Sime~Gen Roleplaying: District Controller's Office Scenario
Episode #39: Fire Fighters (6/15/99)
Pylor leaves Nick's chair in search of more of that fancy tea he liked so much the day before.
Pylor thinks that Narosian teas are a habit he'd like to acquire - and besides, he knows that Riyyh defies Arat with impunity.
Pylor is disappointed to discover that the only option offered is Tecton Standard.
Pylor: What happened to the good tea?
Arat: I wouldn't know.
Arat checks the time and realizes it's nearly time for his interview of Linn Haskins.
Pylor wonders if Arat "disappeared" the good stuff to spite him.
Pylor reluctantly settles for Tecton Standard, and after a brief struggle gives in to his conscience and brings Arat a cup, too.
Pylor's action might also have something to do with the threatened official complaint Arat was discussing the day before.
Arat: Never mind about that, we have to go.
Pylor sighs, and puts down both cups.
Pylor: I thought we still had some time before the next work shift.
Arat looks at Pylor.
Pylor moves obediently to Arat's side, however.
Arat: We do, I thought I'd use it to interview Linn Haskins. She was brought in with Snake Farris.
Pylor: Another rogue?
Arat ignores the question, if that's what it was.
Arat puts Linn's folder (which he'd been reviewing) aside, and rises.
Arat leads the way out of the office and toward the room Linn has been stuck in until it's figured out what's to be done with her.
Arat has not seen her in person yet.
Pylor notes that Arat does not see fit to brief him on this new rogue.
Pylor hopes that this one is at least lacking Hajene Snake's alleged carnivorous tendencies.
Arat's neck has healed enough since his transfer that you can't really see the marks if his collar is turned up.
Linn is putting her enforced relaxation to good use by repairing her trail-worn wardrobe, using her small sewing kit.
Arat signals at Linn's door.
Linn looks up.
Linn: Come in.
Arat enters.
Arat: Linn Haskins?
Linn nods in a slightly prim fashion.
Linn: Yes.
Arat: I am Controller Arat Farris. This is my Donor, Sosu Pylor.
Arat pauses for just a moment too long before the word "Donor", but does manage to say it.
Linn: Pleased to meet you.
Arat: I trust you have been treated well?
Linn: Reasonably well, yes. Do you have any news about Snake?
Linn's ~~ genuine concern ~~ is quite clear to zlin.
Arat: She appears to be improving. However, it will be a lengthy process.
Linn: And Nick?
Arat: Nick was doing very well, the last I saw him. [assures her]
Arat: He is in New Othwol for two months.
Linn: In New Othwol? But what about Snake?
Arat: She will have to remain here for a while longer. [quietly]
Arat: May I? [indicating a chair]
Linn: Of course.
Arat seats himself.
Pylor looks around, notes the absence of a second chair, and goes to stand by Arat instead.
Arat: Nick was essentially healthy before his accident. Snake Farris, however, was unwell, and has been through much worse since. It will take her longer to recover, physically and mentally, to the point where she can function in normal society.
Arat considers gnawing on another channel's jugular to be a sign of unfitness for public contact.
Linn looks at Arat, trying to figure out how trustworthy he is.
Linn finally decides that openness might gain Snake more than concealment.
Linn is possibly influenced by a certain hint of Snakeishness to Arat's appearance.
Linn: I don't think Snake ever has functioned in normal society, even when she was well.
Linn didn't know her personally at that time, but is fairly sure that Snake's underworld connections and intimate knowledge of slum life were not acquired since her changeover.
Arat nods.
Arat: She has a difficult road ahead of her.
Linn: She's never had an easy one, growing up an abandoned orphan in the slums.
Linn: Although her brother did try.
Linn goes back to stitching up a tear in a shirt.
Linn: Still, that couldn't make up for the lack of a parent.
Arat says nothing.
Linn jabs her needle deftly through the cloth.
Pylor wonders if Linn knows the latest rumors about Snake's family life.
