Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario

Episode #235: Muryin's Visit (5/3/98)

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Eliza signals on Briel's door.

Eliza has "The BOOK" under her arm.

Boofay sits at the front desk, the papers he's supposed to be filing in a pile in front of him.

Boofay looks out the window and hopes the desk clerk doesn't come back and reclaim the chair too soon.

Briel glances up.

Briel: Come!

Boofay sees something on the front desk that looks interesting and picks it up to read it.

Boofay reads something about big muckety-mucks coming to visit and how the lobby should be sparkling clean... etc.

Boofay looks around at the lobby and honestly can't tell whether it's "sparkling clean" or not.

Boofay sees this as an opportunity to simultaneously cause trouble and put off doing his real work, while putting out almost no effort and getting in no trouble.

Boofay is always on the lookout for this kind of thing... in a passive sort of way.

Boofay gets up and tucks his work out of sight underneath some Donor forms, in case anybody happens to walk by.

Boofay saunters idly out of the lobby toward the rear of the building where the janitorial office is.

Eliza opens the door and walks in.

Eliza: ~ resolute ~

Eliza: Good morning, Hajene.

Briel: How may I help you today?

Eliza: I would like to talk to you about leaving the Center for a few months.

Briel: I see.

Briel sets down her pen and stands.

Briel moves around her desk and motions to the sofa across the room.

Briel: Please have a seat.

Eliza moves to the seat and sits next [but not too close] to Briel.

Briel: ~~ concern ~~

Briel: Is there a problem, Eliza?

Briel thinks, besides the usual ones.

Eliza: No, no problem Briel, I think it's more of an opportunity.

Briel: You are assigned to someone this month. I hope you don't plan to leave before that is up.

Eliza: If someone else could be found for D'cor, I think he would prefer it. And it would be better if I didn't give him transfer. If that could be arranged.

Briel is disappointed.

Eliza: Of course, if there was no other Donor for him....

Briel: I'll find someone for him.

Briel looks at it as a Donor running out on her channel, though she doesn't say it out loud.

Boofay goes to the janitorial office and, carefully avoiding the more responsible parties, finds the 2 biggest idiots he can see and shows them the letter, asks them to go clean up the lobby right away.

Boofay smiles lazily to himself and saunters out, thinking to check in on the lobby again in a couple of hours.

Walter looks at the letter.

Walter has heard of writing.

Walter has even seen it.

Jon Drake is upstairs, still asleep due to the rigors of all his recent shuttling between the regional capital and Bender Cove.

Walter has seen it in big books.

Walter lurches out after Boofay.

Walter: What does it say!

Briel: Would you mind telling me just what is so important that you would desert a channel?

Eliza: I won't desert him if you can't find anyone else, but, well....

Eliza: Snake has a channel working for her, and he is junct.

Andirel, who has recently been hired as a janitor, looks at the letter with a stupefied expression, following Walter.

Jon Drake finds himself awake with a sense of anxiety, like something's wrong.

Briel: Junct!

Andirel: Durrrr...... it says we'll be in big trouble if we don't clean up the lobby.

Eliza: I think that if it is possible to stop him from killing that is, well, more important than anything!

Briel's eyes narrow.

Walter: We better clean it up then!

Andirel: It says all sorts of really important people will be there and we'd better hurry.

Jon Drake wonders if this feeling is part of an unremembered dream, or something else.

Andirel: Durrr....

Walter picks up his mop and bucket, remembers this time to put water in the bucket and some soap, oops lots of soap.

Walter hurries, lurching along and spilling water on the carpet.

Briel: Juncts...but....

Eliza: Yes, his name is Bumanuel Altavista and he is a very nice man.

Briel: How long has he been junct?

Eliza: He really can't help it.

Briel's eyes narrow.

Andirel picks up a huge armload of all different mops, brooms, rakes, shovels, and implements of destruction.

Eliza: All his adult life. He is too old to disjunct.

Jon Drake gets up and showers, showering a bit faster because this feeling of unease won't dissipate. It's almost as if something is major is happening--or going to happen.

Eliza: And I thought, well....

Andirel staggers down the hall after Walter, bonking into walls and trying to read the letter still clutched in his hand, though his view is a bit obstructed.

Eliza: He seemed to like me, and Snake said she though it was worth a try if you agreed to let me go for a while.

Walter gets into the lobby and looks around.

Briel: He can't disjunct, Eliza.

Briel: They have.... places for them now.

Walter waits for Andirel to tell him what to do.

Briel: The authorities will have to be contacted.

Eliza: I know he can't, Briel, but in this book, [opens book] there are examples of juncts who haven't killed cause they had Companions who made them feel complete without killing.

Andirel drops the mops, rakes, etc. with a massive, extended clatter.

Andirel: [crushing a small end table underneath]

Andirel stands blinking, looking at the pile.

Andirel: Durrrrr.... it looks clean to me. [dubiously]

Briel reaches for a pen.

Briel: What information do you have on this person?

Eliza: Isn't it worth a try?

Eliza: Snake seemed to think it's possible.

Briel: I'll have to report this so he can get... help.

Briel shudders inwardly.

Eliza: I might be able to stop anyone from dying - or from being killed!

Eliza has that fanatical look in her eyes again

Andirel ponders that idea slowly. [Hey, his brain is made of sponge, what can you do?]

Andirel: Duuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... Okay.

Walter: I think you will have to kneel down!

Andirel makes his hands in a stirrup shape.

Andirel: Maybe this work?

Walter looks at the hands.

Walter: Oh! You want me to put my foot in there? Okay!

Walter puts his foot in Andirel's hands.

Andirel gives a mighty heave, launching Walter upward.

Walter squeals and grabs for the light fittings.

Walter swings from the ceiling.

Walter: Andirel, what now?

Andirel looks up at Walter dangling there.

Andirel: Mop? Or scrub brush. I'll give you.

Walter: Scrubbing brush, I think.

Briel looks at Eliza.

Walter: Okay....

Walter wraps his tentacles around the light and puts his other hand down.

Briel: I need the information so I can alert the Tecton Marshals, Eliza.

Eliza looks at Briel in shock.

Eliza: Why?

Briel: Because it's not acceptable anymore for a junct to be allowed to run free.

Andirel hands Walter up the large bucket of water, and a scrub brush. [wobbling dangerously as he holds it over his head]

Andirel staggers as his foot comes down on a broom handle on the floor.

Eliza: Of course not, but Snake thinks I can stop him from killing. 1

Briel: No, you can't.

Eliza: If you force him to have channel's transfer, he will die!

Eliza jumps up.

Briel: If he is an adult....

Jon Drake walks to the duty roster to see whom he is working with today.

Briel: He has no choice.

Briel: That's the rules.

Eliza: Well, Snake is a Farris and she said that it's worth a try.

Briel: There are places that can help him.

Briel: Snake was lying to you.

Briel: Out of first year they can no longer disjunct.

Eliza bursts into tears.

Eliza: How DARE you say that!

Briel winces, going hypo.

Briel: Get yourself under control right now, Eliza.

Briel: If you were around a junct in that condition, do you really think you could help him?

Briel ~~ anger ~~

Walter holds the bucket in his tentacles and the cloth in his hand and proceeds to try to clean the light he is hanging from.

Walter finds that in doing this the light is getting slipperier......

Jon Drake looks around the lobby.

Walter: Oh, oh!

Andirel stomps out of the pile, and away from under Walter.

Walter drops the bucket of water on Jon Drake and clutches at the light with both hands and all tentacles.

Briel stands.

Andirel picks up a large feather duster and starts dusting all the papers off the front desk.

Briel: There is no way, with the way you are acting right now you, could even work with a disjunct, let alone a junct, Eliza.

Jon Drake backs away, looking up.

Briel: Now, give me the information so I can call the Marshal.

Eliza wonders what it is about Briel that scares her so much. After all, she is only a Sime.

Eliza: I'm sorry, Briel, I can't do that.

Eliza: I really don't know anything.

Briel zlins Eliza.

Jon Drake wonders what is going on and whether he should have stayed in bed after all.

Briel: You don't know where he lives?

Andirel hears the splash and turns around, sees Jon Drake there.

Eliza: I know his name and that he works for Snake.

Eliza: That's all.

Eliza: ~ honest ~

Jon Drake: Do you need help there?

Briel nods.

Andirel: Durrr.... are you one of the Famous Visitors? [wonderingly]

Briel: I'll talk to Snake, then.

Andirel fails to notice he has a bucket jammed onto one foot.

Briel: As for you staying here, Eliza, I can't stop you if you leave. But once you pledge to the Tecton....

Jon Drake: "Famous Visitors"?

Briel: You should think seriously ... now... about your future.

Walter can't hold on any longer, and finally falls.

Eliza: I was asking for leave for a few months Briel, that's all.

Andirel hands Jon Drake the rumpled, moist letter about Muryin's visit.

Jon Drake tries wipe the soapy water from his eyes.

Briel: Yes. I know.

Briel: But the Tecton needs people who are dedicated.

Eliza: I could probably learn a lot, working with Snake and her people.

Briel: Real Donors.

Briel: Think about it.

Eliza: ~ pleading ~

Andirel helpfully picks up a large, dusting-compound laden rag and tries to wipe off Jon Drake's face.

Briel: Yeah, I'm sure you could.

Briel ~~ none of it good ~~

Briel: It's your choice. As I said, I can't hold you here.

Briel: You haven't pledged yet.

Jon Drake: No, no. That's all right.

Walter: Eeek!

Walter lays on his back in the wet.

Briel: Good luck with Snake.

Walter zlins two selyn fields above him.

Walter: ~ need ~

Darrel comes into the lobby and stops dead at what he zlins.

Jon Drake looks to see if Walter has hurt himself, Sime or no.

Eliza: I can go?!

Darrel: Shen!

Briel: As I told you, Eliza. You aren't Tecton. It's up to you.

Andirel leans over and begins to rub the rag on a coffee table.

Briel: We'll take you off the rolls. If you decide to come back, contact me.

Andirel: [coffee table groans as he puts his weight on it]

Darrel looks around at the devastation.

Eliza resists an impulse to hug Briel.

Andirel frowns as a big, greasy mark is left on the glass.

Eliza: Thank you, Briel!

Darrel reminds himself that he's a Tecton channel.

Darrel: What's going on here?

Eliza runs out of the room.

Briel thinks Eliza still hasn't grasped what she said and wonders just what Eliza will do if she decides she wants to come back.

Eliza runs back in, grabs her book, and runs out again.

Jon Drake gives a noncommittal shrug while looking to see if Walter is injured.

Walter: ~ need ~

Briel rubs a tentacle across the tight muscles in her neck.

Briel: Shen.

Walter gets up, soaked and soapy.

Andirel looks up at Darrel from his position leaning over the coffee table.

Walter struggles to see what is happening.

Darrel goes over to Walter.

Darrel: Are you all right?

Andirel: Duuuurrrrrrr.... we're making the lobby sparkling cleEEEAAAGgghh!!! [coffee table collapses]

Darrel zlins Walter.

Walter zlins an approaching channel and grabs him.

Andirel lies stunned, face down.

Walter: Time.

Darrel winces at the noise.

Briel goes back over to her desk and sits down, dropping her forehead to rest against her hands.

Walter: ~ begging ~

Walter: ~ now? ~

Darrel works to control Walter's intil.

Walter: Ahhhhh.

Darrel: All right, if you can't wait until your scheduled time, come with me, and I'll give you transfer.

Walter hears "transfer" and his laterals extend and he leans forward to make contact.

Briel takes a deep breath and stands.

