Sime~Gen Roleplaying: District Controller's Office Scenario
Episode #31: Cinder-Reckage at the Ball (5/28/99)
Arat is sitting at his desk reviewing the summaries Jeniard had left him.
Arat was not, contrary to Jeniard's fears, frantic when he learned Nick didn't think he was going to pledge anytime soon.
Arat is of the opinion that neither Nick or Jeniard is as qualified to predict what Nick will do as he himself, Arat, is.
Arat is however keeping a closer eye on Nick all the same.
Nick is reading a book of Tecton history Arat had recommended, with apparent interest.
Arat finds an unopened courier letter from the New Othwol Controller's office.
Nick is keeping a closer eye on Arat than he has been, due to the combination of the channel's approaching need and a desire to ensure that Arat doesn't feel abandoned by Nick's continuing indecision.
Nick was a bit taken aback by Jeniard's alarm the previous day.
Arat reads the letter, which is remarkably brief, about 3 times.
Arat's eyebrows shoot upward.
Arat looks as if he's trying not to laugh, only the 2nd time Nick would have seen this in the last weeks.
Nick looks up in time to notice Arat's reaction.
Nick: Are you feeling all right, Arat?
Nick: ~~ concern ~~
Arat starts to fold the letter, then looks up, startled.
Arat: Yes...?
Nick: Is something the matter?
Nick wonders if Arat swallowed his tea wrong and is trying not to choke.
Arat: No, I just....
Arat looks at the letter.
Arat hesitates, and then hands it to Nick.
Nick takes the letter and glances at it.
Deah Letter: What's that you say? You're sure he'll pledge before he gets here? Arat, my friend, that sounds suspiciously like a dare. -- Controller Tigue, City of New Othwol.
Nick gets the drift of the message, even without all the context.
Nick starts to chuckle.
Nick: ~~ bubbling ~~
Nick: Arat, I think I'm going to like your friend Deah.
Nick hadn't realized that a channel could have a sense of humor.
Arat looks long suffering.
Arat: She tends to... say what she means.
Arat: And she will do her best to convert you if I fail.
Arat knows Deah would see it as a failure if Nick did not pledge before leaving Capitol.
Nick has pretty much figured out that any Tecton channel he works with will try recruiting him, as long as he remains unpledged.
Nick sets his book aside and gets up to refill his tea cup.
Nick: More tea?
Arat: Yes, thank you. [ruefully]
Nick pours for Arat.
Nick: Arat, how much longer until this cast can come off?
Arat looks at Nick a bit suspiciously, since Nick has other people who've been treating the leg, and all discussions with Arat regarding the cast have typically had something to do with buying new pants.
Arat: Another week or so, at most. Why?
Nick: There are some fruit trees in the back yard of my new place which could use some pruning, or they won't set a decent crop.
Nick: I was hoping to take care of it before I left for New Othwol.
Nick knocks on his cast.
Arat: Can't you hire somebody to do that?
Arat wonders where Nick will find the time, since if he has any shred of decency he'll be working with Arat every hour that he's awake.
Nick blinks at Arat in bewilderment.
Nick: It's only two trees. It would take longer to hire someone to do it, than to do it myself.
Arat: But you wouldn't have to be there. [points out]
Arat: At any rate, talk to Meg or Weedor about your concerns, you're their responsibility in that regard.
Arat is not in the habit of making decisions about his employees' patients, unless they are screwing up.
Nick: ~~ resignation ~~
Nick: Oh, very well.
see note 1
Nick adjusts the collar of the new silk shirt (of fashionable but conservative cut), and looks at the effect in the mirror.
Nick finds it hard to recognize the person in the mirror, between the shirt and his new hairstyle.
Nick: Arat, I look like some kind of unemployed poet, not a Donor.
Arat studies the effect critically.
Nick had never had a great deal of use for unemployed artistic types, and never less than since he moved to Quayfront.
Arat himself is dressed in a similar but possibly more costly fashion, but the effect is less "artistic type" than "rich bastard".
Arat: [with perhaps more than a dollop of "snob" thrown in]
Nick is trying very hard to act the part of a calm, professional Donor, while having a nervous breakdown at the thought of going out in "high society".
