Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #234: A Day for Surprises (5/2/98)
Alea has a blanket draped over her legs and is nursing her child.
Alea glances up.
Alea: Come in.
Alea pulls Aiesha off the breast and covers herself.
Alea lays the tiny baby awkwardly against her shoulder to burp her.
Alea ~~ exhausted and pretty well doped up on fosebine ~~
Eliza opens the door.
Eliza: Are you awake, Alea? Oh yes, you are.
Eliza: Hello.
Eliza brings her hand out from behind her back where she is holding some flowers.
Eliza: These are for you.
Alea's eyes widen when she sees the flowers.
Alea: Oh, how... nice. What type are they?
Eliza: [mostly weeds]
Eliza: I don't know.
Alea isn't allergic like Snake, but certain ones....
Alea: Ah.
Eliza: I got them from the garden.
Alea smiles.
Alea: Thank you. Can you put them in... the pitcher over there?
Eliza puts the flowers in the water jug as instructed.
Eliza: how is the baby?
Alea looks down at the child who is making soft mewling noises.
Alea: She's perfect.
Eliza looks down at the little baby and thinks that is hardly looks human even, but if Alea says it's perfect that must be what babies are supposed to look like.
Alea continues to pat the baby until she burps then places her back in the bassinet.
Eliza has never seen a child of under 2 years up close before.
Alea ~~ exhausted ~~
Alea: How are you doing with... D'cor?
Eliza: Well, I haven't actually seen him. He was in the infirmary, but he isn't now and I can't find him.
Eliza: I have to ask him if he wants to come to V'lar with me.
Eliza: Oh! Did you know about that?
Alea: V'lar?
Alea ~~ confused ~~
Alea: I'm not sure... D'cor's house?
Alea thinks and B'cal's, but doesn't say the name out loud.
Eliza nods.
Eliza: Apparently there is a virus or something and they need channel and Donor teams.
Eliza: I offered to go with them. Snake has someone she wants me to work with, but Briel said I have to ask if D'cor wants to go first.
Alea: With who?
Alea: Snake is involved in this?
Alea: What does she have to do with V'lar?
Eliza: B'cal asked her.
Eliza: She was going to go, but then she said she probably can't leave cause she has too much to do here.
Alea: B'cal?
Eliza: But she wants me to work with one of her channels, if D'cor isn't going.
Alea places a protective hand on Aiesha.
Alea: Who wants you to? B'cal?
Alea is getting very nervous.
Alea: She sent you a note?
Alea: I... I don't understand.
Eliza: No, she is here.
Eliza: What's the matter?
Alea sighs in relief.
Alea: Nothing.
Alea: I simply don't get along too well with B'cal.
Eliza: Oh? Why not?
Alea attempts a smile.
Alea: She doesn't know about my... uh....
Alea realizes Eliza doesn't know either about her spying activities.
Alea: She thinks... umm, well... I'm a tart.
Eliza: She knows about the baby [misunderstanding].
Eliza: A tart?
Wise Snake climbs the front steps of the Sime Center, looking over her shoulder several times.
Alea thinks that's the easiest one to tell out of all the other reasons.
Eliza wonders what that means, other then a sweet sticky pastry thing.
Alea: Yes.
Alea lifts her chin.
Alea: It doesn't matter.
Alea: Let's just say, I'd rather not have any encounters with her.
Eliza wonders how they would keep B'cal out if she was determined to get in.
Wise Snake enters the Sime Center's lobby, hypo.
Wise Snake peers cautiously about the place, studying all the people, before even going all the way in the door.
Eliza pulls up a chair.
Eliza: Do you think I could hold the baby?
Eliza: Or is she too little yet?
Alea: Oh!
Alea realizes she was almost dozing.
Alea: Of course you can.
Alea reaches into the bassinet and lifts the baby out.
Eliza puts her hands out nervously.
Alea leans forward and places Aiesha in her hands.
Alea: Just hold her close and support her neck and you'll be fine.
Eliza takes the baby stiffly.
Wise Snake sees Patrice and eyes her carefully.
Alea: That's it. That's fine.
Alea leans back in the chair, exhausted.
Eliza starts rocking automatically.
Eliza: She is light, hey?
Alea: Less than five pounds.
Eliza: I guess they grow.
Wise Snake sees the Tecton uniform and jumps to the [perhaps rather reckless] conclusion Patrice is harmless.
Alea: Yes.
Eliza: Errrr, Alea?
Wise Snake walks the rest of the way into the lobby and goes duoconscious.
Eliza: I think she is sort of wet.
Alea looks up at Eliza.
Alea: Ah.
Alea: Okay.
Alea: Here, let me take her.
Wise Snake is a unkempt, unhealthy looking female channel with wild black hair and white eyes, wearing a black cape.
