Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Bender Cove Township Scenario
Episode #238: Grooming Rituals (5/6/98)
Mytag rubs more of the ointment onto Darrel's arms.
Mytag: You know, this looks much better. How is it feeling?
Darrel looks at the still badly swollen tentacle sheathes.
Darrel: Well, I'm afraid "better" is a relative term.
Darrel: Still, it feels a bit less like they're being roasted over the fire.
Mytag: How many of me are there today?
Darrel zlins.
Darrel: Only two and a half.
Mytag: Well there is some improvement.
Mytag finishes up with the cream and puts it away.
Mytag: How about a visit to Alea and the new baby? Have you seen it yet?
Darrel: No.
Darrel reflects that 1) a baby has no nager to speak of, and two and a half times zero is still zero and that 2) Alea and her baby aren't in the lobby.
Mytag: I have something for the baby, how about we go get it and see if she is awake?
Darrel: Sure, Mytag.
Alea has been moved to a deferment suite, out of the infirmary.
Mytag: If you are still seeing more then one of me though, better stay hypo.
Alea is sitting in a chair, the baby asleep by her in a bassinet as she reads.
Darrel: True.
Mytag calls into his room and comes out with a small rectangular package.
Darrel looks at it curiously.
Darrel: What is it?
Alea reaches over and takes her dose of Fosebine.
Mytag: A book, a novel actually.
Mytag: Reprint of a very old classic
Darrel: Won't it be a few years before the baby can read?
Darrel: I mean, even Farrises aren't usually that precocious.
Mytag: It's for Alea, not the baby. [grins]
Alea sets the boring book about transfer mechanics that Ison brought her aside.
Mytag: It's called Alice's adventures in the land of Zo.
Alea ~~ despondent ~~
Darrel: Oh. A travel book about Down Under?
Alea looks at the tiny red haired infant sleeping so quietly and wonders if she'll appreciate the decisions her mommie had to make for her.
Alea studies Aiesha and thinks she definitely has her nose, and sighs.
Alea thinks the rest of her looks exactly like Tarsh though.
Mytag leads the way towards the room where Alea has been put.
Alea wonders if the dark auburn will lighten or darken as she gets older. 1
Darrel tags along after Mytag.
Mytag: I don't think so. It's a fantasy novel.
Alea glances out the window thinking of Zeor.
Alea: Home, Aiesha. It was once for me.
Mytag signals at the door.
Alea: It will be your home one day.
Alea glances over at the door.
Alea: Come in.
Darrel: There's a difference?
Mytag smiles at Darrel's remarks and opens the door.
Mytag: Hi Alea, we disturbing you?
Alea: Oh. Mytag.
Alea: Hello.
Alea: No, not at all. Come in. I just fed the baby and she's sleeping.
Darrel follows Mytag into the room.
Mytag gives Alea a careful kiss on the cheek.
Mytag: How are you feeling?
Alea smiles at Mytag.
Alea: Better.
Alea: It'll take a few more weeks before I'm feeling normal again.
Alea: ~~ depression ~~
Alea: ~~ post partum depression ~~
Darrel cautiously zlins, then goes hypo again. Two and a half times postpartum depression, driven on a Farris nager, is a bit much.
Mytag: Well, I heard the best thing you can give a new mother is a bit of piece and quiet.
Darrel: Alea, please!
Mytag turns to Darrel
Mytag: ~support~ I did suggest you stay hypo.
Alea looks at Darrel.
Alea: What?
Alea starts to cry.
Mytag: Don't expect her to control herself after what she has been through.
Mytag: Oh, shen.
Mytag puts his arms around Alea.
Alea: I'm s-s-sorry Darrel....
Mytag: Don't worry about it Alea, he isn't himself. Look at his arms.
Darrel feels better once Alea's nager is no longer blaring at him.
Alea: I...I'm...I'm never going to be a Donor again, am I?
Alea: I can't control my field..even around someone like him!
Darrel: No, Alea, there's more to it than that.
Alea wails.
Darrel holds out his arms.
Darrel: I'm zlinning double today.
Mytag: Sure you are. Sooner then you think
Darrel: That makes even zlinning Mytag upsetting.
Mytag: It's not your fault.
Alea looks at his arms.
Alea: What happened to you!
Mytag: Darrel has been taken off the roster.
Alea hears the baby moving around and tries to stop blubbering.
Alea pulls back and dabs at her eyes, nodding her thanks to Mytag.
Darrel: An emergency transfer with a Sime who'd just taken a bath in industrial cleanser.
Alea shudders thinking what she would look like had she gotten doused in that if it did that to Darrel.
Darrel: It's a lot better than it was yesterday.
Alea: Oh...dear....
Mytag: The worst thing is that the Sectuib in Zeor insisted on a full lateral examination immediately after.
Alea looks at them in horror.
Alea: My heavens, is she still alive?
Alea: Did she get it off her?
Alea: The Center, responsible for her death....oh noooo.
Mytag: No idea.
Alea: My name will go down in history as the reason she died....
Alea starts to cry again.
Mytag: There there Alea, don't be silly.
Darrel: Why? You weren't even there.
Mytag: We have sent a message off to her.
Mytag: She is fine, I'm sure we would have heard otherwise.
Alea thinks about that and nods, realizing the truth in that statement.
Alea: Of course.
Alea: Of course...you...are right.
Alea dabs at her eyes again.
Mytag: Anyway, I bought this for you.
Alea: I've been thinking about going home, returning to Zeor. Surely I would have....
Mytag: [picks up book from where he put it and hands it to her]
Mytag: You have?
Alea takes it.
Alea: Oh, thank you.
Alea: That's so sweet.
Alea smiles all misty eyed.