Arat hates social events, but his upbringing has caused him to be able to navigate them more or less instinctively.
Arat: You look good.
Arat: And if anybody doesn't know you are actually a Donor, it just means you will have to be introduced.
Arat: At least a third of the people there will be Tecton.
Nick plucks nervously at his clipped bangs, trying to find an arrangement that doesn't look too odd.
Arat: You should have let her leave them long.
Nick: And had them in my eyes all the time?
Nick really did not require the criticism at this moment.
Arat: We should go meet the coach.
Nick: I'm going to make a fool of myself, I can tell.
Arat: No, you won't.
Arat: I will not allow it.
Arat: Just do as I told you, and if you get stuck, look to me for direction. You'll be fine.
Arat: Whatever you do, don't allow yourself to feel like a fool.
Arat remembers giving Jeniard these very instructions, 18 years ago.
Nick is not likely to have to look far for Arat's direction, from the way he is already sticking close to Arat's elbow.
Arat heads out the door.
Nick gets his nager into a semblance of order (making his nervousness zlinnable only to a Farris channel) and follows.
Nick walks gingerly in his new dress shoes, mindful of the slick soles.
Nick gets into the coach and sits on the seat next to Arat.
Nick: Arat, you said about a third of the guests would be Tecton. Who are the others?
Arat: They are local government officials and popular figures, and their spouses and guests. You might also see some visiting foreign or Sime Territory dignitaries from other cities, famous people visiting Capitol for whatever reason, or Householders as well.
Nick gulps.
Nick: Oh.
Nick: You mean the sort of people who get into the newspaper regularly, don't you?
Arat considers.
Arat: Yes, I suppose that is a way of putting it. [approvingly]
Nick is looking surprisingly pale, for someone who lived with a psychotic, pain-addicted channel in the worst slums of a port city without thinking twice about it.
Nick: Arat, what it they try to talk with me? I haven't the faintest idea what to say to people who make news.
Nick's hands start to dither in a gesture reminiscent of his father/grandfather's tentacles when confronted with anything unpleasant.
Arat: They'll probably ask you about yourself. You are rather famous yourself, you know.
Arat: And if you find yourself short of conversation, you can either try topics other people brought up in previous conversations, or ask them about themselves. Most people enjoy discussing themselves.
Arat has never been able to fathom the sentiment, personally.
Arat reaches out and places his hand over Nick's, stilling them.
Arat: When you fidget, you send a visual signal to others that you are afraid.
Nick: I am afraid.
Nick is well aware, however, of the danger of showing fear in front of a gang, and manages to still his hands.
Arat: That's better. Remember, if you don't look, act or zlin afraid, then to other people you won't be. Even if they think they know you are.
Nick has never been one of those individuals who can make something happen just by wanting it hard enough, and thus the coach does not break down and is not accosted by highwaymen before it can reach its destination.
Nick concentrates on Arat as the coach stops, figuring that he can get through the evening by simply pretending that this is a Torn By Tentacles concert, and his only task is to keep his channel sane enough to take advantage of the work.
Nick: ~~ steady support with slight nervous flutter underneath ~~
Arat opens the coach door and surveys what appears to be a mob of people waiting to glom anybody famous who tries to get in the doors of the party.
Arat turns and says something to Nick, which is totally drowned out.
Reporter: Controller Farris! What's your statement on the selyn import issue?
Photos R Us snaps photos continuously.
Groupette: Arat Farris! I'll love you forever! Come sleep with me now baby! ~~lust~~
Pushy people try to trample one another.
Nick understands mobs, although he's more used to those with knives and drugs than cameras and notepads.
Anonymous renSime: Bring on the wild Gen!
Arat gestures for Nick to take his hand.
A different reporter: Where's Jeniard, Arat?
Nick takes Arat's hand, offering the kind of support he would at a disaster scene.
A different reporter: Inquiring minds want to know!
Photos R Us: Is that the rogue?
Photos R Us snaps a few pictures just in case.
Arat grips Nick's arm with his tentacles for extra holding power; he is mostly concerned about Nick getting separated from him before they make it inside.
Arat steps down off the coach into the mass and starts forcing his way through, pulling Nick after.