Wise Snake acts appropriately arrogant now that she's sure nothing dangerous is in the lobby.
Wise Snake zlins Patrice on her way to the schedule board.
Alea tiredly reaches out for Aiesha.
Eliza gladly hands her over.
Eliza: ~relief~
Alea lays Aiesha down and works to remove the nappy.
Alea's hands are shaking and unsteady.
Alea painstakingly removes the diaper hearing the increasing sounds of discontent from Aiesha.
Alea: Oh dear....
Patrice: ~high field 3rd projecting an offer of support~
Alea manages to get the diaper off and then starts looking for another one.
Alea: Eliza....
Eliza: Hmmm?
Alea ~~ starting to panic ~~
Alea: I... a diaper. There aren't any!
Alea [baby begins to cry]
B'cal storms down the street.
Wise Snake turns to look at Patrice in some surprise.
B'cal is tired of hunting Snake down and wants to talk to her now.
Eliza: Oh! I'll get you one.
Eliza starts going through cupboards.
Alea picks up Aiesha and starts awkwardly bouncing her.
Eliza: There are some towels here, will they do?
Alea: Shush shush... oh dear.
Alea: I... oh. Yes, anything.
Eliza: Oh, here are some.
Wise Snake: Excuse me... can I help you? [to Patrice]
Eliza brings a handful over.
Alea is suddenly wet.
Alea: Oh... oh... she did it again.
Eliza: They are in the top cupboard.
Eliza pokes a face.
Alea looks down at her gown.
Patrice: I was wondering if you needed help.
Eliza is glad she is never having any.
Eliza: [babies that is]
Alea holds the baby out and then places her on the bassinet cushion, frantic because the baby is now crying loudly.
Eliza is thankful for condoms and those pills Snake gave her.
Eliza backs towards the door.
Alea takes one of the towels and wraps it around the baby.
Alea: Oh no!
Eliza: Errr, you are busy now, I'll, come back later!
Alea: Eliza, this comes up to her nose!
Eliza flees.
Alea ~~ frustrated ~~
Alea: No, don't LEAVE!
Eliza: [too late]
Alea bursts into tears as she is left alone.
Alea looks at the towel and pulls it off, wrapping her in one instead.
Wise Snake shakes her head and turns back to the schedule board.
Wise Snake: Now, let's see here.
B'cal strides up the stairs and bursts into the Sime Center.
Wise Snake jumps.
B'cal: There you are!
B'cal: I think you spend more time here than at that Ferry Building of yours.
B'cal: And just where is your Donor TODAY?
B'cal advances on Snake.
Alea: She... she's crying and upset...and...and I ...I can't....find.....a DIAPER!
Alea wails the last
Patrice moves a few steps towards Snake.
Wise Snake: Er... right here. [points at Patrice]
B'cal looks at Patrice and dismisses her as having no effect on Snake.
Wise Snake tries to look like B'cal is overreacting to nothing.
Wise Snake: [not very successfully]
Patrice moves quickly to the channel's side.
Patrice: ~supportive functional mode~
Alea sees Eliza is gone and falls into a new fit of weeping.
B'cal moves forward and sneers at Patrice.
Wise Snake grimaces as Patrice engages her field with all the subtlety of... well... a 3rd order Donor.
B'cal: You should not be gone from your Donors.
Patrice: She's not. I'm here.
Wise Snake: Um.. how are you doing today, B'cal?
B'cal: So, what are you doing out alone... and HERE of all places?
B'cal: Still have a death wish do you?
B'cal: I'd be doing better if you would stay put somewhere.
B'cal sneers.
B'cal: Another wannabe?
B'cal looks at Patrice like some nasty little insect she'd like to squash.
Wise Snake: Please, take it easy on her.
Alea continues to cry right along with her baby.
Wise Snake would hate for the Tecton to lose a perfectly good 3rd just because B'cal decided to rag on Snake.
B'cal moves forward ~~ strong steady support ~~
Wise Snake darts an apologetic glance at Patrice.
Patrice: ~stronger support~
Patrice: ~it's okay~
B'cal moves over and steps between Patrice and Snake.
B'cal: Excuse me.
B'cal ~~ not ~~
Wise Snake thinks B'cal has a lot of nerve... so what else is new?
B'cal takes and lays a hand on Snake's arm, turning her back on Patrice.
Patrice darts around B'cal to get closer to Snake.
Wise Snake's laterals lick out nervously.
B'cal looks deadly at the puny little Donor and slips an arm around Snake.
B'cal ~~ support ~~
Wise Snake: Stop it. Just... B'cal, cool it okay?
B'cal rests a hand on the tentacle sheaths.
