Sime~Gen Roleplaying: District Controller's Office Scenario
Episode #140: Prickly Pair (1/23/00)
see note 1
Nick walks briskly in pursuit of Arat.
Nick somehow manages to cover a lot of ground without appearing particularly hurried; a very useful skill for a Donor.
Arat stalks down the hallway, scarcely seeing anything around him out of rage.
Nick tuts under his breath, and fixes his attention on Arat.
Nick: ~~ soothing calm ~~
Nick hopes that Arat will not run into any hapless employees before he has regained his temper.
Arat is not particularly happy with Nick for backing up Snake instead of him, and it shows in a black look he shoots him.
Nick is not particularly upset at Arat's look; after all, with her pale eyes, Snake's is far more unsettling.
Nick falls into place at Arat's side, then slows just a hair, hoping that Arat will slow down as well to stay with his nager.
Nick checks Arat to see if he is calming down, outside of the combined influence of Snake and Pylor.
Arat can sustain a fury for several years, as Jeniard would be able to confirm.
Nick thinks: like father, like daughter.
Nick is probably the only person in existence who would find such a thought ~~ comforting ~~
Nick decides, however, that the rest of the Sime Center would probably not appreciate Arat's current mood at all.
Nick: If you walk around with an expression like that on your face, you're going to give some poor innocent a heart attack.
Nick: ~~ affection ~~
Nick places a hand on Arat's arm to reinforce his nageric efforts.
Arat resents Nick's attempts to manipulate him, but that doesn't prevent Nick's nager from converting rage at Pylor, Snake and Nick's little ambush to something more like "very upset".
Arat's expression changes correspondingly.
Arat has been trying to think of something to say to Nick that is both controlled and appropriate to the situation.
Arat finally says, "I would have expected better of you".
Nick raises an eyebrow.
Arat's real difficulty is that his personal trust in Nick has been set back to a point where it never was before, even when Nick had first arrived.
Nick realizes that this is going to take a while, and looks around to locate a more private place than the hallway.
Arat appears to have a specific destination in mind, or at least he is moving with great determination.
Nick allows himself to be led.
Nick: Pylor has been a problem since you first started working together.
Nick: He almost murdered you last month.
Nick: If he's finally decided to talk about what his problem is, well, it seemed worthwhile to listen, since it looks like we can't just get rid of him.
Nick does not quite realize he has used the word "we" to discuss a Tecton matter.
Arat: He was using your protection as an opportunity to speak against me. There is a difference. [tightly]
Nick considers Arat's words.
Nick: Well, of course he was talking about what he finds....
Nick searches for the least inflammatory way to say it.
Nick: ...incompatible between the two of you.
Nick: How else can either of you get to the bottom of this?
Arat: He did far more than that.
Nick: I don't think he was trying specifically to hurt you, this time.
Nick is aware that Pylor hit more than one raw nerve in his less-than-surgical strike.
Nick: He was trying to communicate something that's important to him. With about as much tact and delicacy as you'd expect, given the source.
Nick's opinion of Pylor has not improved a great deal during the exercise.
Arat stops abruptly and turns to face Nick.
Arat: Your behavior was poor.
Arat: I found it seriously disturbing.
Arat would not ordinarily want to talk about this in a hallway, but that is preferable to talking about it at their destination.
Arat: It is going to take me some time to come to terms with it.
Arat: In the meantime, I would like you to work with Hajene Ormof in implementing some changes to the burn ward.
Nick: The burn ward?
Arat turns and begins stalking in the direction of said ward once again.
Nick sighs and follows.
Arat: Yes, the burn ward. There are some changes I want made: Traffic flow, efficiency, personnel deployment, management. Hajene Ormof will require assistance and it will be better if it is somebody who has no other administrative responsibilities.
Nick finds himself ~~ interested ~~ in the challenge, but he has had his priorities firmly set by both Snake and Arat.
Arat notices that Nick's initial reaction was to the words "burn ward", not to either Arat's condemnation of his behavior or the idea of their separation.
Arat finds that telling.
Nick: And you? Will you be all right?
Arat: Yes.
Arat re-enters the burn ward.
Ormof is performing one of his Arat-mandated updates on the state of the ward.
Homer is standing before Hajene Ormof's desk, with a pile of patient files that he has completed.
Homer is always behind on his paperwork, partly because he is only marginally literate, and partly because his interactions with Arat have taught him to document everything in minute detail.
Ormof: And what is your evaluation of this particular case? Any recommendations to make?
Ormof hopes so, given the amount of time it required to get this paperwork out of Homer in the first place.
Homer: Well, I believe it would be a good idea to increase the therapy to a full hour per day.
Homer: And I think the child would be happier if her parents were allowed more visitation time.
Ormof: An hour a day? And what about the other patients? Which of them do you think should have less therapy, to free up a whole hour a day of a channel's time?
Homer: I would not know. But that is what would be beneficial for this patient.
Ormof tries for his "fatherly" look, which he has been told is quite convincing.
Homer is not particularly impressed by the fatherly look; his own father was nothing like Ormof and memories of their relationship are not very pleasant.
Arat approaches Ormof's office, dog house firmly in tow.
Ormof: Son, we're responsible for all the patients on this ward, not just one of them. Now, I know it's sometimes hard to see the big pict....
Ormof: Controller Arat!
Ormof's fatherly facade cracks noticeably at the sight--and zlin--of his boss.
Arat nods to Ormof and more briefly to Homer.
Homer comes to attention, acknowledging the Controller's arrival.
Arat: When you have a moment. [to Ormof]
Ormof does a frantic mental review of his actions, and the state of his department, trying to locate whatever trouble spot has gotten Arat so furious.
Homer, only 2 days from transfer, is feeling rather nagerically fragile right now, especially with his Donor on break.