Arat: "No comment. No comment. Get that thing out of my face if you don't want to lose it."
Nick stays a bit behind Arat, to take full advantage of the wake.
Anonymous tentacles touch Nick from every angle.
Photos R Us: Look this way, please, both of you!
Arat puts his head down and pushes ahead.
Arat never accommodates photographers except during official press events.
Nick tries to narrow his nager on Arat, leaving as little as possible for the others to zlin.
Nick thinks that in some ways, this is worse than that crowd of need-crazed renSimes in Vortez Lake.
Nick gathers that it would not be acceptable for him to simply force calm on all the renSimes, nor would it help with the Gens in the crowd, who seem just as voracious.
Arat finally gains the marble stairs, and the grand entrance, which is guarded by bouncers.
Nick has never been so glad to see a bouncer since the time he accidentally stepped on the foot of a very drunk sailor in a very scuzzy bar.
Arat has somehow managed to make it through the mob with scarcely a hair out of place, which is due as much to the simplicity of his "look" as anything else.
Nick looks distinctly frazzled.
Greeter recognizes Arat and is immediately accommodating.
Greeter: Please sirs, go right in.
Greeter nods to the bouncers to let them pass.
Disappointed people in the crowd shout things after Arat and Nick.
Nick hadn't thought he'd be so glad to actually enter the building where the dreaded party is to take place.
Nick: That was close. [muttered, to Arat]
Arat turns to speak to Nick, and does a double take when he sees how Nick looks.
Arat: You'll want to freshen up before we enter the festivities. [decides]
Arat thinks it wouldn't hurt for Nick to get a little breathing room before they take the plunge, either.
Nick would be glad for anything remotely resembling peace and quiet at the moment.
Arat avoids the large, brightly lit hall immediately before the door, and instead steers Nick down a darkened hallway.
Arat and Nick are ignored by various people lurking there.
Arat shows Nick to a restroom.
Nick looks in the mirror, and winces.
Nick tries to coax his hair into something more acceptable.
Nick: Is it always this interesting, getting into these parties?
Arat: Yes.
Arat: It is the famous element that attracts them.
Arat himself is not actually that famous anymore, outside of the Tecton; while most Tecton people in the 500 mile radius would at least know him by name, the average person on the street would have far less chance of recognizing him than the reporters.
Nick repairs the disorder the tugging tentacles brought to his outfit.
Arat: However, it does serve as an illustration of how not to act around those you speak to. [adds]
Arat has almost, for Arat, actually made a joke.
Nick is on edge enough to actually find it mildly ~~ amusing ~~
Nick: Well, I suppose I'm as ready as I'll ever be.
Nick obviously didn't inherit his primping gene from Riyyh.
Arat concurs.
Arat nods, and leads the way from the restroom out into the dark hallway and thence into the huge hall where the main party is.
Nick squares his shoulders and firms his nager in preparation for the onslaught.
Arat: Try to look and zlin more relaxed. [in Nick's ear]
Nick nods shortly, but sticks very close to Arat's elbow.
Arat, having great sensitivity and depth perception in zlinning, is able to note the news of Nick's arrival traveling through the Tecton elements of the room like a nageric wave.
Arat is not surprised, having suspected Seruffin would hype Nick's appearance in order to bolster the Controller's own reputation as a miracle worker.
Seruffin has, of course, been keeping a sharp eye out for his most interesting guests.
Seruffin hurries over.
Seruffin: There you are, Arat! I was beginning to think that you'd been tied up in some emergency.
Nick wonders how difficult it would be to manufacture a suitable emergency the next time such an outing is proposed.
Arat nods to Seruffin.
Seruffin studies Nick intensely, with eyes and Sime senses.
Arat: Controller Seruffin, meet Nick Reckage. Nick, this is Assistant World Controller Seruffin.
Seruffin: I'm very pleased to meet you at last.
Nick stutters, then manages to get out the formal greeting Arat taught him.
Arat has not been made aware of just how little Snake allowed Nick to speak in public.
Arat adopts his usual pose at such parties: Staring vaguely over the heads of those shorter than him (most people) and looking dark, brooding and mysterious.
Seruffin: I do hope you both have a good time tonight.