Alea: I've been looking for something to read other than, well, transfer mechanics and its relation to the Donor.
Mytag: Actually, if you have just fed the baby, would you like us to watch her for you for a little while and go, I don't know, wash your hair, have a sleep, anything?
Alea looks over at the bed and thinks she is getting a bit tired.
Darrel looks a Mytag a bit apprehensively: this wasn't in the deal!
Mytag: I'm used to babies, and I'll come get you the minute she needs you.
Alea would like a shower but isn't sure if she is strong enough to stand up yet.
Alea: Ah, well....
Alea: Okay, thank you.
Alea: I think I'd like to shower.
Mytag: Need a hand?
Alea puts the book aside.
Mytag: Darrel could help while I watch bubs.
Alea: Just to the bathroom door.
Alea smiles gratefully.
Alea: Thank you Darrel.
Alea grabs the arms on the chair and slowly pushes herself up.
Alea: It's so nice to see my feet again.
Darrel reaches out and helps Alea to stand, careful not to bump his sore arms.
Alea: When I start wearing shoes, I imagine I'll be able to put them on myself.
Alea leans heavily on Darrel.
Alea shuffles slowly over to the bathroom.
Darrel resists the urge to reinforce his grip with handling tentacles.
Alea: There is a bottle there for her. If she needs it and diapers underneath the bassinet.
Alea winces as the walking pulls on sensitive tissue.
Alea ~~ mild pain ~~
Alea ~~ exhaustion ~~
Alea ~~ depression ~~
Darrel is not zlinning, but he sees the wince.
Darrel: Come on, it's only a few more steps, then you can soak as long as you want.
Mytag: Don't worry about her.
Alea nods.
Alea is pale and sweaty by the time they get to the door.
Alea: Thank you Darrel.
Alea waits for him to open the door so she can go inside.
Darrel opens the door and helps Alea inside.
Alea is gripping Darrel's hand by this time.
Alea: Shenned weakness.
Darrel: You know, I don't think showering is a good idea just now.
Darrel: How about a bath instead?
Mytag looks at Aiesha who is peacefully asleep.
Alea: They told me not to bathe for at least another week.
Darrel: Ah.
Darrel looks around the bathroom.
Darrel: Well, here.
Darrel: Sit for a moment on the edge of the tub, and I'll grab a chair from the other room.
Darrel guides Alea over to the tub.
Alea leans against the wall and starts unfastening her gown.
Alea goes with Darrel.
Darrel helps Alea to sit.
Alea slips her gown off and then loosens her under garments, before slipping out of them.
Darrel: I'll be right back.
Darrel ducks out into the bedroom, and looks around for a chair.
Alea nods, breathing heavily.
Alea reaches over and turns the water on and adjusts the temperature.
Darrel grabs a wooden one and returns.
Darrel: Here. I'll set this under the water, and you can sit down.
Alea: Thank you.
Darrel positions the chair in the shower.
Alea tosses her garments aside and pushes herself up.
Aiesha snuffles and scoots around before settling back down.
Darrel grabs Alea's elbow and steadies her.
Alea looks to Darrel for help.
Alea carefully steps into the shower, dragging a towel with her and sitting on the towel.
Darrel yelps as the hot water hits his inflamed arms.
Alea jumps.
Alea: What?
Alea looks over at Darrel.
Alea pulls the switch and the water starts streaming.
Darrel: My arms!
Darrel clutches his arms across his chest.
Alea gasps as the water runs over her.
Alea: What?
Alea thinks the hot water feels heavenly now that she is sitting down.
Darrel: That water is too hot for them.
Alea: Then don't stick them under the water.
Alea thinks that is obvious and wonders why channels can't even figure that out.
Darrel hands Alea a washrag and a bar of soap.
Darrel: Here you are, then. Enjoy.
Alea thinks that's why they invented Donors.
Alea: Thank you Darrel.
Darrel: I'll be right outside. Just call when you want to get up again.
Alea: Can you get me the shampoo?
Alea: I'm going to need help with my hair.
Alea's hair is all the way down past her waist now.
Darrel gets the shampoo.
Alea uses the cloth and soap and scrubs herself, quickly running out of energy.
Alea pulls her hair over her shoulder.
Alea turns the hot water down a bit so it won't bother the channel.
Alea: You're going to have to...well...get a bit wet helping, Darrel.
Alea: I'm sorry. I just can't do this part on my own.
Alea smiles sheepishly at Darrel.
Darrel considers putting shampoo close to his already-irritated tentacles and seriously debates calling Mytag in.
Darrel then remembers that he would be left with the baby, and chooses the lesser of two evils.
Darrel: Very well.
Alea: Thank you.
Alea: ~~ relief ~~
Alea leans her head sideways a bit so Darrel won't have to get TOO wet.
Darrel ducks out and grabs a water pitcher from the bedside.
Alea watches him leave and wonders at it.
Darrel comes back and turns the water way down, so that it is no longer hitting Alea, but dribbling straight down.
Alea looks at how long her hair is and comes to a decision.
Alea nods.
Darrel: All right. Here we go.
Alea is going to have a little talk with Mytag when she gets out.
Darrel stacks the wet hair on top of Alea's head and adds shampoo.
Alea: Okay...
Alea takes the shampoo and works on the lower half of her hair.
Alea ~~ exhausted ~~
Alea: We should hurry this along, Darrel. I'm starting to hurt and am very tired.
Darrel efficiently works up a lather, then sets the pitcher underneath the dribbling water.
Darrel: Almost done.
Darrel: Close your eyes for a moment.
Alea closes her eyes.
Darrel dumps the pitcher of water over Alea's head.
Alea thinks that is one of the most wonderful feelings she's ever experienced.