Patrice: ~????~
Wise Snake: Er.... what's your name? [to Patrice]
B'cal ~~ soothing ~~
B'cal: Now, tell me where your Donor is so I can quickly and efficiently dismember him for not being here with you.
Patrice: Patrice. Do you want me to...? [voice trails off]
Wise Snake: B'cal... quit it.
B'cal lifts an arrogant eyebrow at Snake.
Wise Snake looks longingly at the door and wonders if she could make a break for it.
B'cal removes her hand.
B'cal: You can't tell me you prefer that little... nothing... to my nager.
B'cal shakes her head in disgust.
B'cal: Fine.
B'cal: When you wonder where an entire day went, come talk to me.
B'cal turns around and heads down the hall.
Patrice: Why don't you leave her alone?
Patrice turns to the channel.
Patrice: What was that all about, Hajene?
Wise Snake shakes her head.
Wise Snake: Sorry you had to get entangled in that.
Wise Snake: B'cal is a little... er, she has a strong personality.
Patrice: No problem I just wish I was stronger. She was really getting to you wasn't she?
B'cal goes from door to door looking for Briel.
B'cal hears the baby and her eyes narrow.
Wise Snake: Uh well, yes. But... [tries to think of some diplomatic way of explaining B'cal's field is more suitable than Patrice's, then gives up]
Wise Snake: Well, yes.
B'cal shoves the door open to the room where the baby is.
Alea looks up... and gasps.
Alea: ~~ horror ~~
Patrice: Where is your Donor? I don't blame her for not believing us.
B'cal: So, I see you delivered. Any idea who the father is?
Alea looks up at B'cal and starts weeping again.
Eliza enters the lobby looking ill.
Wise Snake: I'm sorry, what did you say your name is? [to Patrice]
Alea: My baby. She is... she's... she won't stop crying.
Wise Snake is distracted by the zlin of Eliza.
B'cal glares.
Patrice: Patrice, Hajene.
Wise Snake glances at her, concerned.
Wise Snake: Ah... Patrice... very good to meet you. I apologize again for the B'cal thing.
Eliza: Good morning Snake, I'm sorry I haven't spoken to D'cor yet - I will!
Patrice follows Snake's glance.
Wise Snake: Well, now you know to avoid her, right?
Patrice: Absolutely.
Patrice: ~shiver of fear~
Wise Snake: Sure, Eliza. No problem.
Eliza wonders who the new person is.
Wise Snake thinks it's B'cal who is gung-ho on them leaving soon anyway, not her.
Wise Snake looks between them, zlinning Eliza's curiosity.
B'cal goes over and carefully but firmly takes Aiesha away from Alea.
Eliza wonders if Snake has a new Donor.
Wise Snake: Have you two met?
Wise Snake: Eliza... Patrice.
Alea: No. Give her back, right now!
Eliza: No, is this your new Donor?
Alea isn't sure what B'cal might do to the child.
Eliza: Hello, Patrice.
Alea struggles to get up, but is still too weak.
Patrice: Hardly.
Patrice: Hello.
Wise Snake: Ah... I have to talk to Lanyi. I'll see you two later.
Patrice: I'm only a 3rd, no match for her.
Wise Snake: Sorry again. [to Patrice]
B'cal walks over to the bed and lays the baby there.
Eliza: Oh, silly of me, you are in our uniform.
Patrice: Bye, Hajene.
Eliza: So you must be working here hey?
Wise Snake slips out of the lobby.
Patrice: I'm new.
Eliza: See you later Snake.
B'cal moves over and digs through a cabinet and comes back with a diaper.
Patrice: Yes, I'm to be Kat's Donor.
see note 1
Katryn: Well then, I'm sure there might be others willing to help.
Katryn: And of course, I'll be glad to help you any time I can with your headache.
Wise Snake hurries into the cafeteria hoping to do a quick hit-and-run there without being snagged by B'cal.
Eliza: There is Snake!
Katryn sees Snake and immediately gets the starry eyed expression in her eyes.
Eliza: Snake! ~HELLO~
Katryn: A Farris [whispers low]
Wise Snake slips through the line, reaching for---
Wise Snake jumps.
Wise Snake suppresses a panic reaction to Eliza's ~HELLO~ and turns to wave at them.
Eliza: Come join us.
Wise Snake looks rather alarmed and like she's trying to find a way out of that.
Katryn smiles brightly ~~ past turnover and not feeling the smile ~~
Wise Snake finally nods and waves some more.
Patrice whispers back "yes, I know, we've met sort of".
Eliza gets up to go get her.
Eliza: Come sit down while you are eating, better for the digestion.
Wise Snake turns back to the line and picks up an apple and some tea.
Patrice: Yes Hajene, please join us.
Wise Snake: Er... thank you. [holding her field cautiously in]
Patrice favors Snake with a sunny smile.