Seruffin moves on.
Arat makes sure Nick is with him, and moves off in the direction of the bar.
Nick looks at Arat for clues, but isn't good at the dark, brooding, and mysterious bit even at the best of times.
Nick is in no danger of becoming separated from Arat.
Cheesa bustles up to Arat and Nick.
Cheesa: Oh, and what do we have here!
Cheesa: Arat, you've simply outdone yourself. Who is this delicious young man??
Cheesa pinches Nick, as if sampling the goods.
Cheesa is the loud, overweight, hair piled on top of her head, but amazingly friendly all the time Gen actress type.
Cheesa is, in fact, sampling the goods!
Nick blushes, which cancels out the paleness nicely, leaving him looking surprisingly normal.
Arat: This is Nick Reckage. Nick, meet Leesa Cheesarofsky.
Nick: Pleased to meet you, Miz Cheesarofsky.
Nick's cultural opportunities have been limited, and he wonders just who this person is and what she did to get invited, and why she insists on pinching him.
Cheesa: Are you going to keep him by your side all evening, or can a girl steal a dance or two? [bumps into Arat impishly]
Arat says something polite that is drowned out by the local chatter.
Arat intensely dislikes being bumped into, particularly on purpose, but has enough control to hide this fact for seconds at a time.
Nick has never seen Arat subjected to such familiarity.
Nick steps instinctively between Arat and Cheesa in an attempt to increase the distance between the two.
Nick: Please, Miz Cheesarofsky....
Cheesa: It's Leesa, dear, Leesa.
Cheesa brushes past Nick, trailing a finger under his chin as she disappears into the crowd.
Cheesa: Be seeing you later, loverboy! [voice trails after her]
Nick shakes his head, thinking that most of Garon's girls were more discreet.
Nick: What does she do for a living?
Nick: [to Arat]
Arat: She's an actress and singer. She's starring in Hamarotti's "Sing to the Stars" at the Unity downtown.
Arat doesn't know if Nick has the background yet to appreciate just how big a deal that is, but he will someday.
Nick: Oh.
Nick looks around at the crowd, trying to get oriented.
Nick thinks he spies someone familiar.
Nick: Arat, is that...?
Nick's nager indicates the individual in question.
Arat stiffens.
Arat: Yes. [tightly]
Nick: What is he doing here?
Arat: No doubt he's here to see you. It wasn't exactly made a secret you'd be here.
Arat tries to decide if he can get away with abandoning Nick at this point, which is what he'd rather do than come face to face with Riyyh ambrov Naros again.
Nick: I suppose I ought to say hello, then.
Arat: I will meet you in a little while, then.
Nick hesitates at the thought of being on his own in this crowd.
Nick does, however, have the sense to know that clinging to Arat would not be the best thing he could do, so he sets bravely out across the room.
Arat heads in the opposite direction.
Riyyh is chatting with a group of people he hasn't seen in ages, but turns as he zlins Nick coming.
Nick pastes a nervous smile on his face.
Riyyh is done up in full regalia, a rather stunning sight. [he enjoys being stunning]
Riyyh: Nick!
Nick: Riyyh. I hadn't expected to see you here.
Riyyh: I had to come, when I heard you'd be here. How have you been? You zlin well.
Riyyh can't claim to be able to zlin that efficiently in this environment, but....
Nick looks far more like Riyyh than he used to, thanks to the haircut and clothes.
Riyyh: And you look very well.
Nick: Thank you.
Riyyh is clearly impressed by the makeover, even if no embroidery or jewelry is involved.
Riyyh of course demonstrates no such lack.
Nick inspects the display.
Nick: Is that a new outfit?
Riyyh: Why yes, it is, from Imil. [beams]
Riyyh thinks he deserves to show it off, after the hell he went through justifying its purchase to his members.
Nick: Naros must be doing well, then.
Riyyh: Oh dear, well, things have been better, but with the spring plantings finished and everything going smoothly, things have been much more settled.
Riyyh: But tell me, how did you come to be here? I heard Prunida's version of the story, but honestly, I never would have thought....
Riyyh for one thing never would have thought Snake would have allowed Prunida to live after being approached for Nick a 2nd time.