Darrel refills the pitcher and dumps again, scrubbing the lather out.
Alea: Uuummmmmm.
Alea: Thank you, Darrel. My hair was filthy.
Darrel: You're welcome.
Darrel: Why don't you turn on the water for a moment and make sure all the soap got rinsed off.
Alea pulls her hair around and begins to squeeze the water out.
Darrel steps back out of range.
Alea: Good idea.
Alea reaches out and turns the water back on.
Alea makes sure all the soap is out and then turns the water off.
Alea slowly pulls herself up and steps out of the shower, reaching for a towel.
Alea uses the towel to slowly, painstakingly work her way down her hair and dry it.
Alea tosses the towel down and grabs up the next one and wraps it around her.
Darrel keeps an eye on Alea to make sure she doesn't fall, since he's not about to zlin her.
Alea's knees give out as the last of her energy is zapped.
Darrel grabs Alea and picks her up, grunting.
Darrel: All right, let's get you back to bed.
Darrel carries Alea out of the bathroom.
Alea: I should get dressed first and I have an errand I want Mytag to perform.
Alea grasps at the towel trying to wrap it back around her.
Darrel lugs Alea towards the bed.
Darrel: Don't wiggle! You're rubbing my arms.
Alea glares at Darrel.
Alea: I want my TOWEL.
Alea wiggles again pulling at her towel until it is at least covering her front.
Darrel almost drops Alea.
Darrel: Be still!
Alea gasps and grabs darrel around the neck.
Alea: NO!
Alea burst into tears.
Alea: Just put me DOWN!
Darrel takes two more steps, then puts Alea down in the bed.
Alea: NOW!
Alea: You're going to drop me.
Alea pulls away and jerks the towel around her.
Alea thinks this is awful. She has no idea why she is being so mean to a Sime, especially a channel, and cries even harder.
Darrel grits his teeth as his laterals throb clear to his shoulders.
Mytag has left.
Darrel: Shen!
Alea cries even harder.
Alea motions at the table.
Alea: There... some fosebine.
Alea: That ww-w-w-will HELP....
Darrel goes over to the table and pours himself a dose.
Alea weeps.
Darrel sighs.
Alea grits her teeth, trying to get herself under control.
Alea: I'm... s-s-so sorry....
Alea shakes her head.
Alea: It seems like with the birth of the baby I've lost all control too.
Alea tries to pull the towel up to cover her mouth, then gasps and drops it.
Darrel: Alea, your control will return to normal in a few weeks.
Alea: Could you please get me a gown....
Alea is now turning red.
Darrel: Umm....
Alea doesn't believe that.
Darrel looks at Alea.
Alea: Of course.
Darrel: Did you scald yourself in the shower?
Alea: Hajene.
Alea shakes her head.
Alea ~~ embarrassment ~~
Darrel is feeling very confused, since he is long enough past changeover to have forgotten the visual cues for what he usually zlins.
Alea: I have an extra gown, over there, in the... the chest.
Alea is now not looking at Darrel, feeling totally useless and embarrassed at her outburst.
Darrel takes the hint and goes over to open the chest.
Darrel digs through the clothes and comes up with a bath robe which looks way too large.
Darrel figures that this ought to make putting it on Alea easier.
Darrel: Here, this should cover you.
Darrel brings the robe back.
Alea looks at it, hesitates, then nods.
Alea takes the huge robe, and slips it on, being enveloped in it.
Darrel: There. Will you be all right now?
Tarsh signals at the door.
Alea nibbles her lower lip.
Alea: Could I ask you one more favor?
Alea: Come in.
Darrel: What, Alea?
Tarsh comes in. "Alea!"
Darrel is feeling a bit snappy, since his arms are still throbbing despite the fosebine.
Alea looks up and sees Tarsh.
Alea: Oh. Hi, Tarsh.
Alea glances at Darrel.
Alea: Would you cut my hair for me?
Tarsh zlins to see who Alea is asking.
Alea glances up at Tarsh. ~~ nervous ~~
Alea looks to Darrel to see if he will or not.
Darrel looks at Alea and Tarsh.
Darrel: Why don't you ask Tarsh there to do it?
Darrel: He'll be able to zlin if it's even.
Tarsh looks ~~ uncomfortable ~~
Alea glances at Tarsh.
Alea: Would you cut my hair.... Tarsh?
Alea glances back at Darrel then at Tarsh, then at her hands.
Tarsh: Sure Alea, if you want me to.
Tarsh: I've never cut hair before, though.
Alea: I suppose I could cut it myself then.
Alea shrugs.
Darrel: That could get a bit awkward.
Alea still isn't looking at Tarsh.
Tarsh comes forward. "No, I'll do it."
Alea nods, grateful.
Darrel sees that the new parents are occupied.
Darrel: Well, I've some things to do.
Darrel starts edging towards the door.
Alea looks up ~~ panic ~~ at Darrel leaving them alone.
Darrel: Do you have something in your eye, Alea?
Alea: Not at all.
Tarsh looks around to see what is frightening Alea.
Alea glances down at her hands.
Darrel doesn't want to risk zlinning, since if she does, he will feel as if he has two and a half things in his eye.
Alea: Thank you, Darrel, for helping me with my bath.
Alea: I'll see you and Mytag later.
Darrel nods and slips out the door, heading directly for the cafeteria and a bracing mug of tea.
Alea: There's scissors over in the drawer over there by the tea maker.
Tarsh: Ah.
Tarsh goes over to look in the drawer.
Alea pulls her hair out of the huge robe and drapes it over the back of the robe.
Tarsh gets the scissors and a large comb.
Alea: I'm tired of my long hair.
Alea: I want to cut it off.