Eliza takes some pasta.
Katryn pulls out a chair for Snake.
Patrice: ~firmly attached to Kat~
Wise Snake wonders how in shen she is going to get out of this.
Eliza puts the pasta in front of Snake.
Eliza: ~hungry~
Wise Snake goes over to the table and sits down reluctantly.
Eliza: An apple isn't enough the way you run around, Snake.
Wise Snake stares at the pasta.
Eliza: You need carbohydrates.
Wise Snake: Eliza, I....
Eliza nods.
Eliza: Don't eat enough.
Eliza: I know!
Katryn pulls a chair up near Snake, trying to look professional.
Wise Snake: I don't need carbohydrates!
Eliza remembers how thin Snake looked in the bath.
Katryn: How are you doing, Hajene? It's been a long time since I've seen you.
Patrice sits by Kat.
Patrice: No channel EVER eats enough, especially Farrises.
Katryn smiles proudly at Snake because her Donor is acting so professional.
Katryn: That is true.
Wise Snake: Er... well... I've been awfully busy... er....
Eliza: ~HUNGER~
Wise Snake thinks this could potentially get really ugly.
Eliza: ~yum yum~
Katryn gets up and moves to put Patrice between her and Snake thinking it'll be good for Snake to feel Patrice's hunger.
Wise Snake slips hypo, hoping they won't notice.
Patrice whispers "sorry" to Kat.
Wise Snake bites into her apple.
Patrice: ~extreme hunger~
Eliza: Snake, come on eat it!
Patrice: You need more than just an apple.
Katryn zlins Snake intently and picks up an apple to eat as she does.
Wise Snake can't zlin a thing since she is hypo.
B'cal comes out of Briel's office muttering.
Eliza: Oh well, if you won't, you won't.
B'cal goes into the cafeteria, sees Snake, and strides right up to her, coming up from behind.
Eliza: Don't, then.
Wise Snake nods and grins [weakly] at them and has another bite of the apple.
B'cal: THERE YOU ARE!
Eliza jumps.
Eliza: Shen!
Wise Snake jumps about 2 feet, the apple flying out of her hand.
Eliza: ~shock~
Katryn ducks the apple jumping from her chair.
B'cal sneers at the two Donors.
Patrice cowers against Kat.
Patrice: ~fear~
B'cal: Two of you, and you can't soothe a Farris.
Eliza grabs at the apple as it flies past her.
B'cal: What a pathetic sight.
Wise Snake clutches the table, looking shocked.
Eliza: One of you, and you can give us all a heart attack.
Katryn grits her teeth, sweat breaking out on her upper lip at Patrice's fear.
Eliza: Have you ever considered doing the world a favour and wearing a bag over your head?
Wise Snake zlins them all and is relieved they are temporarily distracted from their hunger.
B'cal looks approvingly at Eliza.
B'cal: You'll learn.
Eliza hands the apple back to Snake.
Patrice: ~returns to supporting Kat~.
B'cal: Now, Snake, I need to know. Are you going or not?
Wise Snake: Thank you. [a bit disgruntled]
Eliza: Yes, I'm young enough too learn, pity about you.
Katryn drops back down into the chair.
B'cal ~~ HUNGER ~~
B'cal moves up beside Snake and places a hand on her shoulder.
Patrice whispers to Kat sorry Hajene.
Wise Snake winces.
Wise Snake bites into the apple, wearing a pained expression.
Katryn shakes her head, feeling a headache coming on right between her eyes.
B'cal: Well?
B'cal: I haven't got all day.
B'cal: Eat up!
Wise Snake finishes the apple, rather faster than she would have wished.
B'cal thinks of the most delicious meal she has ever had and allows the feeling to flow over her.
Eliza pushes the pasta back in front of Snake.
Wise Snake: B'cal, I thought we agreed you weren't going to do that to me anymore. [aggrieved]
B'cal nods approvingly at Eliza.
B'cal: Do what?
B'cal ~~ innocent ~~
Wise Snake: Force me.
B'cal sighs.
B'cal backs off on the support.
Wise Snake mutters and picks up a fork, picking at the pasta.
Katryn thinks she would fall to pieces if her Donor were like that and is suddenly grateful for Patrice.
B'cal: I got word from my house today.
B'cal allows her hand to drift to the back of Snake's neck.
Eliza pricks up her ears.
B'cal rubs gently, where no one else can see.
B'cal ~~ soothing steady support ~~
Eliza: Oh?
B'cal glances at Eliza.
B'cal's features are hard and unyielding.
Eliza: Have you spoken to D'cor about it?
B'cal: It looks like we won't need the extra channels and Donors.
B'cal: No. I'll have to talk to him later.
B'cal: The deadly... outbreak seems to have run its course.