Nick: I was brought here after the avalanche got Snake.
Nick: It didn't entirely miss me.
Nick indicates the cast.
Riyyh: Oh, dear.
Riyyh's hands and tentacles flutter about characteristically.
Riyyh: I'm terribly sorry.
Riyyh means about Snake, not about the cast.
Riyyh wonders if Nick has heard the rumors that Snake still lives, then decides it wouldn't be prudent to mention them at this time.
Riyyh: But are you happy here?
Riyyh looks at Nick anxiously.
Riyyh: It's so different....
Nick: I'm... adjusting.
Nick: The work is easy enough, although I don't know if I can adjust to occasions like this.
Nick has no idea that he is the only known Donor who would consider working to Arat's exacting standards "easy enough".
Nick: [well, there might be a few in Zeor]
Riyyh nods sympathetically.
Riyyh thinks this is what happens when Narosians are raised outside Naros.
Riyyh: Do you want anything, can I send you anything? Tea? Naros-made clothing? Strawberries?
Riyyh: The strawberries won't be in season yet for another month, but....
Riyyh: It just seems so odd to find a son of mine here, working for Arat Farris. [confesses] Although I am very proud of you.
Nick: I have found it a bit difficult to get Narosian blends.
Nick would just as soon not have to consider himself Riyyh's son. Or grandson, as the case may be.
Nick: Could you send me some of the Dancer's Delight?
Riyyh zlins a bit of Nick's reaction, and looks somewhat troubled, but can't bring himself to make this anything but a happy reunion.
Riyyh: Of course.
Riyyh: [kindly]
Nick: You said that Grandmother has been to Naros?
Riyyh: She came immediately after she left you here. She showed me the money. Oh, Nick, I've been worried about you. [seems genuinely distraught]
Riyyh: You are all right, aren't you? You're happy here?
Riyyh seems to find it impossible that anyone of his blood could really be happiest with the Tecton.
Riyyh: Controller Farris isn't mistreating you, is he?
Riyyh clings to Nick's arm in typical Riyyh fashion as he asks this.
Nick shakes his head.
Nick: I get along with Arat well enough.
Nick: And I think he's trying to be kind.
Riyyh seems bewildered, but glad for Nick, all at once.
Nick: You two don't get along, do you?
Nick: He was avoiding you, earlier.
Riyyh: Oh, dear.
Riyyh is one of the few people on the planet who can manage to look amazingly cute while appearing bewildered, glad and apologetic.
Riyyh: We haven't actually met more than once or twice, you see, but politically, and then there is the issue of Jeniard... well, that was a long time ago, but...
Nick: Jeniard?
Riyyh: Arat has been ever so cold to me since Jeniard visited. I had hoped he had forgotten, and it was really nothing, and so many years ago, but....
Riyyh: I'm afraid I may have given him cause to be jealous.
Riyyh: [in a confiding tone]
Nick: He's rather... protective, where Jeniard is concerned.
Nick wonders if Jeniard happened along when Riyyh was between Companions.
Riyyh: At any rate, I have asked many times that Arat come to Naros so that matters could be laid to rest.
Riyyh: I do wish he'd accept, one of these times. It is so difficult to truly understand a person through intermediaries, don't you think?
Riyyh: I am certain our differences could be resolved if we were to meet face to face, unencumbered by these elaborate social situations.
Riyyh enjoys Nick's nager, since he is practically glued to Nick physically.
Nick: Well, perhaps.
Riyyh arrived sans Donor, mainly because it was decided it would be a bad idea for Rapol and Nick to meet at this juncture.
Riyyh: And I am sure he is really a very personable fellow, once one gets to know him...?
Nick suspects that differences with Arat are resolved only if and when Arat is good and ready to resolve them.
Nick: Well... he has a temper, I'm told, but he's certainly fair.
Riyyh is hampered in this long distance enmity by the fact that all his friend-making skills work most well when up close and personal. Like, within arm's reach.
Riyyh looks hopeful.
Riyyh: Perhaps you could speak to him, encourage him? Surely it would be better for Naros and the Tecton alike if we got along. And I personally cannot bear the thought of being at odds.
Nick: Well, if the time seems right, I will bring the subject up.