Alea: It's so long I can't even pin it up on top of my head anymore.
Alea: I can't comb it.
Alea: I get tangled in it at night.
Tarsh: All of it?
Alea shrugs
Alea: I don't know.
Alea: What do you think?
Tarsh puts his arms around Alea.
Alea is shocked... then starts crying.
Tarsh hugs tighter. "What is the matter, darling?"
Alea: This whole situation is hopeless.
Alea: We have no chance together.
Alea: We never did.
Alea is sobbing into his shirt now.
Alea: What is the baby going to do?
Alea: We should have never brought her into the world!
Tarsh: What do you mean? We'll be fine. All three of us.
Alea shakes her head.
Alea: No. You detest Householdings. I'm a Householder... Zeor, the most powerful house. Things are just awful.
Alea knows she is sounding ridiculous and has no idea why she is saying such awful things.
Tarsh: I don't detest Householdings.
Alea thinks now there is a lie.
Alea continues to cry.
Tarsh holds alea tenderly.
Tarsh: Things are fine, Alea. You're healthy, Aiesha is strong and loud.
Tarsh: Your Sectuib didn't have me shot out of hand....
Alea giggles into Tarsh's chest.
Alea: I told you she liked you.
Alea leans back and looks up at Tarsh.
Alea: I want to be up and around.
Alea: Do you know, I had to have Darrel help bathe me? I was so weak from the burn Snake did forcing selyn into me I couldn't even do it myself.
Tarsh: Did you want me to take you for a walk?
Alea: I don't even know what type of Donor I'm going to be.
Alea: Can you cut my hair first?
Tarsh: Certainly.
Tarsh: Can you sit down over here?
Alea pushes herself wearily up from bed and moves to where Tarsh indicates.
Alea lifts her hair and drapes it over the chair.
Alea: Please just cut it... whatever length you think is nice. I don't care. I just want some of it gone.
Tarsh takes the comb and works on combing her hair out without pulling it.
Alea slowly relaxes as Tarsh removes the tangles.
Tarsh holds hair in tentacles while pulling the comb through it.
Tarsh divides her hair in to several sections.
Alea: That feels nice.
Alea: I really appreciated Darrel's help today.
Alea: And I will appreciate this even more.
Alea: I've been trying to cut my hair for months. I had planned on having it cut before...well...it didn't work out that way.
Tarsh: So did you want in to shoulder length, or a little longer?
Alea: I don't care.
Alea: Just get rid of some of it.
Alea: Sectuib Muryin is on her way back to Zeor now.
Tarsh looks over the hair, pursing his lips.
Tarsh: Long trip?
Alea: I heard she stopped by the publishing Household.
Alea: I'm not sure.
Alea: She was going down past Keon and Carre before heading back.
Alea: It'll be four weeks probably.
Alea: At least no one has to worry about her coming through here.
Tarsh: Who was that other channel with her?
Alea: Oh....
Alea: That was Sectuib in Keon.
Alea: And there was a channel from Chanel with her and two other channels.
Alea: You know, Tarsh, Muryin was really taken with you.
Alea: She thinks you have potential.
Alea: Please don't shut out my Sectuib. Think about what she had to say.
Tarsh: I don't see why. Other than my superb taste in women, I'm unimpressive.
Alea sighs ~~ despondent ~~
Tarsh: What did you mean about what she said?
Alea: About joining Zeor.
Alea: It was obvious the other day you had no desire, but the baby will have to be at Zeor as she gets older.
Alea: Farrises tend to change over very young.
Tarsh: I didn't think she was serious.
Alea sighs.
Alea: Of course she was serious.
Alea: Muryin is not the type to say something like that unless she was.
Alea: Too many people covet membership in Zeor for her to joke like that.
Alea: Besides, everything Muryin says ends up in a paper somewhere. She can't afford to joke.
Alea thinks about that and feels sorry for Muryin and the situation she is in.
Tarsh stops combing, ~~ shocked. ~~
Alea glances back at Tarsh.
Alea: What?
Alea reaches back and touches her hair, afraid he's done something to it that he didn't mean to.
Tarsh: Me? In Zeor?
Alea ~~ confusion ~~
Alea: Well.... yes.
Alea: What did you think....
Alea: Muryin saw the records on me and knows the possible potential of Aiesha.
Alea: She of course, wants the father there. That, plus the...er...reports I've sent her about your job as CFO.
Tarsh ~~ worries ~~ about what might have been in those reports.
Alea: And others have put positive things in your folder.
Alea looks at Tarsh.
Alea: What is it? What's the matter?
Tarsh: Nothing.
Tarsh: I ... I'm sorry, Alea, it such a new idea to me...
Alea: I know.
Alea: After what you told me of your father....
Alea sighs.
Alea turns back around so Tarsh can finish her hair.
Tarsh measures to a point a few inches below the shoulders.
Tarsh: And what will she say if she finds out about that?
Alea: Oh.
Alea: She knows.
Tarsh cuts the first lock of hair off with a brisker snip than he intended.
Tarsh: She does?
Alea jumps.
Alea reaches back to touch her hair. ~~ nervous ~~
Alea: Of course she does.
Alea settles back into her chair.
Alea: She asked some very personal questions.
Alea: I told her what was necessary.
Tarsh: Ah.
Alea: I tried to keep it impersonal, Tarsh. But Muryin was very insistent.
Alea: Besides, do you think I was the only spy Muryin had on staff here?
Tarsh reflects that it must be well-nigh impossible to hide things from the best channel in the world.
Tarsh: Yeah, I suppose she is.
Alea: If I hadn't told her, it's most probably true that there are others who would find out and tell her which would cause problems later on.
Alea points at her hair.