Arat takes the opportunity to zlin Linn.
Linn is giving a good impression of a mother hen--or perhaps, mother Gen would be a better description.
Linn's field is high but minimally responsive, as would be expected from an inexperienced Third.
Arat: Have you considered what your own future may hold?
Linn reaches the end of her tear and starts to tie off the thread.
Linn: I suppose that depends on Snake.
Arat: Does it?
Linn: I can't go back home to Gen Territory, that's for certain.
Linn: Perhaps I can find a teaching job somewhere, once Snake is herself again.
Arat considers his reply carefully.
Arat: Snake Farris can use your friendship in the months and years ahead. However, you would do well to live your life starting now, rather than to wait to begin.
Arat knows how difficult it is to base one's life upon trying to stay near to a particular Tecton channel.
Linn: It's almost the end of the school year--there won't be anything beyond substitute work available until the fall.
Arat nods.
Arat: What are your plans for the meantime, then?
Linn: I suspect that depends on you.
Arat's eyes narrow.
Linn: Your staff has been quite firm that I was not to leave this room before you had given your consent.
Linn calmly rethreads her needle.
Arat: You are aware that it is illegal to operate as a rogue Donor?
Linn: I have been told so, yes.
Linn knots her thread.
Arat: Because you have intended to do so, but never actually served transfer, you must by law be placed on probation for a period of time.
Arat: During that time, usually four to five years, you must report to your probation channel, who will examine you on a monthly basis to determine you are not engaging in any illegal activities.
Linn wonders if Arat has decided to make an example out of her, as the least likely of their party to be worth something to the Tecton if rehabilitated.
Arat frowns as he zlins her reaction, but continues.
Arat: You will have to inform your probation channel when you intend to leave the area, or if you decide to move from Capitol permanently, in order that your probation may be reassigned.
Linn: I see.
Linn sets to work on another tear, making neat, small stitches.
Arat: Because I wished to handle your case personally, it was necessary to keep you here until I was able to make time to speak with you. That is the only reason you have been retained.
Arat: I apologize that it has been an entire week.
Linn: I suspect that Snake has been keeping you busy.
Linn: ~~ wry ~~
Arat: She requires a good deal of attention at this time. [admits]
Arat: There have been other events as well.
Linn: Oh?
Arat: You can be released as early as today, if you agree to the terms of your probation.
Linn: I see no particular reason to quibble with them.
Linn folds a bit of fabric into the tear to get away from a frayed section.
Linn figures this outfit is going to have to last a while, because food and rent will have to come first.
Linn: Do you have someone in mind to handle my probation?
Arat: I will be handling it myself.
Linn raises an eyebrow.
Arat: You will want to bring your things with you, when we go up to my office to complete the paperwork.
Linn: Forgive me, but I didn't think that such matters were usually considered the province of a District Controller.
Arat: I am handling all of the incomings connected with Snake Farris and Nick Reckage.
Linn: Ah.
Linn is not surprised that Arat would choose to deal with Snake and Nick personally.
Linn secures her needle through the shirt, then carefully packs it in her worn pack.
Arat watches silently.
Linn sets her few other possessions in on top, and secures the straps.
Linn: There.
Arat rises, and allows Linn to precede him to the door.
Linn isn't as allergic to confinement as Snake, or as in love with the outdoors as Nick, but she is still very glad to leave the room.
Arat then leads the way to his office.
Pylor thinks that this rogue, at least, seems to be ready to keep to her place, instead of trying to assume the privileges of Tecton membership without pledging.
Pylor is therefore in a bit more charitable mood than he's been in since he discovered what Nick had done in his absence.
Arat: Pylor, would you get Linn some tea, please? [as they enter the office]
Pylor: Sure.
Pylor wonders if the presence of the guest would induce Arat to unhide the good tea, then decides that a rogue who traveled with Snake wouldn't know the difference after all.
Pylor thus serves out the Tecton Standard.