Briel goes to find Tarsh and make sure the books are in order.

Darrel backs away, trying to lead Walter towards a transfer room.

Jon Drake backs away, holding his field down...

Darrel: ~~ your Gen, but not quite yet ~~

Mytag enters the lobby to see Jon Drake soaking wet, Walter soaking wet and soapy, Andirel doing something unspeakable and Darrel apparently going to give wet Walter transfer.

Darrel tries to bring Walter duoconscious so he can hear.

Walter feels his transfer moving away and grabs it desperately.

Jon Drake looks around and smiles at Mytag.

Walter smashes his lips against Darrel's face and starts to draw.

Briel zlins something in the lobby---oh shen--and augments down that way.

Mytag quickly moves forward. ~ support ~

Andirel gets up and sees, to his horror, a Sime attacking Walter.

Darrel gives up on the transfer room idea and starts to provide selyn.

Andirel tackles Darrel and Walter.

Jon Drake hurries to pull Andirel from the area.

Walter finishes his draw just as Andirel hits.

Walter squeals.

Darrel screams as the lateral contact is rudely disrupted.

Mytag: Oh, shen.

Briel slides into the room... and slides... and slides...

Briel: sheeeen....

Mytag takes Darrel's arms to assess the damage.

Darrel: ~~~ PAIN ~~~

Briel windmills, then leaps, trying to get out of the water.

Andirel tries to wrestle away from Jon Drake, thinking his friend is about to get moiderized.

Andirel: No... no....

Walter lays back against the door, feeling much better.

Andirel subsides.

Darrel's tentacles are knotted, and he is curled into a fetal ball.

Mytag works on stabilizing Darrel.

Walter thinks that maybe they should finish the lobby now.

Jon Drake sees Briel sliding in the soapy mess.

Briel slams into Jon Drake.

Darrel clutches for Mytag's field.

Mytag: ~ soothing, stable, steady ~

Briel clutches at Jon Drake.

Briel steadies herself before turning around.

Briel: What the shenned is going on here?

Jon Drake works to ease his nager, to soothe her field.

Briel zlins Walter satisfied, Andirel...upset, and Darrel...

Briel winces, shuddering.

Jon Drake: Apparently these two were trying to clean up the lobby for some "Famous Visitors."

Walter: We are cleaning the lobby Hajene!

Andirel: Durrrrr..... have to hurry up. [Big Stupid Gen agitation]

Walter picks up the mop, narrowly missing Jon Drake.

Andirel looks around at the mess.

Walter: I'll mop, Andirel!

Briel goes over to Darrel and Mytag.

Andirel: Duuuurrrrrrr.. Okay.

Jon Drake ducks out of the way.

Briel drops down by them, zlinning.

Walter proceeds to spread the water around.

Briel: What happened?

Mytag: Walter took transfer but was knocked away, apparently just as it was concluding.

Mytag thinks what's really the matter is an acute case of lobbyphobia.

Jon Drake gestures to Walter. "He was apparently trying to clean the chandeliers by hanging from them and lost his grip."

Darrel: It was the lobby. This sort of thing always happen when I go into the lobby.

Mytag: ~ support ~

Mytag: Lets get you up, Darrel.

Briel reaches for Darrel's arms.

Mytag: I don't think there is any damage a good dose of fosebine won't help.

Andirel finds a large wastepaper basket and gathers all the trashed papers on the floor, that used to be on the front desk but are now in a soapy puddle.

Briel zlins for damage.

Darrel tries to get his nager into something resembling order.

Darrel: ~~ second shen in two days ~~

Mytag bases this on the fact that Walter seems fine and he can see no physical damage [mental damage is another thing]

Briel zlins no damage to the laterals.

Briel moves back and helps haul him up, allowing Mytag to stay close.

Briel: Get him some fosebine.

Andirel frowns at the front desk and goes ahead and "cleans up" the whole desk so it is perfectly bare.

Briel: Oh, and some dry clothes.

Jon Drake gets up and sees to getting this area in some sort of order.

Briel looks down at her uniform and realizes she is soaking wet.

Darrel stumbles along, leaning on Mytag.

Muryin stands just inside the door with her entourage behind her and observes with all senses.

Walter pushes the now dirty water around the lobby floor.

Briel zlins something and turns.

Andirel looks up and sees Muryin.

Briel ~~ OH SHEN ~~

Andirel: Duuurrrrrr...... Uh oh.

Briel's eyes widen in dismay.

Darrel zlins the shock and winces.

Mytag sits Darrel on the lounge.

Andirel is a Big Stupid Gen. [holding a large basket of many ruined forms and papers]

Mytag: Just sit here a moment.

Briel: Hajene Farris, welcome to Bender Cove lower town Sime Center.

Andirel stands there with his mouth hanging open.

Deann stands behind Muryin, offering nageric support. Her purple and gray Ahlvastin cloak probably clashes horribly with Muryin's Zeor blue.

Walter washes over the feet of the people at the door.

Briel: Walter!

Briel ~~ oh no ~~

Briel looks to Jon for support.

Walter stands up quickly, narrowly missing hitting someone in the jaw with the mop.

Walter: Yes, Hajene?

Muryin does not retreat.

Briel: Go to the kitchen and mop the floor there now.

Muryin: This is not - precisely - what I had been led to expect.

Walter: All right, Hajene!

Briel: Thank you.

Walter picks up his bucket and lurches off.

Andirel turns and creeps quietly out of the lobby with the dripping bin.

Briel ~~ humiliation ~~

Briel moves forward.

Briel: R'lea offers greetings to Zeor.

Mytag works on unknotting Darrel's tentacles.

Mytag: ~ support ~

Briel: We seem to have had just a minor... problem.

Muryin: This is minor?

Briel knew there was a reason she always disliked Farrises.

Briel: Yes, Hajene.

Briel: Please come in. Be careful of the water.

Muryin: I zlin it.

Briel: Of course.

Muryin steps carefully into the lobby, looking up.

Jon Drake follows Briel, supporting her.

Darrel uncurls enough to look at the new arrivals.

Darrel: Who are they? [muttered to Mytag]

Briel: How was the trip?

Darrel is sure they can't be good news--they came in via the lobby, after all.

Deann remains no more than a step away from Muryin, focused entirely on the Sectuib. ~~ Calm, strength, security ~~

Briel: We hadn't expected you until... later.

Briel thinks anytime but now.

Deann moves to Muryin's left, and just a half-step behind her.

Mytag: I don't know, that doesn't matter now.

Mytag: Let's just get you balanced.

Muryin feels much better with Deann finally working.

Briel: I'm Briel ambrov R'lea. Co-Controller here at the Sime Center.

Briel rests on Jon's field.

Muryin: Good.

Muryin: Will I be able to use your office to interview the staff?

Briel: Of course.

Briel: Please, come this way.

Muryin: I do expect to interview the channeling staff.

Briel winces at the thought.

Muryin: And when was the last time you painted this place?

Muryin: It's - uh - odd colored.

Muryin: For a Sime Center, that is.

Briel looks around at the color Alea had the place painted and winces again.

Jirelle bounces into the lobby.

Briel: Actually, it's only been a month ago...

Jirelle stops dead at the amazing ambient in there.

Muryin looks at Jirelle.

Briel sees Jirelle.

Briel: Hajene, this is Jirelle. She's one of our Second Order channels here. 2

Muryin: Oh, Sectuib Keon - at last. We shall interview the channeling staff in the Controller's office.

Deann takes a moment to glance at the walls, but immediately returns her focus to Muryin. Ahem.

Jirelle is relieved she didn't interrupt anything.

Briel nods and starts down the hall toward her office.

Jirelle goes up to Briel, flattered that the Controller saw fit to introduce her to... whoever that is.

Darrel finally manages to get his abused systems straightened out.

Jirelle: ~~ smiling upbeat friendly type ~~

Darrel: Thank you, Mytag.

Muryin: Leslie, make a note of the time, please. And find the Auditors. Controller Briel, while I'm with the staff, please have your accounting offices opened for our Auditors. Leslie, with me, please.

Leslie: Yes, Hajene.

Briel: Of course, Hajene.

Mytag: Want some fosebine?

Darrel makes a face.

Briel: My office is down the hall last office on the left.

Darrel: I'd better, or I won't be able to function this afternoon.

Muryin: Thank you. This way, Deann.

Jirelle feels a bit faint with awe as these are obviously Personages.

Briel looks over at Jirelle and smiles weakly at her.

Jirelle: Should I?... [whispers, glancing toward a corridor]

Cami tries to be invisible, is embarrassed and scared to be here. Hopes no one will notice her.

Mytag helps Darrel to his office.

Deann shifts her angle from Muryin, to allow for Virena's nager. Moves with Muryin, satellite to her.

Briel wonders who the shenned told them about the books and hopes to heaven Tarsh got them all straightened out.

Muryin: Sectuib Keon, you did bring the auditors didn't you?

Virena: Indeed. By the way, hi, Muryin!

Muryin: Good to see you -- but this isn't where I'd have chosen for a reunion.

Virena: Why did you ask for auditors?

Virena: What's the problem?

Muryin: We are inspecting this place.

Virena: Zeor or the Tecton?

Muryin: We have to inspect the staff's performance and medical condition and the condition of the books.

Briel bristles as she hears Muryin's words.

Muryin regards the sodden mass of papers in someone's arms.

Virena: I can take care of the books.

Muryin: I hope we can inspect the books - if they're still in book form.

Briel turns to Jirelle.

Virena: We can reconstruct from receipts.

Jirelle fawns at getting Briel's attention.

Jirelle: Yes, Hajene?

Deann moves a little more to the left, bracing Muryin. ~~ certainty. support. ~~

Briel: Jirelle, Muryin Farris has arrived and she will be wanting to interview all of the channeling staff.

Muryin: The channeling staff's medical condition -- well. The first few moments here has made this lobby seem like a field hospital during a war.

Jirelle: ~~ wow ~~

Briel: Can you see they are all notified and waiting?

Jirelle: Yes, Hajene.

Briel: Thank you.

Muryin: Thank you Deann. You've gotten better at that on this trip.

Jirelle is so enthused with being given this illustrious responsibility.

Jirelle leaves the lobby.

Leslie: Hajene, where shall I work?

Muryin: Briel, do you have any mature people on your staff?

Briel bristles.

Jon Drake remains silent, almost unnoticed--putting to work the techniques learned both here and during his sessions at the regional capital.

Deann smiles at the compliment. Her nager momentarily flickers ~~ pleasure ~~ then resettles.

Briel: Mature? As in well, old? I don't think we have any your age. However, we do have some that have worked for awhile.

Jon Drake helps to support Briel.

Muryin: All right, Virena - to Accounting. The rest of you follow me to the Sectuib's Office - and mind the water on the floor. 4

Virena: Do we know what we are looking for?

Muryin: Briel - thank you. Please introduce your staff as they enter your office.

Maruda walks in and introduces herself to Muryin. "Hajene, Good Day. I'm Maruda, Sectuib in Rymal. This is my Companion, Dee.

Muryin: Hello, Maruda. Welcome to the Sime Center at Bender Cove. Did you get all the wagons unloaded?

Maruda: Yes, I got them unloaded. We are here to see about trade, both material and informational, but I'm at your service, Hajene.

Muryin: Any irregularity, such as transfers not accounted for.

Briel: Excuse me, Hajene.

Briel: Before you look over the books, there is something I should tell you.

Virena: Transfers unaccounted for are a problem everywhere.

Briel smiles.

Muryin: Good, Maruda, you can supervise the inspection of the building next door -- we might use it for offices for the new textile mill that Zeor plans to build here.