Tarsh starts combing and cutting to the length he selected.
Alea sighs as the weight gets lighter and lighter.
Alea thinks this might have been what was originally causing some of her headaches.
Alea ~~ tired ~~
Tarsh combs out the hair again and zlins it.
Alea ~~ exhaustion ~~
Alea: Thank you sweetheart.
Tarsh: Least I can do after you did the hard part on Aiesha.
Alea looks up at Tarsh and smiles.
Alea: There is one good thing about having the baby early though.
Tarsh: What's that?
Alea grins tiredly.
Alea: It means the wait won't be quite as long now for the um... channel... to approve.
Alea giggles.
Alea lifts a hand to cover a yawn.
Tarsh: ~~ guilt ~~
Tarsh: Alea... it... it was my fault, wasn't it.
Alea: What was your fault, dear?
Alea looks up at him, concerned.
Tarsh lets go her hair. "That Aiesha was premature."
Alea: Of course it wasn't!
Alea turns and struggles up, wincing as she does.
Alea ~~ wobbly ~~ ~~ shocked and concerned ~~
Tarsh helps her up.
Alea: How could you even think that!
Alea: I had been having stress labor before that.
Tarsh is wearing a long guilty face.
Alea: I imagine when I was running through the center chasing Snake... well....
Tarsh: Stress labor?
Alea: That is probably what brought it on.
Alea shrugs.
Alea: Tramila said I was getting too upset and that was bringing the labor on. She told me to relax.
Tarsh: Chasing Snake? Why?
Alea: I don't know. She totally went over the edge and ran off, like she'd gone crazy. I was worried about her and chased after her.
Alea frowns.
Alea: If I had had my field at a higher level I could have used that. I couldn't catch her.
Tarsh: You're always so helpful, Alea.
Tarsh: And then the labor started?
Alea giggles.
Alea: Helpful?
Alea: I don't think so.
Alea: Yes.
Alea: As I was rushing around a corner, a contraction....
Alea: Er...well......
Alea ~~ guilt ~~
Tarsh hugs Alea.
Alea: I..uh....Tarsh.....
Alea: I had been having pains since the night before...but the were so mild...I had no idea it was really labor until my water broke.
Tarsh: What is it? [zlins guilt]
Alea: I had thought it was that meal I made the night before, but evidently I had been in labor all night.
Tarsh: Oh.
Tarsh: Well, it's turned out right anyway. Except for your burn...
Alea: Actually, if the baby hadn't come that early, it is possible that I wouldn't have... well....
Alea looks up at Tarsh.
Alea: It's possible I wouldn't have survived.
Tarsh looks horrified at the possibility.
Tarsh: You mean your selyn would have dropped too low?
Tarsh: Attrition.
Alea: Yeah, so to speak.
Tarsh hugs Alea tight.
Alea: It worked out for the best.
Alea glances over at Aiesha.
Alea: And we have a daughter.
Alea ~~ exhaustion ~~
Tarsh looks over at her. ~~ joy ~~
Tarsh: A beautiful daughter. Takes after her mother that way.
Alea frowns.
Katryn comes sneaking into the Sime Center wondering if she has been missed.
Alea: She has my nose, but the rest is you.
Patrice is sitting in lobby tapping her foot.
Katryn: Oh... uh... hello, Patrice.
Patrice jumps up.
Katryn smiles brightly despite being past turnover.
Patrice: ~joy relief slight anger~
Tarsh looks thoughtful. "Well, they said I looked like Mother, so that will work out."
Patrice: Hajene. Where in shen have you been?
Katryn zlins that and thinks she should have zlinned first.
Patrice: The Controller has really been yelling at me.
Patrice rushes over to Katryn and establishes nageric contact.
Alea looks longingly at the bed, still holding onto Tarsh.
Katryn: Oh? For what?
Patrice: Losing you. He doesn't think a good Donor should do that. I didn't tell him you snuck out.
Patrice: Where have you been?
Patrice flicks her nager impatiently but gently.
Katryn blushes as bright as her hair.
Katryn winces.
Katryn: I... well....
Katryn looks around and leans forward.
Katryn: [whispers] I went to a shiltpron parlor. And I didn't think it'd be a good idea to take a Gen there.
Katryn: Don't tell anyone though.
Patrice: ~pout~
Katryn: What?
Katryn's eyes widen in surprise.
Patrice: I won't but you should NOT have been there unescorted. You are in need. [whispers]
Katryn ~~ guilt ~~
Katryn: I'm sorry, Patrice.
Katryn: It won't happen again.
Patrice: I like good music too.
Patrice moves in on the channel and puts an arm around her waist.
Patrice: You bet it won't. Next time I'm going with you. AFTER transfer.
Katryn: This was the first time I've ever been to one.
Patrice is still whispering.
Patrice: Have fun?
Katryn: They had this Gen up there helping and... oh.
Katryn shivers.
Tarsh: Sit back down and I'll round off your hair.
Katryn: I can only imagine what it would be like right after transfer.
Patrice: ~stronger support!~
Alea sits back down.
Patrice: What is it Hajene?
Katryn: A friend I met invited me. It was just, so... unbelievable.
Katryn: I've never seen one of those played before.
Katryn: Shiltprons are... great.
Patrice: ~concern~
Patrice: Well it seems to have done a number on your systems. I think we had better go somewhere quiet for a bit.
Tarsh works on putting a curve on the bottom edge of her hair.
Patrice: I need to work on your systems.
Patrice gently strokes Katryn's tentacles.
Katryn ~~ guilt ~~
Katryn: Of course, Naztehr.
Patrice looks suspicious.
Patrice: You aren't going to give me an argument this time?
Katryn looks at Patrice.