B'cal: No more new cases since I left.
Wise Snake looks extremely relieved as B'cal backs off on the Iron Porcupine routine and actually starts soothing her.
B'cal ~~ short glimpse of grief covered up ~~
Wise Snake is also relieved that B'cal has not pressed her on the issue of her own travel plans.
Eliza: So we aren't going?
B'cal: I'm afraid not.
Eliza: Is everything okay?
B'cal: We could still use a good Farris level channel until the new....
B'cal pauses.
B'cal: But of course, if Snake doesn't come, that's fine.
B'cal: We will survive.
B'cal: V'lar has survived much worse.
Wise Snake studiously plays with a noodle.
B'cal forces her mind back to the issue at hand.
B'cal: Well, Snake?
B'cal: Can you or can't you go?
B'cal sneers at the two Donors warning them not to try to influence her.
Katryn moves closer to Patrice, thinking she would, in no way, want to cross Snake and can't imagine why this Donor would treat a Farris like this.
Patrice doesn't notice, being totally involved with Kat.
Eliza sneers back.
B'cal nods ~~ proud ~~ at Eliza.
Patrice puts hand on Kat's arm.
Patrice: ~relax I'm here for you~
Katryn relaxes, nodding her thanks to Patrice.
Wise Snake: Well I mutter mumble something appointment mumble cat hair.
Wise Snake: [not meeting B'cal's eyes]
Patrice throws B'cal a dirty look.
B'cal's mouth tightens.
Wise Snake studies the noodle carefully, to determine the spices on it are safe.
Eliza: It's safe Snake, they don't sever anything not Farris safe cause of Alea and Tramila.
Wise Snake has a bite of pasta.
Katryn can't take the tension any longer and stands.
Wise Snake glances at B'cal.
Patrice rises also.
Katryn: Please excuse us. We have to go back to work.
Eliza: Okay Katryn, thanks for fixing my headache.
B'cal: Ah well. Thank you, Snake, for your answer.
Patrice: Yes, we have been away long enough. Eliza, nice meeting you.
Eliza smiles brightly.
B'cal glares at Eliza.
Eliza: See you later, Patrice.
B'cal: Don't let this channel out of your site until one of her Donors is with her.
B'cal: Understand me, Eliza?
Patrice: Bye, Hajene Farris.
Eliza: Who me?
Eliza: Aren't you staying with her?
Katryn turns and heads down the hall.
Solenia enters the Sime Center's lobby and goes up to the front desk.
Eliza: Shen, I can't help.
B'cal: I can't help.
Patrice follows her channel out of the room.
Eliza: Why not?
B'cal: I have got to leave today for V'lar. I have to be there in time for the... funeral.
B'cal: If you'll excuse me.
Eliza: Oh.
Eliza: I'm sorry, B'cal.
B'cal pauses, looking at Snake.
Wise Snake feels like a rat.
Wise Snake: [looks like one too, actually]
Jelana wanders into the lobby.
Jelana: Ah, hello. May I help you?
B'cal: Snake....
Eliza: ~sorrow~
Solenia zlins verrrrrrry peculiar.
Eliza: ~headache too~
Jelana is a Third Order Donor.
Wise Snake looks up at B'cal.
Jelana studies Solenia.
B'cal looks a bit uncomfortable with Eliza being there... but figures, since she is going to make one heck of a Donor one day, she might as well see all sides of B'cal.
B'cal: I'm... proud of you.
B'cal nods.
Wise Snake looks at B'cal completely at a loss.
Wise Snake: ...you are?
B'cal: Keep up the good work and I'll see you next time I'm in Bender Cove.
Wise Snake: Er....
B'cal: What, you want me to say it again?
B'cal sneers.
Wise Snake winces at the sneer.
Eliza: Yes.
Eliza: Say it again.
B'cal leans down and whispers in Snake's ear.
B'cal: Keep up the good work. You're looking better and better.
Eliza smiles at B'cal.
Wise Snake grins despite herself.
B'cal: If you see D'cor, please tell him that Fraeyan is dead.
Wise Snake looks utterly shocked.
B'cal turns and strides out of the cafeteria.
Eliza: ~happy, headache, happy~
Eliza: Oh.
Eliza feels dreadful.
Eliza: Who is Fraeyan?
Wise Snake jumps up and runs out of the cafeteria after B'cal.
Eliza: Errr....
Eliza jumps up and follows her.
Wise Snake casts about in the hallway, trying to zlin where she went.
Solenia: Yes... hello, I'd like to donate and get a transfer?
Jorgre walks into the lobby zlinning the newcomer and motions to Jelana to back off.
Solenia: Can I do it on the same day or do I have to make two different appointments?
Jorgre: Oh, I see....
Jorgre doesn't at all.