Deann allows a little of her attention to be diverted to her footing. Just a little, but enough to avoid herself causing nageric unsettling.

Muryin: By the way, Briel?

Briel: Yes, Hajene?

Maruda: How many Householdings are there in Bender Cove that transfer unaccounting is that common? 7

Virena: Are these papers your ledgers?

Leslie is taking copious notes.

Muryin: Did I mention that while inspecting the other Center in this town, I have decided to place the textile mill here, on the Sime Territory side of the border, but see if we can hire workers from the Gen town over on the other side here.

Maruda: Thank you, Hajene. That's a good assignment for me. We are a lumbering Household, and I'm acquainting with building in wood.

Briel: No, you didn't.

Virena: Good work, Muryin!

Briel is surprised.

Virena: Make the local Gens financially dependent on you.

Muryin: Maruda, I'll expect a report in about half an hour. I have high hopes for this dockside section of town. 6

Virena: Soon they'll become genuine friends.

Deann smiles faintly. "It will be diplomatically interesting."

Muryin: I expect they will, Virena. I've learned a lot from visiting with you and your family.

Dee and Maruda move off to the inspect the other building as assigned.

Deann moves behind Muryin, placing a hand on the back of her chair.

Muryin: Good, now Briel, are you still with us?

Briel: Yes.

Briel walks with them and pushes open the door to her office.

Muryin: Please introduce your staff one at a time so I can zlin them. Deann, with me. Leslie, get out the forms. 8

Briel: Right in here, Hajene.

Briel: Of course.

Darrel accepts the fosebine Mytag hands him and gulps it down.

Leslie digs into a bag and pulls out a sheaf of varicolored forms.

Muryin notices the insulation.

Briel goes down the hall to find Darrel and Mytag.

Leslie: Which forms do you wish, Hajene?

Briel: [insulation is Farris Level]

Muryin: Deann - what do you think? Can we build a textile mill here?

Muryin: We'll take the channels first. Health certificates first.

Briel: Where the shenned are Mytag and Darrel, Jon Drake?

Deann moves to a point where (she thinks) her nager won't interfere with Muryin's zlinning. Farris sensitivity is weird.

Briel: Did you see which way they went?

Muryin: I can't believe how happy I am that Virena is here.

Leslie hands Muryin health forms, steps back.

Virena: You can build a business anywhere.

Virena: The question is whether textiles are appropriate here.

Briel: I knew I should have ignored the order and gone back to my Household. Reduced to an errand runner - by a Farris!

Deann: I think so, Sectuib. The river is strong enough to support a grain mill, so it will probably spin a textile mill as well.

Virena: What raw materials are available?

Muryin: Thank you, Leslie.

Muryin sits at the Controller's desk.

Virena: Are there workers who know anything about textiles?

Virena: Will the designs come from here or from Zeor?

Virena: Is this only a manufacturing point?

Briel signals at Darrel's door.

Leslie places other forms back in bag, resumes ready to take notations if necessary.

Muryin: Our first project will be the sailcloth one.

Deann: Invor is nearby, so there's paper-suitable fiber at least. Whether it's cloth-suitable... [shrugs, her nager showing her uncertainty briefly] ...I do not know.

Mytag: I'll get it.

Muryin: That will have to go over well here. I wish Shaeldor had made it up here with us.

Mytag walks over and opens the door.

Mytag: Hajene?

Muryin: Our chemists can handle that.

Briel: You and Darrel come with me, please. Muryin would like to... interview... you.

Virena: Sailcloth requires cotton.

Briel is neutral about this.

Darrel: Us? Why?

Muryin: Virena will check out the markets - probably find some other ways to make a profit around here.

Virena: That has to be imported from farther south.

Darrel is not particularly glad about being grilled by a VIP.

Mytag: Muryin? As in Sectuib in Zeor? Is that who that was?

Mytag: ~ support ~

Virena: What transportation is available?

Briel: Yes.

Briel: Surprise inspection.

Muryin: The cotton can come up-river from Gulf Territory on barges. And I believe we can barge the cloth down to the ocean ports on this other river.

Deann: River and sea, Sectuib Keon.

Darrel: Shen!

Virena: Barges go upriver with light cargo--cotton is okay.

Leslie is taking notations of what is being discussed.

Mytag puts a hand on Darrel's shoulder.

Mytag: Don't worry about it, if you aren't up to it we can just say you are ill.

Darrel gets slowly to his feet, glad that the fosebine has taken effect.

Virena: Heavy cargo returns in them--do you have metal, coal, or what to trade?

Muryin: Someone go get Briel and the staff I'm here to interview.

Darrel debates the merits of this proposal.

Virena: Don't fight with nature, human or otherwise. The Mizipi runs in one direction--go with the flow.

Briel zlins Darrel.

Briel wonders if perhaps she should have started with someone else.

Maruda and Dee return from inspecting the building next door. Maruda is carrying a large portfolio. They wait until it is polite to speak, and then begin: "The building is large, but needs some work to be suitable. It needs to be sealed. We have suitable sealant on our ship. Also, it needs better ventilation for workers against dust and dirt. But basically, I think it would serve."

Maruda: "As regards what to manufacture, we have some illos to contribute to the discussion," [opens her portfolio] "Here are a group of designs done by members of my Household, and by non-Householding Natives in our area. Are you interested in looking at them?" [The designs are Native American, animals, trees and patterns, simple and strong in color and form.]

Muryin: Leslie, take that portfolio. I'll want to study it.

Deann takes a hesitant step, looking at Muryin. "Shall I?" She glances at Leslie, then back to Muryin.

Mytag: Darrel?

Darrel: If we do that, she's likely to be all the more insistent on a... personal inspection.

Virena: All right, you have a location for a manufacturing plant.

Jon Drake hurries to keep up with Briel.

Muryin: Deann - stay here. This place is chaos on wheels.

Briel: Now.

Darrel starts moving towards the door as if to a funeral.

Briel turns and starts back down the hall.

Briel goes back to her office.

Muryin: Good, I think this harbor location will work for the textile mill.

Virena: My question is still what to manufacture.

Mytag: Sup to you. ~ soothing support ~

Muryin: I'm liking it better all the time.

Muryin: The problem is this Center.

Darrel then recalls that if it weren't for this inspection, he'd be on duty in the Dreaded Lobby, and perks up a bit.

Deann nods, and moves to a position equidistant from Muryin and Virena, trying to support both channels. "Or on a river, for that matter."

Virena: You will make more profit if you use local resources.

Muryin: How can we ask renSimes to take augmentation heavy jobs and not support them with an appropriately staffed Sime Center?

Briel opens her door and carefully slips back inside.

Deann: There's the pine forest nearby. Good straight mast trees.

Muryin: Ah, Briel. At last. We may have to increase your staff.

Briel hears the last and has to grit her teeth to keep from replying.

Virena: What problems have you found with the Sime Center, Muryin?

Briel reaches back and wraps a tentacle around Jon Drake's arms.

Muryin: Noise. Nageric noise.

Muryin: And very little quiet competence in evidence.

Virena: Noise can be solved with insulation.

Briel: Hajene, Darrel, second order channel and his Donor are the first ones for you to interview.

Darrel has noticed quite a bit of physical noise, as well.

Virena: Competence is a much greater problem.

Muryin: I'm going to look at the working staff now.

Jon Drake calmly gives support.

Virena: Let's work on the Sime Center first.

Briel: Hajene... almost all rooms are insulated to Farris standard.

Briel: Because of the Farrises we have here, we have made sure this was the first thing done when we moved into the new building.

Briel: I think you'll find, as you go through the building, that the insulation is fully adequate.

Leslie steps forward and picks up portfolio with handling tentacles.

Deann studies Darrel and Jon Drake, and moves closer to Muryin, bracing her.

Muryin: I've noticed the infrastructure. And the paint in here isn't so - hmm.

Maruda gives the portfolio to Leslie with a smile.

Briel: Paint is paint.

Briel: It can be painted.

Muryin: This place definitely has possibilities.

Briel moves over toward Muryin, keeping Jon close.

Mytag waits patiently, supporting Darrel.

Leslie deposits portfolio into carry bag.

Muryin: Well, Briel. So who is your Number Two Channel here?

Darrel tries to look like he isn't swaying on his feet.

Leslie: Thank you, Maruda.

Briel: That would be Tramila Farris, who isn't here at the moment. And then Lanyi Tigue ambrov Dar who isn't here either.

Briel: I am sorry that so many of our channels are absent today.

Virena: How are you keeping your channels and Donors off the Tecton rotation rolls?

Briel: However, we had some emergencies in another part of the town.

Briel looks at Virena.

Briel: We're not.

Briel: Why would you think we are?

Muryin: Well, there are only two Centers in this town, and it's quite large.

Muryin: Spread out up the side of this hill.

Mytag is waiting patiently ~ supporting ~ Darrel and thinking this is very "hurry up and wait" of them.

Muryin: Obviously, many people will always be working outside the building.

Muryin: So, then who is your Number Three channel/Donor pair?

Deann moves a half-step further left.

Virena: If you can get all local groups to be financially interdependent--

Briel: That would be Veraik who is co-Controller and also away.

Virena: --they will all protect the Householdings and the Sime Center.

Briel: Then it would be me, and after that, you have Darrel.

Briel: May I present to you Darrel and Mytag.

Virena: Make life better for everyone, and everyone will protect that life.

Darrel wishes he were anyplace but here.

Briel motions for the two to come forward.

Muryin: It has been brought to my attention that Veraik would be interesting to meet.

Virena: They don't observe the Unity Treaty here?

Darrel squares his shoulders and steps forward.

Briel: Yes, they do.

Muryin: Darrel is it?

Muryin: You had something to say?

Darrel: Yes, Hajene.

Deann steps a bit closer to Muryin, and focuses her concentration entirely on the Sectuib.

Muryin: Speak up then - it's noisy out there.

Darrel: Not particularly.

Briel: This is the fist channel for you to interview.

Briel moves over to the door and closes it and then waits patiently.

Muryin: Ah, good.

Muryin gets up and circles the desk and offers hands and tentacles for contact examination.

Muryin: If you please, Darrel.

Darrel wonders what the shen this inspection is all about, then shrugs and allows Muryin the contact.

Muryin makes a brief lip-contact and a fleeting lateral contact, and then steps back.

Virena also watches, wondering what Muryin is zlinning for.

Muryin: Thank you, Darrel.

Deann steps around the desk as well, stands behind Muryin.

Darrel shrugs. "You're welcome."

Muryin sits down and makes notes on a form, handing it to Leslie.

Mytag raises his eyebrows.

Leslie takes the form.

Muryin: All right, Darrel, zlin me.

Darrel wonders how much of the damage of the past few weeks has made it onto that form.

Deann moves back as Muryin does.

Leslie places form in folder, and in another section of bag.

Muryin wonders what Darrel has been doing the last few weeks to be so - stressed.

Darrel turns his attention on Muryin, letting his laterals extend.

Mytag: ~ second order Donor and Darrel's assigned ~

Deann moves to one side of Muryin, allowing Darrel a clear view.

Darrel is also fully aware that he won't zlin anything in Muryin's field that she doesn't want him to.

Muryin: Mytag is it? Step behind Darrel please. Deann, compensate..

Frutata is told by Jirelle he should expect to be called for an interview of some sort. [she has no other information]

Frutata waits in his room, reading a book.

Deann waits for Mytag to pick a place to stand, then moves to a compensatory position.