Katryn: Why should I?
Alea's eyes close and she nods off as tarsh is finishing up her hair.
Patrice: ~exasperation~
Patrice: Most channels I know would rather work than be taken care of.
Katryn backs up slightly at Patrice's nager.
Katryn thinks this Donor is certainly going to be protective of her.
Patrice: ~works to restore to pleasant support~
Patrice: ~apology~
Patrice: ~determination~
Katryn melts wondering what it was that had bothered her.
Eliza climbs the stair of the Center feeling very much like an outsider - shesssh it's only been two days!
Patrice: But I would like to see you lay down for a while. I'll bring us some tea.
Katryn: Lay down?
Eliza opens the door and enters the lobby.
Katryn looks aghast at Patrice.
Katryn: But...but I'm a SIME.
Patrice: Yes, and rest.
Katryn hears the door open and sees Eliza come in.
Patrice snorts.
Eliza is stunned by the fact that nothing is broken, no one is dead or dying or screaming.
Eliza: [and the final straw - it's neat and tidy]
Patrice: Yeah, a Sime in need who is need and has her systems bent out of shape by a rather irresponsible escapade.
Eliza looks at Katryn and Patrice in concern.
Eliza: What's wrong with the place!
Patrice: [whispers] Do I need to make this a Companion's order?
Katryn: Hello Eliza!
Katryn smiles.
Katryn: Patrice, have you met Eliza yet?
Patrice: Hi Eliza.
Eliza rushes over. ~worry~
Patrice: Yes, we met. Eliza, tell this stubborn channel she needs to rest for a bit.
Eliza: Yes - hi Patrice. But what's wrong! Did someone die?!
Katryn: Patrice. I have had rest. What I need is to work, and to get my systems...
Katryn: Die?
Eliza looks around at the peaceful lobby again unbelievingly.
Patrice: No, she, well, let's just say I have some work to do.
Katryn looks over at Eliza.
Katryn: Why would you think that?
Patrice snorts again.
Tarsh finishes as he zlins Alea nodding off.
Tarsh carefully picks her up.
Eliza: Everything looks so.... clean and neat and sterile!
Patrice: It won't be if I can't get this channel to obey me.
Eliza: Honest - there is nothing wrong???
Alea turns into his arms, before sighing.
Katryn backs away from the two, wincing.
Katryn wishes Mytag was here.
Patrice sighs.
Katryn: Nothing at all.
Patrice: Hajene, please just a few minutes, then I promise I won't say a word if you want to work all night.
Katryn: Everything is... fine.
Katryn: Why? What rumors have you heard?
Patrice: ~disbelief~
Eliza looks from Patrice to Katryn.
Tarsh carries her over to the bed and puts her in it.
Alea shifts, rolling onto her side, and never waking.
Bosis fiddles with the daily report behind the desk.
Eliza: No rumors. Nothing. What's the matter with Kat, Patrice?
Patrice: She just needs to rest a few minutes.
Tarsh tucks her in and kisses her on the forehead.
Eliza wonders if this is what Snake was talking about.
Eliza: How can you tell?
Eliza: ~envious!~
Patrice: I don't really know except that when she's not just right I feel funny.
Patrice: ~a little confused~
Eliza: Oh. ~miserable~
Eliza: Well, I just dropped in to see Alea and Mostan.
Eliza: Don't suppose you know where Mos is do you?
Eliza wonders if he is angry with her.
Patrice: No, but I think Alea has company.
Eliza: Oh, well, maybe I shouldn't have come.
Eliza looks lost.
Patrice: What about it, Hajene? A trip to your room, or maybe the Controller's office? Let him zlin you, and....
Katryn: My room is fine.
Katryn does NOT want to see the Controller with the things her intil has been doing in that parlor.
Eliza wishes Patrice a silent good luck and heads to the clerk's desk.
Eliza: Hello Bosis.
Patrice: ~support relief and gratitude~
Eliza: Can you tell me where Mostan is at the moment?
Patrice smiles at the channel.
Patrice: Let's go then. I promise to have you back on duty in a very short time.
Katryn: Of course, Naztehr.
Katryn turns to go down the hall to her room.
Bosis: Hello Eliza. I think he's giving transfers in room 5 of the Sime wing.
Eliza: Oh. Is it all right if I see him or what?
Eliza doesn't have the faintest what the rules are now that she isn't part of the staff.
Bosis: Yeah, he's between clients right now.
Eliza: Ta Bos!
Bosis waves.
Eliza smiles at her, partly cheery, partly nervous. If Mostan has missed her he can't be mad cause he is too far past turn over - but what if he didn't miss her at all!
Eliza signals at room 5.
Mostan: It's open!
Sarma bursts into the lobby.
Eliza enters.
Eliza: Hello, Mos.
Sarma: Somebody help me, please somebody help me!
Jelana is just walking into the lobby.
Sarma collapses moaning in pain.
Jelana: I....
Jelana looks around for help.
Jelana hurries forward to the Gen.
Jelana: What is it?
Jelana: What's the matter?
Sarma: My arms, they hurt, ow, ow.
Jelana reaches out and looks at the Gen's arms.
Sarma looks in disgust at swellings on his forearms.
Mostan: Eliza. I was looking for you. Are you all right?
Sarma grabs for Jelana. "Please help me, I'm dying!"
Jelana ~~ soothing ~~
Sarma: No, I'm not a Sime... I'm just sick!
Jelana: No. I'm sure you're not.
Eliza: I'm fine. It's so good to see you! ~love and affection~
Jelana: Just let me look at....
Mostan gets up and comes over.
Jelana pries one of the person's hands away from her arm and looks at the wrists to see if they are bubbled.