B'cal strides down the hall toward the lobby.
Wise Snake darts after B'cal and catches up to her.
Wise Snake: What... what was... B'cal!
Eliza runs after them and for once doesn't run into them.
B'cal stops.
Wise Snake runs into B'cal.
B'cal turns, grief in her nager before she quickly covers it.
B'cal catches Snake.
Wise Snake looks agonized.
Jorgre: Uh... transfer and donation?
Wise Snake: You didn't tell me people were dying.
Jorgre zlins closer.
B'cal ~~ soothing ~~
Solenia definitely zlins verrrrrrrry peculiar.
B'cal: It was an epidemic, Snake.
B'cal: Don't agonize. The worst is over.
Wise Snake: But... why didn't you say... why did you...? [looks very upset]
B'cal: Pamlos said it doesn't look like we'd lose too many more.
Wise Snake: Why didn't we leave right away?
B'cal reaches out and touches Snake's arm.
Eliza keeps neutral in the background.
Wise Snake: Why didn't you take my people immediately?
B'cal: I was told to wait.
Wise Snake jumps at the touch.
B'cal: I couldn't.
B'cal allows some of her grief to show.
Wise Snake: But... how could you just... why did you pick that way to...?
B'cal: Too many of our Donors were ill. They sent me up here to gather help, but were leery of allowing me back until they were certain.
B'cal: what?
B'cal clamps firm control on her nager, not allowing anything to show.
B'cal studies Snake.
B'cal: How could I tell D'cor that way?
B'cal: How come I didn't tell him in person?
Wise Snake: How could you... how could you tell me that way? [softly]
Eliza yearns to sooth Snake.
B'cal: About Fraeyan?
Wise Snake looks tormented.
B'cal stiffens, looking harsher.
B'cal: You never knew, did you?
Wise Snake shrinks away from B'cal.
B'cal: I'm sorry, Snake if I hurt you. I wasn't....thinking.
B'cal: My mind is on... the... news.
B'cal looks like someone holding onto their grief by a thread.
Wise Snake: What news? [quickly, paranoid]
Eliza wants to just wrap her arms and nager around Snake and hold her.
B'cal shakes her head.
B'cal: Fraeyan.
B'cal: As close as we were for awhile... I thought you had at least guessed at V'lar.
B'cal: Ah, well.
B'cal: I apologize, Hajene Snake, for informing you that way.
Wise Snake: ...guessed? [confused/anxious] B'cal... what...?
B'cal: Pamlos tells me the end was painless. That... Fraeyan just....
B'cal looks at Snake.
B'cal: It wasn't Pamlos, Snake, that held my heart... it was Fraeyan.
B'cal: I've lost more than a Sectuib this day.
Wise Snake looks at B'cal in confusion, then zlins her.
B'cal: He evidently slipped into a coma last night and didn't revive.
B'cal ~~ acute grief and loss ~~ ~~ broken hearted ~~
B'cal works her jaw until slowly little by little her field is back under control and no emotion is showing.
B'cal: He talked fondly of your visit and said you would one day be a great channel.
B'cal: He was right, Snake.
B'cal: You have grown since I saw you last.
Wise Snake looks away.
Wise Snake: I'm... sorry I... made you talk about this.
B'cal: No.
B'cal: Don't apologize.
B'cal: I wanted to be there, but was sent away. I had hoped that I could get some channels back in time, but he kept me away, waiting.
B'cal: It's going to take awhile to rebuild V'lar after this.
B'cal: But I thank you for the time you have given me and the chance to talk to you.
B'cal wonders why Snake has a way of getting to her that others don't.
B'cal sneers at Eliza.
B'cal: Don't let her out of your sight.
Eliza looks at B'cal in pity.
Eliza: I won't.
Eliza: don't worry.
B'cal: Thank you.
B'cal nods.
B'cal looks again at Snake.
Wise Snake: But I can still give you Fise and Altavista.
Wise Snake: Surely they can do some good....?
B'cal nods to Eliza.
Eliza: I'm willing to go if I can be of use.
B'cal: No. Fise will be fine, and his assistant.
B'cal: I'm not sure we should expose any more Donors than necessary.
Jorgre: You want a transfer...and a donation?
Jorgre: Could you please explain that to me?
Wise Snake: I can give you the two Thirds with no Donors, would that work out?
B'cal: That would help.
B'cal: Thank you.
Eliza wonders at the wisdom of sending a junct.
Wise Snake thinks she is really interested in getting her people out of town for Muryin's visit, but if anybody could be overlooked by the powers that be, it'd be Loylic.
Wise Snake: Fine. When and where do you want them to meet you?
B'cal: I am leaving within the hour. Can they leave within the next twenty-four hours and someone will be arranged to pick them up at the rail?