Muryin puts hands together and twines tentacles around them as she studies Darrel, whose attention seems to wander a lot.

Virena wonders what Muryin is doing, and why she is being so rude about it.

Muryin: Darrel, when was your last transfer?

Mytag: ~ not incompetent ~

Darrel: Less than a week ago.

Muryin: I see.

Darrel was not particularly satisfied, since it wasn't from a Donor.

Muryin: Zlin me deeply.

Deann ~~ surprise [briefly] ~~

Muryin: Deann?

Muryin: All right, Darrel. That should do it.

Darrel zlins Muryin, wondering what this is all about.

Muryin writes on another form, and hands it to Leslie.

Leslie retrieves form and adds to folder.

Muryin: Leslie, hand me those forms for the Donors.

Darrel wishes this VIP had the shenned courtesy to at least let him know why he's being subjected to this.

Muryin: Mytag, you're doing a good job here.

Leslie digging in bag, pulls out different colored form. Hands to Hajene.

Mytag: Thank you, Sectuib Farris.

Katryn signals at Frutata's door.

Muryin: I wonder why this group of obviously experienced Center workers doesn't seem to know what a World Controller's Inspection is all about?

Virena: Could it be because no one has told them it's a WC's Inspection?

Frutata: Enter.

Frutata puts down his book.

Muryin fills out another form, and hands it back to Leslie.

Katryn goes in.

Leslie: Thank you, Hajene.

Virena: You told me it was a trade mission!

Katryn: I was sent to tell you they were ready to interview you.

Frutata: Hello, Katryn.

Frutata: Very well.

Frutata rises and follows Katryn.

Katryn: Hi, Frutata.

Katryn: Lawana is waiting for you.

Katryn: She's in the conference room.

Frutata nods.

Frutata goes to the conference room.

Virena: Muryin, what in the world is going on here, in the middle of nowhere, that the World Controller would send the Sectuib in Zeor to do an inspection??!!

Muryin: Virena - we're here to establish the textile mill, and inspect this Center.

Eliza grabs her two bags and thinks that she should probably go tell Briel before she leaves.

Lawana sees Frutata and smiles.

Lawana: Good morning, Frutata.

Muryin: Well, not nowhere.

Deann moves back to Muryin's side.

Muryin: There's quite a nice pair of towns here by this large lake.

Eliza leaves her bags behind the clerk's desk, views the mess on the floor with a sigh and head towards Briel's office.

Maruda: "I thought we were here for trade, too. That's why I brought lumber, sealant, copper wares, art designs. We're so far north we don't see much of the WC. What's going on here?"

Briel wonders why there is such chaos in Muryin's group.

Virena: Why is the world's most sensitive channel needed here?

Muryin: I guess you've been out of touch a while. Since I sat the World Controller's desk last year, I've been doing these inspections - that's how I got the idea for putting the textile mill here.

Virena: If you've already inspected Bender's Cove, why again?

Muryin: Can you think of any better excuse to give Hilo a chance to run Zeor in my absence?

Briel looks at Jon Drake and sighs.

Muryin: I've never been here before. I was, however, downriver where much is said about this place.

Muryin: It seemed ideal. Oh, and you haven't met Alea. She just had a baby.

Briel: Darrel, Mytag, you're dismissed.

Deann smiles faintly. "I don't know... I don't mind Zeor's personal attention."

Virena: How is Hilo doing?

Muryin: That's Alea Farris. One of my own.

Muryin: She's been writing me these intriguing letters.

Deann allows a trace of humor to flicker through her nager, before resuming her most professional stance.

Virena: Still threatening to run off and become an itinerant shiltpron player?

Muryin: But this place is nothing like what I pictured.

Dee looks at Deann, grins, and continues to stand next to Maruda. "To each her own, I guess."

Deann: What did you picture?

Muryin: Hilo is thriving. Solid young man.

Darrel thinks it figures that this heavyhanded stranger would be related to Alea--both walking disaster areas.

Muryin: But I had to give him some elbow room, to develop his own style of management at Zeor.

Briel opens the door for Darrel and Mytag, waiting to see if the next people are there yet.

Virena: Yes, my Mom did that with me.

Muryin: I did send a few notes to Veraik by heliograph about my arrival here.

Darrel takes the hint and makes good his escape, pulling Mytag along after him.

Briel sighs in relief.

Muryin: Didn't Veraik brief you people?

Deann spares a moment to grin back at Dee.

Leslie pulls out copy of notes sent to Veraik if Hajene needs them.

Leslie: Hajene, would you like a copy of the message you sent? [proffering the notes]

Maruda: "I suppose you'd find Rymal even more of a surprise. Because it gets cold up there for a lot of the year, we're pretty informal. We keep a transfer log, but we can *tell* if everyone's had an adequate transfer just by living with each other."

Muryin: I do intend to visit Invor and perhaps take an excursion to Rymal, but I may have to return to Gulf before I can schedule that.

Briel starts to close the door.

Eliza: Briel!

Eliza: ~ EXCITED ~

Eliza runs up to Briel.

Briel falls back into Jon Drake.

Eliza can't help it, she throws her arms around her and hugs her.

Briel stiffens, looking at Muryin.

Eliza: I'm sure that I can help Snake with that Junct Channel!

Briel: This is..uh...Eliza....a new....Donor......

Briel: Second Order.

Eliza: Thank you so much for letting me try!

Briel: Junct CHANNEL!

Eliza: ~ HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY ~

Briel goggles at Eliza.

Eliza: ~ VERY LOUD OVER EXCITED DONOR WITH NO CONTROL ~

Briel: Muryin, this is...uh...Eliza...

Eliza looks at the group then back at Briel.

Eliza: Hello

Eliza: I....

Deann steps right next to Muryin, rapidly, and focuses on intense calm. Tries to put her nager completely around Muryin.

Eliza: I'm packed and leaving soon....

Eliza looks back at the group.

Briel: You didn't tell me he was a junct channel.

Briel: And I didn't say you could... help him.

Briel ~~ mortified ~~

Eliza: Briel, why are they in your office, at your desk?

Muryin: Hello, Eliza. You've come to announce that you're leaving?

Eliza: Who are you?

Muryin: What's this about a junct channel? Something accounting should know about?

Briel: This is Muryin Farris. She is Sectuib in Zeor.

Eliza: ~ curious ~

Briel groans.

Eliza: Oh, hello Hajene.

Muryin: Hello Eliza.

Briel knows there is no way to stop Eliza once she gets started and just grabs JD's arm for support.

Maruda steps back and nods to Dee to join her a bit away from the group.

Virena: I'm Virena Tigue, Sectuib in Keon.

Eliza: Errr Hi.

Eliza: ~ nervous ~

Dee follows Maruda.

Deann: Deann ambrov Ahlvastin, First Companion in Ahlvastin.

Eliza looks at Briel questioningly.

Jon Drake keeps his support strong.

Virena: Eliza, what is your position here?

Eliza: Junct channel? Errr no, nothing you should know about.

Eliza: ~ lying ~

Eliza: My position?

Eliza is standing up.

Eliza: Oh! You mean my job!

Eliza: I'm just leaving.

Deann is almost standing in the desk, trying to keep her nager in the perfect place for Muryin.

Virena: Are you a Donor?

Eliza starts to back out.

Eliza: ~ GET ME OUT OF HERE! ~

Briel covers her eyes with a hand thinking...~~ oh no ~~~

Muryin: Good.

Maruda: [whispers to Dee] The building we inspected needs work, but we can do it. At least they took our portfolio of Native designs. Maybe use it for textiles or something. What is all this? I feel like a fifth wheel.

Virena: Tell us about the junct channel first.

Eliza: Yes, I'm a Donut, errr Donor.

Muryin: Thank you, Deann.

Virena: We have many junct channels functioning in Gulf.

Deann nods to Muryin.

Eliza: You do!

Eliza: ~ interested ~

Briel moves closer to Jon Drake.

Eliza steps closer to Virena.

Briel looks shocked at Virena's words.

Eliza: Past first year?

Virena: I assume you do not mean a channel who actually kills.

Eliza: Cause this man is....

Muryin: Yes, perhaps you should get to know Sectuib Keon.

Eliza: Errrrr kills, well, not any more.

Eliza thinks that is a safe answer.

Virena: Exactly!

Deann keeps silently as Eliza moves towards Virena, and steps behind Muryin to stand on the side nearer Virena.

Eliza nods thinking, "When in doubt, nod."

Virena: With the right partner, a junct channel has no desire to kill.

Eliza: ~ YES!!!! ~

Virena: Are you this channel's Donor?

Briel goggles at Virena.

Eliza: Yes! That is what I was telling Briel!

Eliza: I'm going to be his Companion.

Eliza: We hope it will help.

Muryin zlins the assembled crowd and jots notes on paper as names are mentioned to associate with nageric effects.

Jon Drake watches the way the Muryin's Donor supports her, hoping to learn even more.

Eliza beams at the nice person.

Virena: So what is the problem?

Deann: ~~ calm. Strength. Solidity. Support. ~~

Eliza: ~ HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY ~

Eliza: Problem? No problem. I was just letting the Controller know I was leaving for Snake's now.

Muryin motions to Leslie to exchange more forms. Almost wholly hyperconscious, she continues working through the staff examinations without the convenience of contact.

Leslie somehow keeps up with her.

Briel thinks about hiding behind her Donor, but decides it wouldn't do any good.

Leslie is furiously exchanging forms and taking notes.

Eliza: So, is that okay? Can I go to Snake's now? You know Snake? Err, Wise Snake Farris, that is.

Deann flicks a glance at Jon Drake, aware of everything in some sort of peripheral way.

Muryin studies Briel closely from Briel's own chair.

Jon Drake wants to envelop Briel to help her, but realizes that eclipsing Briel would just draw more attention to her.

Muryin: Nicely done, Deann.

Briel: ~~ disjunct mid First Order channel who is not happy that Sime Center secrets are likely to be spilled from Eliza ~~

Deann: Thank you, Sectuib Zeor.

Muryin: I have heard of Wise Snake Farris. More than heard, actually.

Deann: ~~ flickers pleasure/acceptance at the compliment, briefly. ~~

Eliza: Well, she is who I will be working with. Oh! She isn't the junct, it's a man who is working for her.

Eliza: ~ smiles, pleased that is all sorted out ~

Muryin: Virena, you see - your trip wasn't wasted.

Muryin writes some more comments and shuffles forms.

Virena: Oh, we'll get something out of all this.

Virena: I'm just not sure what!

Muryin: Briel, are there any more staffers here now?

Eliza: Well, nice meeting all you busy people [starts to head towards the door]

Briel: I'm afraid not.

Briel: We have a few more Donors that are here, but our channels are all out...

Eliza: Briel, we are going to V'lar first, when I get back I'll drop in again and see how everyone is, okay?

Deann mutters softly to Muryin "We'll get lessons in how to work in chaos."

Briel: Of course, Eliza.

Briel nods to Jon, her Donor.

Briel: This is Jon Drake. He's from Out Territory.

Eliza heads back to get her bags.

Muryin: Ah, Jon Drake. I have seen your file.

Jon Drake: Yes Hajene?

Muryin: Which channel are you assigned to this month?

Jon Drake works to maintain stable support despite being questioned.

Jon Drake: I have been assigned to Veraik, Hajene.

Muryin: Veraik, who isn't here.

Jon Drake: Yes, Hajene. He's not here at present.

Virena: Where did you get your Donor's training, Jon?

Muryin: Very good, then. Briel, would you work with Jon's field please? I'd like to zlin his first-level response.

Briel smiles, thinking he really out ranks her.

