederick, I have brought Hajene Farris here this evening hoping that she will relax and enjoy herself.
Richard: It would seem that you are preventing her from doing that.
Richard: I would suggest that you either remember where you are and who you are, or return downstairs and find me a waiter who knows how to treat someone of her caliber.
Alea walks back into the garden smiling at the lovely day.
Frederick: I'm sorry.
Frederick starts to feel a tear well in his eye.
Nick looks at Snake.
Richard: And while you are down there get me a bottle of 20-year-old Bordeaux.
Alea walks into the gazebo.
Wise Snake glances at Richard, then back at Frederick.
Nick: What does he have on the waiter, anyway? Besides the usual?
Alea pulls out her sketch pad and pencils.
Alea gets comfortable on the bench.
Alea sorts through her pencils.
Wise Snake reluctantly decides she had better let it pass.
Wise Snake nods to Frederick.
Frederick looks at Wise Snake, and brightens up.
Alea pulls out the one she wants and begins to draw.
Wise Snake gets the distinct sensation she has no idea what's going on.
Richard looks at Frederick carefully.
Wise Snake has never been fond of that particular sensation.
Wise Snake: ~~skin crawling~~
Richard: Very well, the drinks please.
Frederick: Sorry about before, very unprofessional of me.
Frederick leaves downstairs and returns with the bottle of wine.
Wise Snake massages her forearms under the table and refrains from asking Richard about the exchange.
Nick: ~~ calm~~
Frederick delivers the wine on a silver tray with crystal glasses.
Alea sings softly as she draws.
Richard: Thank you Frederick.
Richard hands both Nick and Snake a glass of the red wine.
Alea draws another picture, just like the one yesterday... her singing fading as she does.
Nick takes the offered glass, swirls it expertly, and sniffs the aroma.
Alea wonders where the joy she derived in drawing went.
Richard: Please, I'd like to propose a toast.
Richard raises his glass.
Nick gets a snootful of old, musty socks instead of berry and oak.
Richard: To Hajene Wise Snake and her new Household.
Nick: Excuse me.
Nick turns to Frederick.
Nick: I'm afraid this bottle of wine is corked.
Richard stops, smells his wine and takes a small tentative taste.
Frederick: ~embarrassment~
Alea lays the sketchpad in her lap and leans her head back, closing her eyes.
Wise Snake thinks this guy's job, if not his life, is going to be ended after tonight.
Nick: It's not your fault that the cork was bad.
Nick: Perhaps you could bring up another bottle?
Frederick: Oh of course.
Richard: Another bottle if you please Frederick. And there is no need to bother Charles with this is there?
Frederick: I'll get it right away.
Richard sits down. ~despair~
Richard: I am so sorry.
Wise Snake sends Richard a sympathetic glance, since she is at least as embarrassed by Nick's behavior as Richard is by Frederick's.
Nick looks at Richard in surprise.
Wise Snake wonders if it's possible to eat with Richard without going through ten kinds of awkward scenes.
Frederick scurries off to get another bottle of wine, quickly to return, this time making sure the bottle is uncorked.
Frederick: Can I offer any entrees?
Alea stares out through the glass and watches as a rabbit hopes through some underbrush.
Frederick calls to a nearby busboy, "can you bring these people their entrees please?"
Nick smells his fresh glass.
Alea sketches the rabbit.
Nick: A noble vintage, Frederick.
Nick turns to Richard.
Nick: I believe you were about to propose a toast?
Richard sighs.
Hobbs the busboy hurries from the kitchen with a stack of plates.
Alea sighs and tosses the sketch pad aside.
Richard: Snake, I would like you to know that regardless of your decision long term I wish both you and your Household all the best and I will always be there for you, and members of your household, if the need is ever there.
Richard: Will you drink with me?
Wise Snake hesitates, because she really shouldn't drink.
Wise Snake inherited her mother's complete inability to withstand liquor. (as did Sky)
Wise Snake realizes Richard has been having a bad enough time already without her making it difficult on him.
Wise Snake: Of course.
Wise Snake remembers to rally her expression to something like pleasant enjoyment.
Hobbs arrives at the table, balancing plates with difficulty.
Richard: Do you have a name for your Household yet Snake?
Nick holds up his glass in salute.
Frederick presents each of the guests with their entrees.
Wise Snake: No.
Richard notices that food is being placed on the table in the dinning room.
Richard drinks to Snake and her Household.
Wise Snake holds up her glass, then touches her lips to the edge of the wine without actually drinking any.
Richard stands up and holds out his hand to Snake.
Nick sips, enjoying the sort of wine he hasn't had a chance to taste since he took that lab flunky job in a winery, during his drifting years.
Richard: I see dinner is here, I hope you are hungry.
Wise Snake rises, but does not accept the hand.
Nick then regretfully sets the glass aside, since he's on duty, and turns to his meal.
Nick: ~~ hunger ~~
Nick escorts Snake to the table.
Wise Snake nods thanks to Richard and goes to the table with them.
Richard feels rotten for forgetting and offering her his hand yet again.
Frederick: if there is anything else I can do for you, do not hesitate to call me over.
Richard: Thank you Frederick.
Richard thinks it could have gone without saying - it was, of course, a given - but is too upset over his own social ineptitude to do anything about it.
Richard hold Snake's chair until she is seated, then takes his own.
Notes:
1) The first part of this log is missing. If anyone has the missing part, please send it to tentacled@aol.com. [return]