Wise Snake: Yes.
Wise Snake: I can do that.
B'cal: Thank you, Snake.
Solenia: Well, yes, I.. [looks around at all the people in the lobby, suddenly shy]
Solenia leans closer, trying to keep her voice down.
Solenia: I'm bipolar.
B'cal: I will see them then.
B'cal allows her gratitude to show before turning and leaving.
Solenia holds out her arms, displaying stunted tentacles.
Wise Snake stares after B'cal, looking haunted.
Jorgre has heard of that but has never, in his life, seen a bipolar person.
Eliza: Snake?
Jorgre: Ah....
Eliza puts an hand cautiously on Snake's arm.
Wise Snake turns her head to look at Eliza, after slightly too long a delay.
Jorgre: Yes.
Jorgre: Well....
Wise Snake's tentacles curl around Eliza's fingers.
Eliza waits to see what Snake wants to do.
Solenia zlins a mixture of slightly embarrassed and practical.
Solenia: I realize you're probably not used to... well, I didn't mean to get caught out of town and in need, but there was a problem on the rail and I couldn't make my train.
Jorgre: Okay, why don't we go in a room over here and get to er... work?
Jorgre wishes he had a Donor right now.
Solenia smiles gratefully and follows Jorgre.
Jorgre: Of course.
Jorgre thinks this would certainly be interesting.
Jorgre goes into a room and motions for Solenia to sit down.
Wise Snake sighs and lets go of Eliza's hand.
Wise Snake: Well... that was that, then.
Wise Snake: I'd better go hunt down Fise and BumBum and get them packing.
Eliza: Snake, do you really want Bumanuel to go by himself without a Donor?
Wise Snake has actually had them on standby ever since she first talked to B'cal.
Wise Snake looks back at Eliza in surprise.
Wise Snake: Well, I really don't want to send either of them without a Donor, but you heard her... they didn't want to risk bringing Donors in.
Eliza: I'm willing to go.
Wise Snake: Won't you be serving D'cor?
Eliza: look, I'm coming with you until either Rapol or Nick are around, I promised B'cal.
Solenia sits, removing her jacket.
Eliza: We can talk about it on the way, if you like.
Wise Snake starts to move toward the door, then pauses. "Is D'cor not going? Or...?"
Jorgre zlins curiously while sitting down.
Jorgre: You have obviously donated and had transfer before.
Eliza: I'll be back in time or they will work something out.
Eliza: I still have Briel's permission to go.
Eliza: B'cal said that she spoke to him.
Solenia appears to have both a Gen and a renSime field superimposed on each other, but the selyn systems are not connected in any way.
Solenia has underdeveloped tentacles and is built more heavily than a Sime would be.
Jorgre thinks he could get ill zlinning this.
Jorgre: Well....
Jorgre looks a little queasy.
Jorgre: Let's start with the donation first. That should make your need all the more... prevalent?
Jorgre has no idea if that is true or not.
Solenia: Okay.
Solenia is just glad Jorgre isn't going to call in everybody he knows to zlin the freak.
Jorgre: Now....
Jorgre realizes he hasn't even introduced himself.
Wise Snake: I don't understand. Is D'cor going or not?
Eliza stays close to Snake, not offering support, but just being there.
Jorgre: I am Jorgre, a Second Order channel here at Bender Cove lower town Sime Center.
Eliza: Didn't B'cal say no?
Jorgre: What I will do is take your donation, and then proceed on with the transfer.
Jorgre: Er....
Eliza tries to think back.
Jorgre looks at her arms.
Eliza: I'm sure she said no.
Jorgre wonders how you take a donation from someone with tentacles.
Jorgre: I'll just... use your... shoulders if that is okay, to take your donation?
Jorgre: Is that how they normally do it?
Jorgre wishes someone else were here to see this. No one is going to believe this.
Wise Snake: I... [considers]
Wise Snake: She didn't say when I was here.
Eliza: Oh.
Eliza: Well, it really doesn't matter cause I wanted to talk to you about something anyway.
Eliza: But we can do that on the way.
Wise Snake: All right.
Solenia: They try different things.
Solenia: You can use my shoulders if you like. [trying not to make any trouble]
Jorgre studies the young woman for a moment before finally regaining his equilibrium.
Wise Snake continues up the hallway to the lobby.
Eliza: It's about Bumanuel.
Wise Snake: Oh?
Eliza: He told me that he was junct.
Jorgre: What would you be most comfortable with, Miz...?
Wise Snake: Yes, he is. Don't you require a cloak or jacket?
Eliza: Probably.
Solenia: Can you...? [offering arms hopefully]
Eliza gets her cloak from the lobby cupboard.
Eliza: I've been reading some books. One of them is "The Lives of the Great Companions."