Briel: Of course, Hajene.

Muryin: Thank you.

Muryin: Virena - would you do me a big favor? Stand over there by Jon Drake.

Jon Drake: I have gotten my earliest training here in Bender Cove, but lately I've been traveling to the regional capital for extra training.

Virena moves toward Jon.

Briel moves to turn to Jon Drake, but pauses at Muryin's words.

Deann moves behind Muryin, allowing her a clear view.

Muryin: Briel - a little closer please. And someone close that door.

Leslie moves to close door.

Briel moves closer at Muryin's command, wondering what is going on.

Muryin: Virena, as soon as we're done here, I'd like to go meet the new baby. It's a Farris you know.

Deann shifts again, staying on her toes.

Virena: More Farrises!

Muryin: Aha. That's interesting.

Muryin: Virena, your prejudices are showing. Throw him a field spike. I really have to zlin this.

Muryin: No, higher. He's not responding very fast.

Smitty II emerges from a pencil holder and walks across the desk to the "in" basket where the view is a bit better.

Deann shifts back, settling into a suitable position and emotional state.

Jon Drake balances the changing field dynamic.

Virena tries to get Jon to react.

Muryin gets up and circles the desk, walks all around Jon Drake, zlinning from every angle.

Smitty II: Aha! We see now Simes of class, attempting to make slow Gens fast.

Briel wonders what is going on and gets protective of Jon Drake.

Jon Drake works to compensate for all of the changes.

Briel doesn't like the way this Farris is zlinning one of her Donors.

Deann moves again, to support Muryin, struggling to keep up with the Farris. What a workout!

Jon Drake lets his field fill out a bit to give him a better working leverage.

Virena wonders what Muryin is looking for.

Smitty II: [to himself] Methinks this little 'xperiment is bound to lead to accident.

Smitty II preens his antennae.

Muryin: Virena - you're peeved at being surrounded by multiplying Farrises, hmm? Well, meet one of your own. Jon Tigue it is. Jon, if you'd permit me a full lateral contact examination, I could confirm that.

Jon Drake also wants to keep these spikes from affecting Briel.

Jon Drake takes a moment to register what Muryin just said.

Muryin: Nice work Jon.

Briel looks at Muryin and then Jon.

Jon Drake: Tigue?

Muryin: Briel you didn't feel that at all, did you?

Virena: Hmmm. Awfully slow for a Tigue.

Briel: Feel what?

Deann closes her eyes, her field wavering slightly from simple fatigue.

Briel looks at Muryin.

Muryin: True, but he's only half trained if that.

Briel: Jon is a very competent Donor.

Briel reaches out and touches his wrist with a tentacle.

Jon Drake has read about Tigues, but...

Muryin: Briel, you may be one of the luckiest Controllers on earth. Jon is more than competent. He's a find.

Briel thinks he's MY find.

Briel has no intention of letting Zeor or anyone else get their hands on him.

Briel: ~~ possessive ~~

Jon Drake warms at Briel's light touch. Jon Drake warms at Briel's light touch.

Muryin: So, what do you think, Vi? Will you take him on and train him? I'm sure he's one of your own.

Jon Drake begins to feel the rising emotion in Briel, works to compensate and soothe.

Smitty II: And so, much like a windfall pen, Jon Drake is a chance found Gen.

Virena: I can take him home--

Briel wraps a tentacle around his wrist.

Briel: ~~ alarm ~~

Deann takes a moment to step back, allowing herself a moment's respite.

Muryin: Not sure that's a good idea. Send someone here?

Deann winces internally at the timing of that, and braces Muryin again.

Virena: Sure.

Smitty II is sure Deann's view is much better than his, and runs lightly down the desk, across the floor, and over to her.

Muryin: Calm down Briel. Nobody's going to steal him.

Jon Drake hopes that will help Briel to calm down.

Virena: We have plenty of channels in Gulf now.

Leslie: Shall I prepare a message to send to Keon?

Briel relaxes as Jon Drake works.

Muryin: But I don't think you have the expertise available here that he needs.

Jon Drake doesn't quite know what to think of all this.

Muryin: Yes, Leslie -- take down anything that Virena wants to send.

Deann glances down at a cockroach and lifts her foot to squash the thing.

Leslie: Sectuib Keon, at your service.

Virena: Jon--I'll work with you while I'm here.

Muryin: A Donor like this can't be allowed to be half-trained and exposed to all this chaos.

Briel tightens her grip on JD's wrist.

Virena: You don't give Donors enough credit, Muryin.

Briel: Ah, but a Donor like this shouldn't be locked up away somewhere.

Briel: Working in chaos like this will certainly prepare him better than some steady sterile environment.

Muryin: You always say that.

Virena: Jon is responding to the needs of this place.

Muryin: Even Gens deserve a fair chance in life.

Briel isn't about to lose one of her best Donors.

Deann: Perhaps a Donor/channel pair could be sent to teach, and to help with another Sime Center?

Muryin: If we work so hard to train our channels - we owe the same to our Donors.

Briel thinks not THIS Gen, and moves over next to him.

Virena: Yes, but he should be pushed a bit.

Smitty II: Oho! This one is pretty quick; however, I know just the trick.

Jon Drake isn't sure if he particularly likes the way people are talking about his life as if he weren't here, but realizes that being invisible is one aspect of a Donor's life.

Deann: Jon Tigue, what do you want?

Smitty II skips under the "blind spot" directly under the looming foot, and runs into Deann's other pants leg.

Briel is now plastered up against Jon Drake's side.

Jon Drake: What do I want?

Jon Drake: I like working here. It's my home.

Virena: You are a free agent.

Virena: All Gens are free agents.

Jon Drake: I have been traveling to the regional capital from time to time, but I'm always glad to be home.

Briel thinks yes.

Deann glances down at the floor, reaches down to brush at her pants leg.

Straightens. "Then perhaps someone could be sent here."

Virena: If you want to stay here, then you should.

Muryin: Virena, he has to meet a fully developed Tigue Donor. Then he'll know.

Virena: Right.

Jon Drake: Though I do try to learn as much as I can about myself and what this means.

Virena grins.

Muryin: Training is worth hard work -- a little sacrifice anyway.

Smitty II: I do believe this clothing's weave, is superior to all I've seen. [pleased]

Smitty II examines the cloth, chuckling with pleasure, as he runs up into the waistline.

Briel: I need this Donor!

Virena: With proper training, you can handle any channel.

Briel ~~ mild panic ~~

Virena: Even Muryin here.

Virena: And make the channel love it.

Deann winces, takes a deep breath, lets it out, and supports Muryin against Briel's panic, ignoring the tickling at her waist.

Jon Drake can't quite shield his surprise.

Muryin: As I said, I'm going to ask the World Controller to increase the staffing here, perhaps build a third Center, if we undertake the textile plant here.

Muryin: In that case, at least one pair should be sent to train Jon.

Muryin: We might put a third Center over in the Gen town.

Virena: If the WC sends people to train Jon, then the Tecton will put him on the rotation rolls.

Muryin: I'd want them to be Keon trained Tigues. He's got serious potential.

Briel: Jon...

Briel looks up at him. ~~ entreaty ~~

Muryin: And he'd have to travel occasionally, I'm sure.

Virena: If you want him to stay here, Briel, let me send people from Keon.

Briel: Would you please go find Frutata? I'm sure they would enjoy meeting him.

Muryin: It's mostly Jon's choice though.

Briel: Yes. I do.

Briel doesn't agree with Muryin. They're training him and she wants him to stay and isn't going to give Jon a choice if she has her way.

Jon Drake relaxes.

Muryin: That would be best.

Briel: Of course, Virena.

Deann: Perhaps Keon or Zeor could send someone to supervise the building of the textile mill.

Frutata signals at Briel's office door.

Briel: That would be perfect.

Briel pulls open the door.

Briel encourages Jon toward it.

Frutata: Lawana said I was needed here?

Deann: Someone who happens to be a Tigue or Tigue pair.

Muryin: I was intending to send at least two Channel/Donor teams with the crew, but I want this place staffed locally, especially higher management.

Muryin: You see, there's the baby to consider.

Muryin: Zeor doesn't have any Tigue members now.

Briel: Yes, please, come in.

Briel: The ... er..baby?

Muryin: [which she considers all to the good.]

Muryin: Yes, the baby.

Muryin: A Farris baby -- a Zeor Farris baby.

Frutata enters the office.

Muryin: I don't think Alea intends to leave Bender Cove.

Briel pushes Jon out the door.

Muryin: Which means the baby will be raised here.

Briel: HIDE. [loud whisper to Jon]

Frutata sees Jon leaving [most unwillingly from the looks of it] and offers Briel support.

Virena: You'll need a better infirmary than the one here to raise a Farris.

Briel thinks, "Just great. Alea is going to stay around."

Muryin: Which means more members of Zeor must be here -- as role models for this child.

Briel: Ah, yes, of course.

Frutata: ~~ calm ~~

Briel pulls Frutata in and closes the door, hiding Jon Drake from view, and hopefully from mind.

Muryin: I have been thinking that while examining the channeling staff.

Deann moves to Muryin's side, bracing against the next trouble.

Jon Drake wonders what just transpired, but decides to go and track down the rest of the interviewees.

Leslie is taking more notes.

Briel relaxes.

Briel: I see.

Muryin: Did someone say your name is Frutata? Nice field work there.

Frutata smiles kindly at Muryin.

Muryin: Leslie, hand me another form.

Leslie reaches in bag, takes out selection of forms, not knowing which Hajene needs.

Frutata is a tall, dark-skinned, Donor with a very smooth field.

Muryin writes Frutata at the top, not knowing how to spell it. Starts noting field alterations around Frutata.

Frutata: Thank you.

Leslie: Hajene, which form do you require?

Muryin very smooth field work. Nice.

Frutata: [and a voice like chocolate]

Muryin: I'll want the green ones for this.

Muryin: Frutata - what is your position on this staff?

Leslie handing Muryin two or three forms.

Briel: Frutata stumbled in here--quite literally--one day a few months ago.

Smitty II scratches around in Deann's waistline, finds no exit there, then starts downward again.

Muryin asks inane and irrelevant questions just to get the attention of the people focused where she wants it.

Deann settles into field smoothing, smiling gratefully at Frutata for actually HELPING her for once.

Muryin: Another natural talent?

Briel fades back allow Muryin to question Frutata.

Muryin: There's a certain spontaneity about Frutata's work. Charming.

Frutata: I am only visiting here, unfortunately.

Deann reaches down and shakes her pant leg, absently.

Muryin: Where do you normally live?

Frutata: My homeland is far overseas. [explains]

Muryin: Yes, that's the one, Leslie.

Muryin scribbles while duoconscious.

Muryin: Well, that explains the accent.

Leslie prepared to take form when complete.

Muryin: Where did you learn to work fields like that?

Frutata: It was part of my training.

Frutata: I worked with a field medic [explains].

Muryin: Field medic. Mmmmm. Virena - a field medic. Your mother would have appreciated that, considering all the action she saw.

Muryin: Where? A Householding?

Frutata: Ah... no, we did not have Householdings as such.

Frutata has recently learned that this is a touchy subject and wonders what Briel would like him to say.

Briel nods slightly at Frutata, encouraging him to be honest.

Virena: Yes--I've seen a good bit myself.

Briel doesn't think he could hide anything from his one.

Muryin: So, are you continuing your training here?

Muryin zlins carefully.

Briel is totally relaxed now, which is unusual for her.

Frutata: No. I had to stay here while I recovered, of course. However, now that the ice is cleared, I must set off for my homeland.