Riyyh: Thank you, Nick. [pats his arm]
Riyyh: I do appreciate it.
Riyyh: Are you sure there isn't anything else I can do for you, send you? I care about you, Nick, I want to help you.
Nick notes Arat, temporarily unencumbered as he stares moodily into space.
Nick: That's very kind of you.... ~~ distracted ~~
Nick: Actually, Arat seems to be free just now. Would you like to meet him now?
Arat is lurking near the windows, looking out at the crowded front lawn, pretending he doesn't notice his Donor being climbed all over (literally) by a channel he despises.
Nick thinks this is a great way to ensure that he ends up close enough to Arat to be rescued if any more lustful actresses seem inclined to assault him.
Riyyh: Right now? But... well yes, Nick, of course.
Riyyh had thought Arat was trying to avoid him.
Nick: Come, then.
Nick makes for Arat.
Riyyh decides it's early enough in the evening that he can take the challenge, though.
Riyyh follows, already feeling the adrenaline pumping.
Arat stiffens as he zlins them both coming in his direction.
Arat works to keep the murderous expression off his nager and, with more difficulty, out of his eyes.
Arat waits until he is fully composed to turn away from the window.
Arat: ~~calm nager with 1st-zlinnable undertones of loathing~~
Nick notes the tension in Arat's shoulders, and lets his nager ~~ welcome ~~ Arat as they approach.
Nick: Arat, I believe you are acquainted with Sectuib Riyyh?
Nick leaves out the familial relationship.
Riyyh: Hajene Farris.
Riyyh smiles kindly, his nager suffused with friendliness and guilelessness.
Arat looks down at Riyyh with seeming dispassion, his nager perfectly controlled now.
Arat: Sectuib.
Riyyh: Thank you for taking in my son, Controller. He seems content and healthy in your service.
Nick is aware that this fence-mending meeting is not getting off to an overly cordial start.
Arat clamps down on a number of unsuitable variations on resentment and annoyance, and simply nods.
Nick tries to guide the ambient towards ~~ calm/friendship/happiness ~~
Riyyh, encouraged by Nick's projection, continues.
Nick is starting to wonder if this was such a good idea.
Riyyh: Perhaps your working together can be a bridge, of sorts, between you and I. I know that relations between us haven't been the best, but surely it is in both our interests that we get along?
Arat glances at Nick.
Nick is zlinning rather uncomfortable at the hostility between the two channels, under the projection of calm.
Arat: It is true, I had considered the same thing recently.
Arat hadn't thought of it in quite the same terms, though.
Arat had thought that Nick might be an ideal spy into Naros' works, since he'd be welcome anywhere, there, and possibly traveling by there regularly due to the relative locations of Naros, Capitol, and New Othwol.
Nick is, as usual, unable to feel animosity towards Riyyh while in his physical presence, much as he would like to.
Riyyh: Really? ~~intrigued despite his better judgment which tells him that Arat zlins more hostile than friendly~~
Nick has also unconsciously downgraded the possibility of joining Naros as an alternative to the Tecton life, if necessary. 2
Arat: I had thought Nick might visit Naros on his way to and from New Othwol each second month.
Arat had not mentioned the idea to Nick until now.
Arat had, in fact, still been trying to decide whether it'd be a good idea.
Riyyh: Oh? But that's... well, that's wonderful. Nick?
Riyyh can only see one possible way this would constitute a bridge between them, which is that Nick would be informing for Arat.
Riyyh thinks that's sad, but he wouldn't dream of preventing Nick from visiting if Nick truly desired it.
Nick: Umm... You said Grandmother was visiting you? Is she still at Naros?
Riyyh in fact would love for Nick to demonstrate more closeness to his family - he hasn't been blind to Nick's ambivalence and/or negativity on the subject.
Riyyh: No. [hastens to reassure Nick] She was only with us for a week.
Nick: ~~ relief ~~
Nick: Well, then, I'd be happy to drop by when I'm in the area.
Riyyh looks pathetically anticipatory.
Arat moves forward and blocks Riyyh from an intended hands-on demonstration of gratefulness.
Arat: Yes, it will be arranged. Nick, I must introduce you to Assistant World Controller Ipmas.