Sarma grabs Jelana's hands in unconscious mimicry of transfer grip.
Sarma: Make it stop hurting please....
Sarma starts to cry.
Eliza looks around confused.
Eliza: Where is your Donor?
Mostan puts his arms around Eliza.
Jelana: Just...calm...down....
Jelana looks around frantically for a Sime.
Mostan: Went out for a bite. I'm just in recovery now.
Eliza nestles into him.
Jelana tries to pry her arms loose from the changeover victim.
Sarma grips tighter and moans louder.
Jelana: You'll be fine...youch!
Jelana ~~ pain ~~
Jelana tries to dig the victim's nails out of her arms.
Lanyi come down the hall with a folder.
Jelana: This .. is... not the ... way... let... me .... help... YOU.
Sarma suddenly throws his hands in the air screaming loudly.
Eliza lets him go and moves over the the couch.
Jelana stiffens in shock.
Jelana ~~ soothing ~~
Jelana: No no no... you'll be fine.
Eliza: ~~I'm calm, see how calm I am? I'm really really calm~~
Eliza: Did you hear the news?
Lanyi hears the scream and augments towards it.
Sarma moans "make it stop hurting".
Mostan: Yes. You are.
Jelana looks at her bloody arms and think the pain isn't going to stop any time soon.
Mostan sits down next to Eliza.
Jelana: For either of us [mutters]
Jelana: Let me find you a channel.
Jelana: You're in changeover.
Jelana: We'll need the channel.
Sarma catches sight of swelling tentacles and screams. "No! I don't want to be a Sime!"
Jelana ~~ soothing steady support ~~
Sarma: Simes are wicked.
Sarma: Please make this go away please.
Sarma sobs uncontrollably.
Jelana: No, they are not...just calm down.
Jelana shakes him.
Jelana: Stop it!
Lanyi rushes over to Jelana and Sarma.
Jelana: Listen to me.
Lanyi: ~~ GEN ~~
Jelana looks up at Lanyi.
Lanyi: It's all right. I'm a channel. Let me help.
Jelana looks down at her arms, which are still gripped in the person's hands.
Lanyi zlins Sarma.
Sarma: ~~ changeover victim next to last stage underdeveloped tentacles ~~
Jelana ~~ turns attention to Lanyi ~~
Eliza: Did you hear the news, Mostan?
Lanyi speaks in Simelan. "He's a channel. Stage 5. What Donors are high field now?"
Sarma: ~~two selyn systems selyn reserves dangerously low~~
Mostan: I don't think so.
Eliza breaths evenly ~calm calm~
Eliza: I'm working for Snake.
Sarma sees the channel and tries to scoot away.
Lanyi switches to English. "My name is Lanyi. What is your name?"
Sarma: Sarma.
Sarma screams again.
Sarma tries to scrape the bubbles off his arms.
Sarma: I don't wanna be a Sime.
Lanyi: No!
Lanyi grabs to stop him.
Jelana pulls her arms back, relieved to have the nails gone.
Lanyi: You'll cripple yourself!
Sarma rolls away from channel.
Sarma sobs.
Lanyi crawls after her. ~~ Gen ~~
Sarma: Don't wanna be a Sime, make it stop!
Lanyi: I'm sorry. But no one can stop it.
Sarma stops and instinctively raises his hands as if zlinning.
Lanyi: You are already a Sime. But you won't kill anyone.
Mostan: Working for Snake? Why?
Eliza: It's like this. She has a junct channel working for her. JUNCT Mos!
Sarma: Yes I will. Simes kill.
Eliza: He KILLS people!
Eliza: And she said she thinks I can help.
Sarma sobs harder.
Mostan looks alarmed. "Junct?"
Mostan wonders if Eliza means she'll help him kill, but that can't be it.
Lanyi: No. Not here. You won't kill. I swear.
Sarma: But but....
Sarma looks warily at Lanyi.
Jelana: She's telling the truth.
Sarma: I'll have to kill.
Jelana: Listen to her.
Lanyi: I'm a channel. I'll give you transfer if we can't find you a Donor.
Eliza: Yes. His name is Bumanuel Altavista.
Sarma: I'll kill you....
Eliza leaves out that he is a Third Order like Mostan.
Sarma: Wha - what's a transfer?
Mostan: Give him transfers, you mean?
Sarma is watching the channel's tentacles with a expression close to horror.
Jelana moves up to Lanyi, supporting her as best she can, considering she is a Third Order Donor.
Lanyi: A transfer is when a Sime gets the selyn he needs for a month without anyone dying.
Sarma screams again and clutches hands tightly as another spasm rocks his body.
Sarma: ~last stage transition~
Eliza hears the scream from the lobby and is glad everything is back to normal.
Lanyi: That's good. Clench your fists and then open them. Like this.
Lanyi demonstrates.
Sarma tries to imitate channel, then screams in agony. "No no, I can't do it!"
Lanyi: Yes you can. Try again.
Jelana kneels behind Lanyi thinking encouraging thoughts.
Lanyi pushes with her field in synch with his contractions.
Sarma tries again, screams, then does it right.
Lanyi: Very Good! Now Again. Clench ...
Mostan hears screaming and gets up. "What is ..."
Eliza shrugs "Something in the lobby."
Sarma repeats the action, screaming as tentacles break free.
Eliza is glad that Mostan is taking her moving so calmly.
Lanyi speaks Simelan "Jelana, can you give him transfer? How bad are your arms?"
Mostan goes to the door and zlins.
Jelana looks down at her arms, bloodied from his nails.
Eliza follows him over.
Jelana: I can do it, hajene.
Lanyi: OK.
Jelana thinks of Ison and silently apologizes to him.