Muryin: I understand. Well, Frutata, may I extend my warmest invitation to come visit at Zeor any time. Any time at all. We could learn much from you.

Frutata: Thank you.

Virena: You are welcome at Keon, also.

Muryin: Well, perhaps you'd take our greetings home with you? Virena, Leslie can make up the paperwork for you. I think there are possibilities here that should be explored.

Virena: I hope you will visit Gulf Territory before you leave.

Virena: Many possibilities.

Frutata: Certainly. [diplomatically]

Muryin: I think I will be heading down toward Gulf soon. You'd be welcome to travel with me.

Frutata: Thank you.

Muryin: Virena may not stay with us the whole way. I'm going to Invor first -- maybe Rymal.

Virena thinks, "Want to see Tonyo, don't you, Muryin?"

Muryin: Leslie, see he has anything he can use from us. We had some brochures with us. The hand lettered ones.

Muryin smiles at Virena, thinking, that woman's got my number, for sure.

Leslie digging into bag, extracting the brochures and offering them.

Muryin: Briel, are we finished here?

Leslie: These are the brochures you had in mind, Hajene?

Briel: Yes, Hajene.

Briel: That's it.

Muryin: Yes, Leslie, those.

Briel nods to Frutata.

Virena: My people will explore the trade possibilities here.

Muryin: How is it that Leslie always has every odd bit I want before I want it. Terrific kid this one.

Leslie: How else may I serve?

Muryin: Good, then let's check out the group of auditors in the Accounting department, see the baby and go over to check that building. And the docks.

Virena: Perhaps we'll arrange a joint Zeor/Keon endeavor.

Briel: Of course.

Muryin: If we're going to build a plant here that makes sail cloth, we'll need to strengthen those pilings.

Muryin: I zlinned rot coming on underneath.

Virena: (groans) Ohhh, those ledgers!

Maruda: Virena, Rymal too is interested in trade. Perhaps we might sit down together and see what we have to offer each other.

Muryin: I knew she'd want in on this deal.

Virena: Right!

Muryin: Well, it'll be all to the good.

Frutata thinks a trade agreement will only work if his homeland is still there when he returns.

Frutata sighs, keeping his field carefully even, and moves with Briel.

Muryin gets up again from Briel's chair and goes over to her.

Leslie gathering up all the odd papers, and placing them in folders.

Leslie placing the folders in the bag.

Muryin zlins Briel carefully.

Virena getting up to join Muryin.

Muryin: Briel, step over here a moment. Deann?

Briel thinks, Oh, shen.

Briel moves with Muryin.

Briel: Yes, Hajene?

Muryin: What is this I hear about Wise Snake?

Muryin zlins reaction carefully.

Briel: What about her?

Briel: ~~ wary ~~

Muryin: I understand she's been channeling for the Center -- off and on.

Frutata increases his support of Briel.

Frutata: ~~ soothing ~~

Deann: Yes Hajene?

Deann: ~~ support ~~

Muryin: Briel?

Briel draws her tentacles in and straightens, doing her best to allow nothing to escape her field.

Briel: Off and on?

Briel: She has... some.

Briel nods.

Muryin: Has Wise Snake been working here?

Muryin: Well?

Briel: When?

Muryin: And Alea's delivery?

Briel: Ah....

Muryin: Should I speak to Alea about that?

Muryin: Should I?

Briel ~~ field wavers ~~

Briel: Uh...

Briel: Snake Farris was employed by this Center for several months.

Briel: At this time, she no longer works for us.

Briel: However....she has been known to help in certain emergency situations.

Briel: Yes.

Briel: Please do ask Alea about the delivery as I wasn't present during it.

Muryin: Ah, I see.

Muryin: Do you think it might be possible to interest Wise Snake in working more steadily?

Smitty II finally finds a good roosting spot in Deann's uniform front.

Deann braces herself for another intense session.

Smitty II: I see, now this is quite a view... how did I live without you?

Briel: You would have to speak with her, Hajene.

Briel: I can't speak for a Farris.

Smitty II watches the show.

Briel: She lives in a deserted Ferry Building down on the wharf.

Muryin: Alea worries me. I'll have to see her after this. Privately. Wise Snake - I had hoped to work with her during this visit. She's young enough that change is possible.

Briel: Alea is in the infirmary with the baby.

Muryin: I suspect she'd make a good Controller. Have you given any thought to your successor in this arduous post?

Briel: Snake doesn't come to the Center that often.

Briel: I'm sorry, Hajene.

Briel: Snake as Controller?

Briel can't help that her voice goes up.

Muryin: Yes, that's the perfect position for her.

Muryin: Of course, she'd have to be groomed for it -- considering her personality, possibly for a few years.

Briel tries to keep the total shock from her nager.

Briel wonders ... and shakes her head.

Briel: Ah, of course, hajene, that is always a possibility.

Briel: ~~ lie ~~

Muryin: But she has the discernment, according to all reports.

Briel: I'm sure she does.

Briel: She is a Farris, after all.

Muryin: That's all a Controller needs - discernment and judgment. As I understand, it's judgment that Wise Snake is a little low on.

Briel moves back by Frutata.

Muryin: But judgment can be learned.

Briel: Of course, Hajene.

Briel certainly believes that.

Muryin: What do you think? Should I suggest this idea to the District Controller? Maybe higher?

Briel: Um...well......certainly.

Muryin: You're the expert - the one on the scene here. I'll rely on your opinion totally.

Virena thinks, "Only those who wish to learn, learn."

Briel: If you feel she is...acceptable.

Muryin: Motivating Wise Snake to learn will help everyone here.

Muryin: Not as she is now. You'd have to endure - even more chaos I suspect -- before she settled into her natural role.

Smitty II waits until a good moment and then jumps off Deann onto the back of Muryin's shoulder.

Smitty II settles down on his new throne.

Briel thinks that Snake, with all of her illegal activities and mental problems would probably not make a good Controller... but then, she's disjunct, what does she know?

Virena: Only someone who understands Wise Snake's motivations can motivate her.

Deann shudders and brushes at her clothing, trying to maintain calm.

Muryin: But Farris discernment acuity is a vast asset in a Controller's job. Can we afford to waste someone as good as Snake?

Briel glances back at Muryin, sees Smitty and quickly looks away.

Briel: She's being wasted now.

Briel: She should be back at Zeor, training.

Briel: However, she was 'kicked out' for her own protection and now thinks Zeor hates her.

Muryin: That is what I wanted -- she doesn't.

Muryin: Or that's how it seems to me.

Briel looks at Muryin.

Muryin zlins Briel.

Smitty II: On the shoulder of a Queen... a better view cannot be seen! ~~gloats ~~

Briel: I think she would first have to feel Zeor cared about her before anything else can happen with her.

Muryin: She thinks she was kicked out?

Briel: ~~ honest ~~

Briel: Yes.

Deann: ~~ support ~~

Virena listens to all this, curiously. She doesn't know the person being discussed.

Muryin smiles at Deann but zlins Briel.

Muryin: As I thought, Briel.

Briel touches Frutata's hand.

Briel: What?

Muryin: Wise Snake is a potential asset here -- I hope to see her before I leave.

Briel looks at the Keon representative wondering if she might ought to let her meet Snake.

Frutata continues to be ~~ cool/calm/collected ~~ for Briel.

Lanyi comes out of a transfer room. She looks at all the people in the lobby who don't seem to be there for a legitimate reason and scowls. 5

Briel: I'm sure she...er...will be at the Ferry Building.

Briel: Please, let's go on now to the books.

Briel: Or Alea.

Muryin: Yes, Accounting, and then the baby. Leslie. Deann with me. Virena, did you find the way over there?

Briel: Your choice, Hajene.

Virena: I brought our accountant.

Briel nods, relieved.

Deann steps closer to Muryin.

Briel goes out the door and heads toward the books.

Leslie steps in Muryin's wake.

Briel: About those books, Muryin.

Briel: We have several...er...fires....

Briel: And well...um...

Muryin: Yes?

Muryin: Fires?

Briel: It seems that we only have the last...er....three months of receipts.

Frutata moves with Briel.

Briel: Yes.

Briel: Several.

Lanyi goes to the front desk to check the files on her next client.

Muryin: Receipts. Not books?

Virena: Your records all burned up?

Deann arches an eyebrow, and braces Muryin.

Leslie looks suspicious, takes note of what Briel said.

Briel: And water damaged, once we got the sprinkler system installed.

Briel moves into the hall and starts down he corridor.

Virena: Then let us see the reconstructions.

Briel: Reconstructions?

Briel ~~ shen ~~

Leslie: Hajene, Sectuib Keon, this is not standard office procedures to only have skimpy records.

Briel: Of course, Hajene.

Briel thinks if you had illegal records like theirs were it certainly is.

Briel: Right this way.

Leslie: Everything should have back up records in alternate ledgers and files.

Leslie: If you would pardon my saying so, this is highly irregular.

Virena: Keon used to be attacked regularly.

Virena: We still kept records.

Smitty II: Twisted relics of the pennies that they spent, or didn't? Many the excuses 'til the truth is bent.

Muryin: I can see this is going to be a lengthy process. But the report must include an expense sheet, so we can see if your budget should be increased. I would like to see staff increased. But the administration might decide to decrease your staff on the basis of the records.

Briel: And I shall see that it is all given to those who need it.

Muryin: Leslie, you're absolutely correct. I've never encountered anything exactly like this place.

Leslie: Such slipshod work is not something to be proud of.

Deann smiles to herself, trying to keep up with her channel.

Briel stiffens, her eyes narrowing at Leslie.

Virena thinks, "If it's functions they're hiding, they'll have the account books."

Leslie: Their office procedures are very poor.

Briel: You try to save records that are in two feet of water.

Leslie: It's been done.

Briel: If you have come up with a way to do that, then I'd like to know.

Leslie: Alternate files should be in a secondary location.

Muryin: Yes, Leslie did it during a life-threatening flood.

Smitty II: Methinks they might be fascinated by the tools of theft herein secreted by these fools. 3

Virena thinks, "And if there are expense accounts, my people can figure out many other things from them."

Muryin: And fought the entire Tecton to a standstill on a line-audit afterwards.

Briel nods to those who want to see it.

Leslie: Files can be dried, scorched pages rewritten, and attached to originals....

Briel: Perhaps they can go on and view all the books.

Briel: No need for you to go, Muryin.

Briel: And then you can finish whatever you need while they are working on that.

Briel: Is that acceptable to you?

Briel just wants them out of her office.

Muryin walks toward the office door.

Virena joins her.

Deann follows Muryin, a half step behind.

Leslie joins Muryin and Virena, taking up the rear.

Smitty II rides on Muryin's shoulder, wriggling his antennae.

Muryin leads the way straight across the hall, zlinning curiously.

Muryin: Alea? Alea is that you here?

Alea hears a voice outside the door and is startled.

Alea: Muryin?

Alea ~~ shock ~~

Muryin: Alea! So good to see you!

Aiesha wails and screams loudly.

Alea wonders what the shenned Muryin is doing there.

Muryin: Leslie, didn't we bring a present for the baby?

Tarsh looks up.

Leslie: Yes, Hajene.

Alea jumps at the sound of the baby.

Leslie: Yes, Hajene

Muryin: Didn't Veraik brief you on this?

Leslie digging in another section of the sack.

Muryin: I came to deliver the baby -- didn't make it, obviously.

Aiesha flails her fists and kicks.

Alea: Hello Muryin. I had no idea... no.

Jon Drake is on his way to visit Alea....

Muryin looks in the cradle.