Arat takes his seat and gestures for Linn to choose a seat herself.
Arat opens Linn's file and removes the carefully part-filled-out forms he'd inserted into it in preparation.
Linn sits primly.
Arat passes the forms over to her, with a pen.
Linn is a compulsively literary type, and starts reading through the forms.
Arat: If there is anything you don't know yet, such as intended residence address, just put "as yet unknown" and let me know next month or whenever we meet again.
Arat is handling Linn a bit loosely because he doesn't think she would be difficult to track down if she ran.
Arat if dealing with a more dangerous criminal would have insisted upon the residence address in advance, awkward though it would have been to arrange housing from within a locked room.
Linn sets to work filling in the portions of the form she can deal with.
Linn frowns, then points to a lengthy paragraph.
Linn: I'm afraid my Simelan isn't quite up to this...would you mind translating?
Arat picks up the form and reads the paragraph in question.
Arat: If you initial this, it means you understand that the penalties for failing to inform your probation channel of travel outside of Capitol, or of travel outside Sime Territory, are severe and could include imprisonment or loss of privileges. In the case of a permanent move back to Gen Territory, you would want to inform me also, to avoid unpleasantness if you were to attempt to return at a later date.
Arat avoids the Simelan word that likely caused the problem, a 4-syllable mouthful not much kinder than "bastard" which describes a person who crosses the border and then returns under cover.
Linn: I see. Well, if I were set foot across the Border, my stay would quickly become permanent indeed.
Linn reclaims the form and initials it.
Linn has found the idea of being on legal probation distracting enough that she has forgotten, and used the Gen alphabet for her initials.
Linn pushes the form back towards Arat.
Linn: There.
Arat examines the initials and signature, noting the Genlan alphabet but hey - at least they match!
Arat fills out a small card and hands it to Linn.
Arat: This is to remind you of the date and time of your first appointment with me, next month.
Linn looks at the card.
Arat: You'll be expected to hold to that, even if we see each other informally in the meantime.
Linn: Very well.
Arat: Will you require assistance in finding work or housing?
Linn: Perhaps. I don't know this area at all.
Linn wonders if Arat has something on a local principal, like Snake did.
Arat shows her a small map of the District Office building's first floor.
Arat: If you turn here, and here, you'll reach the grand lobby where there is an information desk.
Linn nods.
Arat: They will be able to direct you to the Employment Office, which I believe is about six blocks from here, and the Housing Office. Capitol also has several Gen Shelters if it comes to that, but I hope you will consider Donor training before that.
Linn: I don't seem to be particularly good at Donoring.
Linn feels just a touch of ~~ old hurt ~~
Arat looks at Linn sharply.
Arat: You have the potential. It is a matter of getting proper training.
Linn: Well, I will consider it, if I can't get a teaching job.
Arat nods.
Linn makes as if to stand.
Linn: Is that all for today?
Arat: Yes, if you have no further questions.
Linn: Actually, I do. When will Snake be allowed visitors?
Arat considers.
Arat: She has received some already, on a limited basis.
Arat means, as limited as he could possibly manage.
Linn: Then I may visit her?
Arat: Seeing you on an occasional basis would likely do her some good.
Arat: She requires friends now more than ever.
Linn: Yes, she does.
Linn: Also, do you have Nick's new address?
Arat writes on a small piece of paper, "Nick Reckage, c/o Controller Tigue, Office of the New Othwol City Controller, New Othwol NWT."
Arat hands it to her.
Linn: Thank you.
Linn secretes this paper, and her appointment card into her pack.
Linn: I won't take up any more of your valuable time, then.
Linn shoulders the pack and makes her way from the office.
Arat watches her leave.
Pylor: Well, that one seems to know her place, at least.
Pylor thinks it's unfortunate that Reckage wasn't subjected to the same treatment.
Arat pauses for a moment, then turns to stare at Pylor.