Lanyi backs up, reducing her showfield.
Jelana moves sideways and forward ~~ GEN ~~
Jelana: It'll be fine...just fine....
Jelana: Come here, dear. Let me help you.
Sarma collapses, whimpering. "No no no!"
Lanyi: You did that perfect. A fine breakout.
Jelana thinks the chance to serve a new channel is worth it... to make up for... the past.
Lanyi: It's all right. Jelana is a Donor. You can't hurt her.
Mostan: A changeover!
Jelana slides her arms up Sarma's arms, teasing at the tentacles.
Sarma: I don't want to kill.
Jelana ~~ here for you ~~~
Mostan: Come on.
Jelana ~~ desire to give ~~
Sarma pulls away.
Mostan hurries down the hall, stopping at the edge of the lobby.
Jelana leans down over her, enveloping him in her field, blocking all others from him.
Sarma: Don't want to kill.
Jelana: You won't kill me....
Lanyi: You can't kill Jelana.
Jelana ~~ Gen desire to give ~~
Jelana strokes the lateral sheaths, encouraging them laterals to come out.
Eliza follows.
Lanyi holds a neutral showfield tight around her, zlinning.
Jelana: Come on, dear. Take what I have to offer. ~~ offering ~~
Sarma goes hyper and grabs the Gen, gripping her arms tightly.
Jelana strokes his arms again... wincing slightly.
Jelana ~~ yes ~~ ~~ desire to give ~~
Lanyi zlins Mostan and Eliza and waves for them to stay back without looking.
Jelana leans down touching her lips...
Sarma whips tentacles in place and extends laterals.
Sarma begins a savage uncontrolled draw.
Jelana matches the draw, encouraging it.
Jelana ~~ yes ~~ ~~ yes ~~
Sarma reaches a peak, hesitates then starts to draw again slightly slower, but no less intensely.
Mostan zlins the Gen First Transfer that he never had.
Eliza hold Mostan's hand and looks happily at the mess on the floor in the middle of the lobby.
Jelana ~~ encourages ~~ ~~ joy ~~~
Jelana provides the resistance Sarma is searching for.
Sarma reaches another peak then slowly stops drawing. Termination is ragged.
Jelana ~~ offers bliss ~~
Sarma withdraws his tentacles and sags against the Donor in tears.
Jelana slips her arms around the channel and looks over at Lanyi.
Lanyi releases the breath she was holding, glad.
Lanyi: Excellent Sosu.
Sarma raises his head and looks at Jelana in wonder.
Jelana strokes her hands up and down the man's back even as tears run down her face.
Sarma: You're still alive!
Jelana: I'm alive.
Jelana smiles.
Jelana: And you're a channel.
Sarma: I didn't kill....
Mostan hugs Eliza.
Sarma: A channel?
Jelana: No. And you never will.
Sarma: ~puzzlement~
Jelana looks to Lanyi to let her explain.
Sarma: You - you can do that every month?
Eliza doesn't know why Mostan is so happy, but is glad he isn't mad at her regardless.
Eliza hugs him back.
Jelana: Donors can. For channels.
Sarma: You said I - I'm a channel?
Jelana stands.
Jelana: Let's go get you cleaned up and I'll explain everything.
Sarma looks at Lanyi, duo, obviously trying to zlin and not quite getting it right.
Lanyi: Yes. A Third order channel like Hajene Mostan over there. [gestures]
Jelana smiles at Lanyi and then at the new channel.
Jelana waits patiently.
Sarma is concentrating on trying to zlin Lanyi.
Sarma: ~puzzlement~
Lanyi: You're zlinning now. Try is like this. ~~ demonstrates ~~
Lanyi drops her showfield.
Sarma tries to imitate Lanyi. Almost gets it right.
Mostan: Eliza, they are so lucky...
Sarma: Oh! You You're beautiful.
Sarma: ~her field fascinates him~
Lanyi: Why thank you. Yes that's much better.
Eliza thinks that if Bumanuel had had that chance he wouldn't now be junct.
Eliza: Yes, they are aren't they?
Sarma zlins again gets it right.
Sarma: Like that?
Jelana steps up and touches Sarma's shoulder.
Mostan: Yeah. I hadn't seen a First for a channel before.
Lanyi: Yes, That's it.
Sarma switches attention to Jelana.
Lanyi: Now zlin Jelana.
Sarma: What what are the pretty clouds around you?
Jelana stands still, allowing it.
Sarma obediently tries to zlin Jelana. Succeeds easily this time.
Sarma smiles. "This is fun."
Jelana: Let's go get you cleaned up.
Jelana: You can practice zlinning on the way.
Jelana: If that's okay with you, Hajene Lanyi?
Sarma looks at the channel. "Can she come too?"
Lanyi: Yes, a good idea.
Lanyi: I've got some things I have to do, sorry. I'll be by later.
Sarma: What's a Hajene?
Sarma badly mispronounced the Simelan word.
Jelana starts off down the hall.
Jelana: It's a Householding term.
Jelana: For a channel.
Jelana keeps a hand on his elbow, guiding him with her.
Lanyi: It's a title for a channel. Like 'Doctor' or 'Officer'.
Sarma obediently follows.
Sarma: Am I one too?
Lanyi smiles.
Jelana goes off down the hall explaining the intricacies of a household to Sarma.
Mostan: Eliza, why don't we eat and you can tell me about your new... work?
Eliza: Can I eat here if I don't work here?
Eliza remember that Snake does, but then maybe that's different cause Snake works there - sorta.
Mostan: Sure. I'll take care of it.
Mostan takes Eliza's arm and turns towards the cafeteria.
Notes:
1) Probably darken, unless Farrises are no longer universally black-haired. [return]