Leslie hands the wrapped gift to Muryin.

Frutata stays with Briel, providing ~~ support ~~

Alea looks over at Tarsh.

Muryin: Thank you, Leslie.

Alea is shocked and just a bit wary.

Alea: I....

Deann braces Muryin against the nager.

Muryin hands the gift to Alea.

Leslie: You're most welcome, Hajene.

Virena presents the mother with a Sergei ambrov Keon starred-cross for the baby.

Aiesha's face is turning an alarming shade of red.

Alea: Thank you, Sectuib.

Alea: It is an honor to see you.

Tarsh looks anxious.

Muryin: Yes, I've visited all over Bender Cove already. My last stop is here.

Muryin: We have plans. Virena and I.

Alea ~~ exhausted, in bed in the infirmary ~~

Smitty II wriggles his antennae at Alea.

Muryin: The place will never be the same again. It's got to become home to a new Farris baby.

Alea: Oh really?

Alea nods to Virena.

Alea: Nice to finally meet you, Hajene.

Aiesha gasps in a deep breath, then shrieks at double the volume.

Muryin sits on the bed beside Alea - gingerly aware of her pain.

Alea: This is Tarsh Chutmas... and Aiesha.

Deann hands Alea a small wrapped gift from Ahlvastin, one which turns out to be a book. "Ahlvastin's products aren't quite suitable for a baby, but perhaps a bit later..."

Muryin: Tarsh.

Alea: Thank you.

Tarsh goes over to the crib.

Tarsh nods to Muryin.

Muryin zlins him. Zlins Alea.

Alea: I...wish I had known you were coming.

Aiesha's eyes are closed with concentration as she coaxes maximum volume out of her immature lungs.

Alea smiles at Tarsh as he picks up the baby.

Aiesha wiggles and kicks.

Muryin not missing a nuance.

Tarsh picks Aiesha.

Briel watches this all, staying close to Frutata.

Muryin: Alea - you aren't interested in coming to Zeor now, are you?

Deann braces Muryin against Gen pain, putting a hand on the channel's shoulder.

Tarsh: There there, darling. Just some nice people to see mommy.

Briel wonders if she could convince them to take Alea back with them.

Muryin: You were planning to stay here?

Alea glances at Muryin in worry.

Alea: NO.

Alea: Yes.

Alea: I am.

Muryin relaxes on Deann's neat handling of the fields.

Tarsh: ~~ nervous and apprehensive. ~~

Aiesha is now starting to turn purple with effort.

Alea: I mean, I don't want to leave.

Alea looks over at Tarsh apprehensively.

Deann flicks a glance up at Tarsh, and redoubles her field control.

Tarsh holds Aiesha in that hold he's still getting the hang of.

Muryin: Well, then we have to make a home for the baby. And I'm laying plans to do that.

Alea: Oh?

Aiesha kicks one of her booties off.

Alea thinks there is only one home this baby is going to have... and that is here with Tarsh.

Alea is very wary not sure what Muryin has planned.

Muryin zlins Tarsh struggling and melts inside.

Smitty II is knocked off Muryin's shoulder as the bootie zings past.

Smitty II: Whoa!

Muryin: Yes, I think Virena is going to help, too.

Aiesha starts to choke.

Tarsh carries her over to the bed on the far side from Muryin.

Aiesha finds that choking and screaming are difficult to manage simultaneously.

Muryin: It's all coming together in spite of my not being here to show the midwife how to get you through the birthing without all this - damage.

Tarsh strokes her head with a dorsal.

Virena: Whatever I can do.

Muryin: So, we'll probably be building a Zeor facility here - the new textile mill I've been saying we should have for years now.

Muryin: We'll be making the new, lighter stronger sailcloth.

Deann looks up at Tarsh. "I think Muryin would like to hold the baby - even a screaming baby." She smiles at Muryin, and continues bracing her. A baby's nager isn't going to do the channel any harm. Not even a Farris baby.

Tarsh sits down, holding Aiesha near Alea.

Muryin: We have other markets, and today some new textile designs were suggested.

Virena: Keon can supply the cotton.

Aiesha waves her fists, shoving Tarsh away.

Muryin reaches for the baby.

Tarsh looks at Alea. ~~ inquiring ~~

Aiesha starts to choke again.

Alea smiles up at Tarsh and nods.

Muryin: So, I'll be sending Zeor people up here to staff the mill project.

Maruda: "Muryin, House Rymal is both a market and a supplier of/for several other goods, when, of course, there is time to deal with all of that."

Muryin: Vi is sending some Tigues. A long story there.

Deann smoothes the fields around Muryin, playing mental ragdoll.

Alea: Really?

Alea: Ah well...

Muryin: Before long, Bender Cove will be on the maps. Maybe ten years. By the time Aiesha here changes over.

Tarsh allows Muryin to take Aiesha. ~~ Reluctantly ~~

Aiesha squirms and kicks.

Muryin: So, things will change, but slowly -- and all these folks here will have many more choices for their lives.

Deann smiles, looking over Muryin's shoulder at the baby. "Jase was once that young."

Muryin: This town is a little raw around the edges, but it has definite possibilities. It just takes time. Imagine what the world was like only twenty years ago.

Alea reaches for Tarsh's hand, twining a finger around a tentacle, trying to reassure him.

Muryin: And I see that you really love Tarsh. And he loves you.

Aiesha chokes, then finally solves the problem by upchucking the soured milk over Muryin.

Alea blinks.

Alea: Uh, well....

Muryin: You zlin like a ghost, but the glow could raise the roof!

Alea blushes.

Alea: Oh, dear!

Leslie hands Muryin a cloth from the sack.

Alea looks at the mess and shakes her head.

Alea: Aiesha still does tend to do that.

Muryin: Tarsh - Zeor doesn't marry out of Zeor.

Aiesha quiets down, now that her stomach discomfort is relieved.

Alea's field goes flat at those words, her gaze shooting to Muryin.

Alea: We know that.

Muryin deals with the mess absently -- as if it's the norm.

Deann smiles and helps. Babies are babies, whatever their lineage.

Muryin: So think carefully about all the choices ahead of you -- and those yet to present themselves.

Leslie retrieves the messy rag, stows it in some clean cloth and deposits it in the bag.

Tarsh looks away, curling the tentacle around Alea's finger.

Muryin: And don't think too harshly of me -- I don't like doing the World Controller's dirty work any better than you would.

Muryin: But building that textile mill -- that will launch multitudes of possibilities.

Muryin zlins Tarsh.

Virena: We can help there.

Muryin closely zlins Tarsh.

Tarsh uses the fact that he hasn't been asked a direct question to say nothing.

Muryin: Tarsh? What do you see in your future?

Virena zlins Tarsh, trying to figure out what Muryin is looking for.

Muryin likes Tarsh for remaining silent. Smart one there.

Tarsh: ~~ worried and fearful and wants to disappear ~~

Tarsh looks up.

Muryin: [Tarsh's field hardly jigged under her zlinning.] Self-confident -- even if he doesn't know it.

Deann leans over a little to offer the baby a finger to clutch.

Tarsh avoids looking directly at Muryin. "I just want to take care of my family."

Virena wonders if everybody in this place is hiding something.

Tarsh: ~~ remembered grief ~~

Muryin: Everyone in this place has a history with each other. Life is complicated when you endeavor to form and hold relationships.

Virena: Especially with the Tecton interfering.

Tarsh starts to reach to touch Aiesha, but stops.

Virena: It's hard, but you can fight off their worst influence.

Dee: Hear, hear!

Muryin: Zeor offers a firm solid foundation for Relationships -- safety for your children should something happen to you. Zeor would be a good affiliation for you, Tarsh. You should consider it.

Alea looks up at Virena in surprise.

Muryin: Well, Rymal is still with us.

Virena: The most important thing is to get out-T Gens on your side.

Muryin: Second most important, Vi.

Muryin: Second.

Deann smiles wryly. "One of the reasons Zeor doesn't marry outside Zeor, I'd imagine. You can always plead Household responsibilities to stay with your family."

Virena: What's first?

Muryin: The First is to keep Simes from Raiding.

Tarsh looks over at Virena, ~~ grateful ~~ to her for saying what he wouldn't dare.

Virena: Easy when you have out-T Gens on your side.

Muryin: Well, we'll talk. I can't believe how late it's grown, and we have a heavy schedule tomorrow.

Virena: Then they call YOU when they need help against Raiders.

Virena: Yes--a heavy schedule.

Tarsh doesn't notice Muryin saying he should consider Zeor. Can't have heard that right.

Virena: Besides, Muryin, you and I want to talk about old times!

Muryin: So I'll leave you to rest, Alea. And Tarsh - think carefully about all the many years from now. Think about what kind of world Aiesha should know that you made for her to live in.

Muryin: Yes, we should sit and gossip a while. G'night folks.

Deann smiles. "Differences of style." She looks at Tarsh, and mouths "She said it."

Virena: Good night, everyone.

Tarsh: Yes, Sectuib. [absently]

Alea nods.

Alea: Thank you, Sectuib.

Deann unclasps her finger from Aiesha, with some difficulty.

Muryin: I hope I may be your Sectuib, Tarsh, one day. You're welcome

Alea. Alea hears Tarsh call her Sectuib and is surprised, looking at him.

Tarsh: Good night, Hajene.

Virena: Don't forget, there's more than one Householding.

Virena: And there are other options as well.

Tarsh: ~~ flabbergasted ~~

Muryin: Good night all. Come Deann - you're about ready to fall over.

Leslie, want some help with all those papers?

Deann grins at Virena, then stands and prepares to follow Muryin out.

Alea reaches out for Aiesha and takes her, cuddling her close.

Leslie: Thank you, it would be welcomed if you like.

Tarsh: ~~ trying to get mind straight ~~

Muryin picks up some of Leslie's cargo and heads for the door.

Muryin: G'night.

Virena: Good night.

Aiesha falls asleep.

Deann nods to Muryin, and follows her out.

Leslie follows out the door.

Tarsh: Well, uh ... that went...

Eliza heads to the Ferry Building with her two bags wondering why there are just no cabs today.

Alea: Yes. It did.

Alea hands Aiesha to Tarsh.

Alea: Muryin likes you.

Alea: I'm happy.

Eliza's arms feel like they are falling off from carrying the bags.

Tarsh is glad of the distraction.

Eliza: Shen, they didn't feel this heavy to start with.

Alea: What's the matter, Tarsh?

Eliza puts down the bags and rotates her shoulders.

Tarsh holds Aiesha, bouncing her slightly. "What do you think, honey? Think it went well?"

Alea watches Tarsh bouncing Aiesha.

Alea: I wish I had known she was coming.

Alea: I had heard rumors, but....

Alea shakes her head.

Tarsh looks worried "Attention from higher ups always means trouble in my experience."

Alea: It didn't sound like trouble to me.

Alea: Muryin all but offered to allow you to join Zeor.

Alea thinks about Tarsh's past.

Tarsh: What?

Alea: Or is that considered trouble to you?

Tarsh: She can't have been serious.

Alea: Muryin never jokes.

Alea looks at Tarsh seriously.

Tarsh recalls some stuff he heard about Muryin's humorlessness...

Tarsh: So she was just being nasty, then? Dangling the impossible?

Alea: ~~ shocked ~~

Tarsh thinks Muryin was trying to nudge him into leaving. Not shuven likely.

Alea: No. She was not. Sectuib was completely serious when she told you to think of the future.

Alea: She would find a way to work you into Zeor if she wants you there.

Jon Drake goes to Alea's door and knocks quietly.