Arat: ~ disbelief ~
Pylor: From what I'm told, Reckage still doesn't seem to think that the law applies to him.
Arat: The law has been bent for him - on a temporary basis only - because of the value to the Tecton he represents.
Pylor thinks it's just like a Controller (or three) to think with their laterals in such a situation.
Pylor: It's too bad for that schoolteacher that the Tecton is willing to overlook her value.
Pylor: I doubt she even knew that half of what she did was illegal.
Pylor has no particular interest in Linn's possible mistreatment, but a great deal of interest in making Arat admit to holding a double standard.
Arat thinks these two sentences contradict each other in intent, but coming from Pylor it doesn't exactly surprise him.
Arat: She will come around in her own time. A Third cannot be pressured the way a First can. Besides, she has no reason to run when Wise Snake is still here.
Pylor snorts, and buries his face in his tea cup.
see note 1
Nick reports for duty promptly the next morning, in uniform this time.
Nick knows that Deah isn't actually working for a while yet, but figures she could probably use the Gen company, after having been Donorless for several days.
Deah looks up in surprise as Nick enters.
Nick: Good morning.
Deah: Nick! I wasn't expecting you for another two hours.
Nick yawns.
Deah: I hope you got your shower before the hot water was turned off.
Nick: Is that what the matter was?
Nick does have goosebumps on his arms and legs.
Nick has never been at his brightest very early in the morning.
Nick: Is there any tea?
Deah: Sure, help yourself.
Deah: It's in the nook just down the hall on the left.
Nick stumbles out the door in search of stimulants.
Buggsy: Hmm, he looks like he could have used those extra two hours.
Buggsy: I wonder why he was in such a rush to report in? You're not in need.
Deah: Ah, he's used to working with Farrises.
Deah: Arat probably goes and waits forlornly by his bedside if he's in bed 5 minutes past dawn.
Deah: Don't worry, we'll get him all trained in and send him back sleeping until 11 am.
Nick returns shortly, steaming cup in hand.
Nick was unable to find a tea that he recognized, and thus had to experiment.
Nick produces a second cup and sets it on a semi-clear patch of Deah's desk.
Nick: It's the "Steam Symphony", whatever that means.
Deah has the good sense to not try to communicate anything complicated to Nick until he's had a few minutes to absorb his trin.
Deah: Thanks. Grab a seat... if you can find one.
Deah: Or were you going to head down to breakfast?
Nick: I never can eat before I've had some tea.
Nick moves some papers off of a convenient chair and move it close enough to Deah to manage support.
Deah absently sips the tea and nearly runs into Nick as she leans over to place a folder on a precarious stack.
Deah: Whoa! Getting a little close there, buddy. ~~ friendly ~~
Buggsy eyes Nick with appreciation, starting to understand why people think Riyyh is so cute in bed.
Nick automatically reaches out and straightens the stack so it won't slip off the desk.
Deah: I appreciate all the effort, but you really don't have to support me this early in the morning. Maybe later when we do some channeling work all right?
Nick is starting to look and feel a bit more human as the tea reaches the half-consumed mark.
Nick: ...what?
Deah: I said, you can lighten up on the support. [grins]
Deah: I'm not quite dead yet!
Nick concludes, with some embarrassment, that he's lost some of the edge which allowed him to support Snake when three-quarters asleep, and is providing irritation instead of comfort.
Nick: Sorry.
Deah: No problem, and I appreciate your enthusiasm, but it just isn't necessary yet.
Nick works on his tea, trying to get awake before he messes up again.
Nick thinks that this Tecton business of having new channels every month is exhausting--and not just because of the travel.
Deah: Hey Buggsy, did you find out if those guys are coming to inspect the Sime Center today or tomorrow?
Deah: Yearly inspection. [to Nick] Every local Controller's nightmare.
Buggsy: They weren't sure. It depends on what they find at the school.
Deah: Good grief, they're going to the school as well??
Deah looks through a pile of papers in the middle of her desk.