Jorgre: Ah, okay.
Jorgre nods.
Solenia: ~~arms contain a webwork of selyn pathways, some from one system, some from the other~~
Jorgre takes her hands with his.
Wise Snake listens.
Solenia: ~~hope~~
Jorgre zlins carefully and slides his laterals up, snake-like, working to land them only on the correct paths.
Eliza: I checked, some of the first channels were junct, but they usually never killed after they found a Companion that could satisfy them.
Jorgre: Okay, I'm going to take this really slowly.
Jorgre: Let me know if I trigger anything in you.
Eliza: I was thinking about my work here, and it doesn't seem as important as helping to stop juncts from killing.
Jorgre: Don't worry. You can't hurt me. We'll just take it nice and slow.
Wise Snake winces as she realizes this conversation could get her in a lot of trouble with certain parties.
Jorgre smiles at the young woman, zlinning her hope and thinking she has probably been paraded around like a freak.
Eliza: If you would agree, I would like to ask Briel if I could take a few months off. Work with Bumanuel and see....
Eliza: Well, you know.
Solenia: Okay. ~~a little nervous but not a lot~~
Jorgre smiles.
Solenia smiles tremulously at Jorgre.
Jorgre: Now just lean forward and touch my lips.
Solenia: ~~more relaxed when he smiles~~
Solenia leans forward and makes a 5th contact.
Jorgre leans forward slightly, encouraging her with his eyes.
Jorgre stays very alert as he slowly starts to draw.
Solenia's small tentacles quiver.
Solenia: ~~tense at first, then utter relaxation~~
Wise Snake: Hmmm.
Jorgre feels an odd shifting at the feel of Tentacles while drawing a donation.
Jorgre continues to draw feeling sweat trickle down the back of his neck as he concentrates.
Wise Snake: Well Eliza, I think that there are a number of problems with that idea, but if you could get Briel to agree to it, I might be willing to give it a try.
Wise Snake thinks the main problem is that BumBum is an utter sleaze and nice women really would get sick of hanging out with him.
Jorgre finishes the draw, but instead of releasing her, he shifts his tentacles and suddenly projects ~~ GEN desire to GIVE ~~
Jorgre slips his tentacles toward hers and moves his laterals so she can intertwine them.
Solenia flutters for a moment in ~surprise~ and then the stumpy little tentacles lock around Jorgre's arms and the laterals lick out.
Solenia: ~~need~
Solenia draws.
Jorgre ~~ Gen eagerness ~~
Solenia: ~~belated interest/eagerness~~
Jorgre ~~ new joy at giving ~~
Jorgre ~~ excitement ~~
Solenia peaks quickly, with a crest of ~~exhilaration~~
Jorgre ~~ satisfaction ~~
Jorgre holds her steady, allowing her to finish and release him.
Solenia releases Jorgre and looks up at him in wide eyed amazement.
Solenia then looks down at her hands, and back up at him.
Jorgre reaches for a towel and hands her one, waiting.
Solenia: You made me feel... feel....
Jorgre smiles at her.
Solenia slowly breaks out in a giant grin.
Solenia: You made me feel like I am beautiful.
Solenia: ~~deep gratitude~~
Solenia: ~~also, intensely post~~
Jorgre mirrors her grin.
Jorgre takes her hand.
Solenia: I don't feel so bad about waiting in the train station now.
Solenia thinks she might meet the man of her dreams there and is eager to get started.
Jorgre: You are a very lovely young lady. Don't ever allow anyone to make you feel otherwise.
Jorgre: Good.
Solenia: Thank you. ~~sincere~~
Jorgre stands and wipes his arms.
Jorgre: Let me get you a donation voucher.
Solenia: Oh, thank you.
Jorgre goes over and fills out a voucher.
Jorgre returns and hands it to her.
Eliza: I'll talk to Briel about it then
Eliza: ~cheerful and hopeful~
Jorgre: Good luck on your trip.
Jorgre: And thank you for the opportunity to work with you.
Wise Snake: Great.
Wise Snake thinks BumBum would jump at the chance to jump Eliza, nagerically and physically.
Wise Snake: I think you ought to get to know BumBum a little better before you actually commit to anything, though.
Jorgre tucks the chart under his arm.
Wise Snake: He does have a... sort of a personality, you would have to get used to....
Wise Snake is trying to be diplomatic and it's not working.
Jorgre pulls open the door for Solenia.
Eliza: I don't care really. If he is killing people and I could prevent it....
Eliza has a holy light in her eyes - the look of a religious fanatic.
Jorgre leaves the room and heads on down the hall to find the next donor.
Notes:
1) Part of the log is missing here. If you are able to provide the missing piece, please send it to tentacled@aol.com. [return]
Go on to Episode #235: Muryin's Visit
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