Alea: And she wouldn't offer unless she thought she could.

Tarsh looks at Alea. uncomprehending.

Alea hears the soft sound.

Alea: Come in.

Alea's hopes sink that Tarsh will ever want to join her house.

Alea: ~~ gloom ~~

Alea turns her attention to the door.

Tarsh sees Alea realize that it's hopeless to think he could ever get into Zeor.

Jon Drake enters.

Jon Drake: How are you feeling?

Jon Drake: What's wrong?

Alea wonders why Tarsh would refuse to join her House and thinks it's totally hopeless and she has obviously been building sand castles with him.

Alea: I'm fine.

Alea: Just fine.

Alea sinks into depression.

Alea: Did you get to meet Muryin?

Eliza thinks, "Just one more block to go."

Jon Drake: Yes I did. She's being very thorough in her inspection.

Alea: She was just here visiting the baby and ... Tarsh.

Alea nods.

Eliza picks up her bags and walks resolutely forward.

Alea: That's Muryin.

Jon Drake: I was the focus of attention for a while. Seems I'm a Tigue.

Alea: Oh really?

Alea looks up at Jon.

Alea glances back at Tarsh, wondering why he is just standing there with the baby.

Alea: That explains your underdraw then, doesn't it?

Alea: Have you told Lanyi?

Jon Drake: That's what Muryin says.

Tarsh: Tigue? Really?

Eliza laboriously climbs the stairs to the Ferry Building, wondering why she never noticed how steep they were before.

Eliza pulls the bell rope.

Rapol opens the door, holding a hunk of bread and chewing.

Eliza smiles up at him tiredly and picks up her bags again.

Eliza: Hello, Rapol.

Rapol: Hi!

Rapol reaches to take a bag.

Eliza: Oh, thank you! [hands him one]

Eliza: I wouldn't have thought I had so much stuff! [most of the weight is in books - specially "The BOOK"]

Rapol takes the bag and overbalances as it is heavier than he expected.

Rapol grabs the doorframe to recover.

Alea turns her head from Tarsh.

Eliza: Is Snake in? Or Bumanuel?

Alea: Could you please leave? I'm sorry. But I'd like to be alone.

Tarsh: I... of course.

Nick swallows a bite of sandwich.

Tarsh: Did you want me to put Aiesha in the crib?

Nick: Was that the bell, Snake?

Alea: Fine. Whatever.

Alea refuses to look at Tarsh, devastated to find out he cares nothing about her House and there is no hope there.

Wise Snake: No.

Jon Drake: I...I don't mean to intrude.

Alea: Thank you for stopping by, Jon.

Tarsh goes over to pick up Aiesha, wondering what is bothering Alea.

Alea: Perhaps you could stop by later, and we can talk?

Jon Drake: I'll come visit later, at a better time.

Nick: Good.

Tarsh takes Aiesha over to the crib.

Tarsh: Yes, she is.

Nick gets back to consuming his sandwich before the next crisis comes knocking.

Rapol: Yes, she's in her office.

Jon Drake: Okay.

Eliza: Oh, good. [sighs]

Jon Drake: See you.

Jon Drake backs uncomfortably out of the room.

Alea nods to Jon Drake and then closes her eyes.

Wise Snake is lying on the cot in the office with a cold washcloth over her eyes.

Eliza: Do you think it would be okay to go up and see her?

Nick pauses to look at Snake.

Nick: Headache any better?

Wise Snake: No.

Nick: ~~ soothing support ~~

Alea waits, listening, for Tarsh to leave the room.

Eliza wonders she will be staying here, or with Bumanuel wherever he lives.

Nick: ~~ concern ~~

Tarsh looks at Alea, almost saying something, but then leaves.

Alea opens her eyes.

Rapol considers.

Rapol: Let's go ask.

Eliza looks up the stairs.

Alea thinks of Zeor and the fact that Tarsh will never pledge.

Eliza smiles at him brightly.

Eliza: [what a nice man]

Nick swallows the last bite of sandwich, then moves to massage Snake's temples.

Alea: Unto Zeor, forever, Muryin?

Alea sighs.

Rapol smiles back.

Alea closes her eyes.

Eliza follows Rapol upstairs.

Rapol leads Eliza to the stairs, bag in one hand, bread in the other.

Wise Snake: Ahhh....

Nick: ~~ relaxation ~~

Wise Snake's head ache, which had resembled her head being wedged in a long metal pipe with people jackhammering inside of it, now feels more like people beating on her head with mallets though thick cotton padding.

Rapol goes to the door and signals.

Nick goes to work on the knotted neck muscles.

Nick looks toward the door, leaving his attention on Snake.

Nick: Come!

Rapol opens the door and looks in. '"Uh ... Eliza wanted to talk ..."

Nick blankets Snake in his nager.

Eliza: Briel said YES!!! ~ HELLO!!! I'M HERE TO HELP!! ~

Nick: Are you up to seeing Eliza now?

Wise Snake's head ache resumes with a mule-kick.

Eliza: Oh, Snake! Aren't you well?

Wise Snake: Uhh.....

Eliza looks with concern at Snake laying on the cot with her face covered.

Nick: Please stay back, Eliza.

Eliza: ~ AWWWWW POOR SNAKE! ~

Nick blocks Eliza's nager from affecting Snake.

Wise Snake claws the washcloth off her face.

Rapol goes back to the kitchen.

Eliza puts her bag next to the other one and walks softly over to Nick.

Nick: Eliza!

Eliza: [stage whisper] Does she have a headache?

Eliza: ~ controlled nager (now) ~

Nick: Please stay by the door, so that I can concentrate on helping Snake.

Wise Snake: No... no. I'm fine.

Wise Snake struggles up.

Eliza looks at Nick, hurt.

Eliza: I'm controlling Nick, promise I am.

Wise Snake: So... Eliza, you said about Briel...?

Nick: Yes. And I can't help her if I have to block your nager, too.

Eliza: She said I could go for as long as I wanted.

Eliza: She said that I hadn't sworn to the Tecton anyway so I was free to do as I pleased.

Eliza tries never to swear, although hanging around with Alea has taught her a bit!

Eliza: So, I can help with Bumanuel.

Eliza: [big grin]

Wise Snake winces at Eliza's casual tossoff of her Tecton connection.

Wise Snake: Er... great.

Wise Snake: Well, he's in V'lar right now, but he should be back within a week.

Eliza: Oh, no! Has he left already?

Wise Snake wonders how she's going to be able to keep Eliza out of trouble with BumBum and wonders if they should live in the building.

Eliza: I thought I was going with him.

Wise Snake: Well, yes. B'cal took them with her yesterday.

Eliza: ~ disappointment controlled but definitely showing ~

Wise Snake is stretching the truth a little... they actually left 2 trains after her.

Nick blocks Eliza's disappointment as well as he can.

Wise Snake: Uh.. well, he shouldn't be gone any longer than a week. Maybe less.

Eliza: What will I do in the mean time? I packed and left already.

Wise Snake considers.

Wise Snake: I, uh....

Eliza looks all forlorn.

Nick: ~~ steady support ~~

Wise Snake: Well look, it really isn't that long. Only a week. Maybe less.

Wise Snake tries to sound reassuring.

Wise Snake can't imagine anyone really being anxious to hang out with BumBum and wishes Eliza had gotten to know him better earlier.

Wise Snake thinks if she had, she wouldn't be so sad now.

Eliza looks around.

Eliza: Maybe I can help you around here.

Nick: You could spend the time working on your control, so that you're ready to work with BumBum when he returns.

Eliza: ~ enthusiastic ~

Wise Snake: Yes. Nick, would you work on her with that?

Wise Snake: ~~ relieved that a solution has been found ~~

Wise Snake: During your off hours of course.

Nick manages to keep from wincing.

Eliza looks Nick over carefully, never really being aware of him as a separate identity before, just as an occasional part of Snake.

Nick resolves to at least keep the lessons FAR away from Snake.

Eliza: Maybe I can hang around with Shonie some.

Eliza: Oh! Snake! There were all these people at the Center.

Eliza: Somebody Farris and other people.

Wise Snake stiffens.

Wise Snake hopes Rapol looked and saw who was at the door when he opened it, since she'd left orders saying the door wasn't to be opened at all.

Nick sees Snake's reaction.

Nick: ~~ support ~~

Eliza: I told them about Bumanuel and one of them, what was her name? said that they have junct channels working... oh shen I can't remember where.

Eliza: But that they don't kill cause of their Companions, just like it was in The BOOK.

Wise Snake: Oh?

Wise Snake thinks Eliza is going to have a hard letdown about BumBum.

Eliza tries to remember.

Eliza: Oh, yeah, Sectuib in Zeor.

Eliza: That's what Briel said.

Eliza: They have taken over her office and the place was just CRAWLING with people.

Nick thinks, "Shen! She's going to try to take Snake back to the Tecton."

Nick reaches out to put a possessive hand on Snake's shoulder, determined not to give up his channel without a fight.

Wise Snake winces at the name, even though she knew perfectly well who it was.

Eliza looks at her bags.

Eliza: Will I stay here then?

Eliza: What about when Bumanuel comes back - will I still stay here?

Wise Snake: Well... I guess Alea and Tarsh probably won't be coming here. There were rooms all set up for them and their caretakers... sure, why don't you take one of those.

Wise Snake: After he comes back... I think so. Yes.

Eliza hopes so, she is happy to work with him and everything, but a bit shy he might take the wrong meaning if she moved in with him.

Eliza: ~ relieved ~

Wise Snake is a bit worried about having BumBum living in the Ferry Building, but hopes to cross that bridge when she comes to it.

Eliza: Want to see what I brought with me?

Eliza heads over to her bags and opens the biggest one.

Eliza pulls out miscellaneous clothes which have been shoved around the central object which fills up most of the bag.

Wise Snake watches apprehensively.

Eliza pulls out her shiltpron.

Wise Snake pales visibly.

Nick wonders if Eliza absconded with the silver.

Nick drops an arm around Snake's shoulders.

Nick: ~~ support ~~

Wise Snake: I'm sorry, you're going to have to practice that in another location, Eliza.

Wise Snake: I didn't realize you owned one.

Eliza: Oh! I understand. It's okay.

Wise Snake nods, glad that went well.

Eliza puts it back and shoves the clothes around it.

Eliza will practice it only in her room.

Nick is just glad that the building is well insulated.

Eliza carefully unpacks all her clothes away, stacks the books on a handy - errr - floor, pulls out the shiltpron and bounces back into Snakes office.

Boofay is still snickering at all the problems the Wonder Twins caused for Muryin's entrance.

Eliza: I'm going out for awhile. Is that okay?

Eliza heads down the stairs and considers sliding down the banister.

Notes:

1) Snake did not actually say this, but Briel wouldn't know that. [return]

2) At this point, Virena Tigue walks in the front door. [return]

3) This possibly in reference to the counterfeit Tecton and Controller's seals supposed to have been destroyed by Tarsh, but which in fact still exist hidden in a drain pipe. [return]

4) The Sectuib's office? Hmmm.... [return]

5) These would presumably be leftover auditors and miscellaneous hangers-on from Muryin's entourage. [return]

6) The Sime Center is not actually located in the Dockside district. [return]

7) None, at present. [return]

8) It has been previously established that there are dozens of unnamed, unplayed channels and Donors working at the Sime Center, as well as the many which have been played as characters. As only 2 or 3 people are shown interviewed here, you'll have to use your imagination and assume that everybody else was interviewed as well, but "off-stage". [return]

Go on to Episode #236: The Usual Difficulties

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