Arat: She's right over there, by the punch bowl.
Nick: Of course.
Nick looks at Riyyh.
Arat makes sure Riyyh knows he is ~~utterly cold and disinterested~~
Nick: I will probably be seeing you in a week or so, then.
Riyyh flinches back from Arat's physical block, then backs off farther with the unpleasant nageric message.
Riyyh looks like he'd like to go to Nick, but stands back looking unhappy.
Riyyh: Of course... very well, (oh dear).
Nick follows Arat towards the Assistant World Controller.
Riyyh's tentacles dither about for a moment before he turns and wanders off in the direction of a clump of people.
Ipmas pours herself a glass of punch, noting the interesting nagers approaching.
Arat had actually invented the idea of the introduction to give some legitimate reason to brush off the Sectuib in Naros.
Arat nonetheless goes through with his mission.
Ipmas: Arat, so good of you to grace us with your presence. And this would be your protege?
Arat: Yes, Controller Ipmas, I would like you to meet Nick Reckage.
Arat: Nick, Assistant World Controller Ipmas.
Ipmas zlins Nick with an intensity just short of discourtesy.
Ipmas: I'm pleased to meet you.
Arat is prepared to hint to Nick to greet her, if he gets stuck.
Nick tries to remember the appropriate response, which has unaccountably disappeared from his memory at the thought of being introduced to a second Assistant World Controller.
Nick: Er... I'm pleased to meet you, too.
Arat: I don't see your husband tonight, I hope he is well?
Nick doesn't sound quite as confident as he would like, but at least his nager is more or less steady.
Arat demonstrates the art of non-business-related small talk for Nick's benefit.
Ipmas: He's fine, thank you. He had some business to conduct tonight.
Arat: Oh, I see.
Arat hopes Nick will say something about Ipmas' dress or some such, like Arat trained him.
Nick assays a slightly sickly-looking smile.
Arat had had no idea Nick would lock up so badly in public, though; he wonders for the first time if he should have probed for more information on his experiences with Snake.
Nick: It's a lovely evening, isn't it?
Ipmas recognizes the symptoms, and condescends to greet this weak remark with more charity than it deserves.
Arat has automatically moved closer to Nick in a motherhenning fashion immediately recognizable to anybody who's known a lot of channels and Donors.
Ipmas: Very.
Ipmas: Arat, you really are zlinning well. Does Nick here suit you, then?
Arat: Nick has done well.
Ipmas is, of course, fully knowledgeable on the subject of Arat's usual troubles with Donors.
Arat issues the Arat equivalent of slobbering praise:
Arat: I have been impressed by his skills.
Arat issues the Arat equivalent of fall-on-the-floor feet worship:
Arat: I would accept him in assignment again at any time.
Ipmas raises a fine eyebrow in shock at this statement.
Ipmas: Well, I hope you will have the opportunity many times in the future.
Ipmas: Our Arat is particular about his Donors, you know. [to Nick]
Ipmas hopes to set Nick at his ease.
Nick: So I've been told, Controller Ipmas.
Arat of course becomes very defensive at this line of conversation and withdraws somewhat, in order to prevent himself from lashing out at anybody as a consequence.
Arat looks over their heads, his nager gone hazy.
Ipmas: Do take good care of him for us; he is a valuable asset to the Tecton.
Ipmas: Oh, there's Neptude. I should have a word with him. Do enjoy the party, both of you.
Arat nods.
Arat: Controller.
Ipmas sweeps off in pursuit of Neptude.
Arat decides that he doesn't just dislike social occasions, he positively detests them.
Nick is still in semi-shock at the idea of being expected to chat with Assistant World Controllers.
Arat thinks the difficulty is that they have been talking to too many work-related people.
Arat: Come. Let us go over nearer the food. There is Emma Lodini, the artist, and I think that's her boyfriend. I remember those people they're with from another engagement, I'm sure you'll get along well with them.
Nick follows gratefully.
Notes:
1) Some time passes between these two scenes. [return]
2) Nick's unconscious decision was based upon his field's different reactions to Riyyh, who despite being a low First is Naros' highest channel, and Arat Farris. [return]
Go on to Episode #31: The International Language of Being Scared Silly