Buggsy: Yes. I hope that all the bodies have been well buried.
Buggsy doesn't mean the occasional rat or roach--or, not entirely.
Deah: Nick, you'll find that our office is run a bit differently from Arat's.
Deah: Here, we function mainly as choreographers, or less charitably, fire fighters.
Deah: The Sime Center can run on its own, and the schools can run on their own, and so forth, but somebody has to pick up the loose ends.
Nick: Disaster control?
Nick has graduated to three-syllable words as his cup empties.
Deah: It never quite gets as far as disaster, not if we're doing our jobs correctly.
Deah crosses her fingers obviously on the desk.
Nick: And if the universe cooperates?
Deah: Did you remember to tell Sosu Ingerman about the broken arm case he's supposed to be inheriting from ER?
Deah: [to Buggsy]
Buggsy: Yes. He said he'd tend to it.
Deah: Great.
Deah: Well, Nick, as I say you can hang out if you want, or else go have breakfast and come back when I go on dispensary duty.
Deah: I do have a schedule drawn up for you somewhere, but it doesn't start until next week anyway.
Buggsy: And I'll send a note to his office in another hour, just so he doesn't get caught up in his textbook and forget.
Deah: Good idea, [to Buggsy]
Nick: ~~ confusion ~~
Nick: I'm not even scheduled to work this week?
Deah: Well, I wasn't sure exactly when Arat was sending you over.
Deah: I can probably find something for you in the meantime, though. How about those files, you want to put them away? [indicates the leaning tower of folders]
Deah: Or you can go help out Hajene Queed with the incoming students. They're always a handful.
Deah: I figured you'd get bored working only when I'm channeling.
Deah: Goodness knows there's not much of that.
Nick is feeling just a bit upset, that he was rushed off to New Othwol (and away from Snake) where there was apparently little need for his services.
Deah zlins his upset and is confused.
Deah: Nick, what's the matter?
Deah wonders if prolonged exposure to Farris channels has given Nick a hothouse flower attitude.
Deah: ~~genuine concern~~
Nick: My channel is in a locked room back in Capitol, thinking I've deserted her.
Deah looks sympathetic.
Deah: Yeah, that's a tough situation.
Deah personally thinks the Powers that Be should have treated the pair as a set of dependents, but her opinion means little to nothing.
Nick: Arat rushed me onto the train with hardly a chance to say goodbye, because he said you required my services.
Deah: Yeah?
Deah: Yeah, more likely he wanted you safely out of the way before he lost control of the situation.
Nick: And now I find that I could have stayed an extra week, and seen her more stable, because there's nothing here requiring my talents.
Deah: What!
Deah: Nothing here requiring your talents!
Deah: Are you saying you're too good for me?
Nick: No, but by your own admission, you weren't even expecting me for another week.
Nick: And you don't seem to have much interest in my services.
Deah: Nick, give me a break. Just because I don't want to have my hand held 24 hours a day doesn't mean I don't appreciate the part of your services I can use. Don't take your worry about Snake out on me! I'm doing the best I can, here.
Nick is feeling very homesick for Snake, and even a bit for Arat.
Deah: I said you're welcome to hang out if that's what you want. Is that what you want?
Deah: Or do you want to be put to work?
Deah: Because I can't send you back, not now.
Deah thinks it's a pity, since Nick would appreciate it, and the look on Arat's face would be priceless.
Nick: I know.
Nick: ~~ depression ~~
Deah softens at Nick's obvious dejection.
Deah: Look, there's no reason you couldn't write her, while you're here.
Deah: Maybe you could write her right now, just to let her know you arrived safely and are still thinking about her.
Nick: I should be there to tell her that in person.
Deah blinks.
Nick: How can she believe that I am there for her when I'm not?
Deah can see she isn't going to be getting much work done this morning.
Notes:
1) The next scene occurs in the town of New Othwol, at the Office of the City Controller. [return]