Ormof: Of course, Controller. This can wait, if it's urgent?
Homer calms himself, hoping to avoid any more encounters with nageric tidal waves.
Arat: It is not an emergency.
Homer is reassured to see that Arat has his Donor Nick with him.
Arat won't die if he can't get Nick off his back in the next 10 minutes or so.
Homer zlins that the interaction between Arat and Nick is not particularly harmonious at present, and frowns.
Nick is offering ~~ soothing support ~~, and trying not to let Arat's mad get to him too badly.
Nick's expression and nager are therefore not completely in synch.
Ormof indicates the stack of files that Homer is carrying.
Ormof: We are reviewing Hajene Homer's cases. It could take quite a while.
Ormof: But we can pause.
Ormof: Homer.
Ormof indicates that Homer should step aside.
Homer obeys the orders of the assembled Powers Higher on the Ladder than He Is and steps out of the way.
Ormof does have certain administrative basics down: always look busy when the boss is around, but the boss's business is always more important than your own.
Homer makes himself a fly on the wall.
Ormof looks at Arat to determine if this is sufficient, or if Arat wants privacy.
Arat: Hajene Ormof, I have been working on a plan for a series of improvements to the burn ward's basic operating infrastructure and procedures.
Ormof: I see.
Arat: The last time the system received a major update was some years ago.
Arat: You and I will sit down and discuss the details when the time comes. It is not finished yet; I anticipate being ready in a matter of days.
Arat plans to put more energy into it than he had been.
Ormof: Very well, Controller.
Arat: I realize that you do not have as much time as you once did. Therefore, I will be temporarily assigning Nick Reckage to assist you in evaluating the current system and implementing the new one.
Ormof has already had his comfortable routine disrupted by Arat's insistence on basic competence, so that in itself is not as upsetting as it once would have been.
Ormof: Your personal Donor?
Arat flicks an impatient hand.
Arat: Nick will be acting as a consultant to you on the strength of his experience in unusual working conditions.
Ormof being an administrative type, has no trouble translating that as "working rogue".
Arat had actually wanted to do this same thing with Nick in the emergency ward, but not immediately.
Arat thinks that Nick's skills won't be as fully applicable in this case, but it will at least park Nick somewhere where he can do some good and learn something that will make him a little more ready for the emergency ward.
Ormof: And how much actual time will he be spending down here?
Ormof does not ordinarily zlin a gift Donor too closely, but even he can tell that there's something rather unusual about this assignment.
Arat: He will be stationed here full time until the biggest changes are complete. I would estimate no more than three weeks.
Arat: For the second stage, half time should be sufficient.
Arat: That is assuming he is not transferred.
Homer is concerned that Arat would spend so much time separated from his Donor.
Arat: If he is, I will find someone else to assist you.
Nick: Full time? What will you do for support?
Homer is even more concerned at the suggestion that Nick might be transferred, fearing a repetition of Arat's collapse.
Arat: If there are any difficulties, the schedule can be altered to suit.
Homer wonders that Arat would send his Donor from his side voluntarily.
Arat just needs some time away from Nick to try to overcome the new feeling that he can't trust the Gen.
Homer recalls his vision again, where the Black Stallion stood back from the Corn Spirit and did not drink from the spring.
Ormof already knows Arat well enough to know that things will be much better for one Hajene Ormof is this is not required.
Arat: I will leave you to your work, now.
Arat: Nick, you will want to become familiar with the department and its current operations to prepare.
Nick nods, checking Arat over to make sure he's not going to run into difficulties in the near future.
Nick: If that is what you want, Arat.
Arat gives a single nod, and then turns and walks away alone.
Homer gazes after Arat, troubled.
Homer looks at Nick and gives him a small smile in greeting.
Nick returns the smile, letting his nager assume a slightly ~~ rueful ~~ tint.
Ormof looks at Nick, trying to figure out what was going on.
Ormof: Well, as long as you're here, you might as well get oriented. Homer, would you show him around?
Homer: Yes, certainly, Hajene Ormof.
Homer: ~~glad to postpone the report review~~
Homer: Would you like me to arrange office space for Sosu Nick?
Ormof feels that under the circumstances, going over Homer's paperwork with him is less important than finding out as much as he can about what happened between Nick and Arat, and therefore which side he should take, if there is a side.
Ormof: Certainly, certainly.
Ormof doesn't want to lay himself open to accusations of short-changing Nick's staff privileges, just in case.
Ormof also has a general habit of trying not to anger people whose nagers are stronger than his.
Homer: Very well. Hajene Allis transferred out last week, and her desk is available. Would that be acceptable?
Ormof reviews the location's specifics: newness of paint and carpet, strength of insulation, distance to the water cooler and bathroom, and so on.
Ormof: Well, it will do temporarily. If it is not acceptable as is, we can requisition repairs and new furniture.
Homer: Very good, Hajene Ormof. Sosu Nick, if you would accompany me...?
Ormof really wishes he knows whether Arat wants Nick to be punished, in which case a low-prestige office is appropriate, or whether he wants Nick pampered.
Homer reflects that it is a good thing that Nick is relatively low field right now, or he would be having trouble putting three words in a sentence anywhere near him.
Nick follows Homer out of Ormof's office.
Homer: Well, would you like the grand tour first, or would you prefer a cup of tea before we start?
Ormof watches the door close, and then is struck by the terrifying possibility that Arat wants Nick punished, but is prepared to get angry if Ormof fails to give him a proper office, anyway.
Nick smiles disarmingly at Homer.
Nick: If you don't mind, it has been a busy morning. I could use a quick cup of tea.
Homer smiles back at Nick.
Homer: It is good to meet you again, Sosu. This way.
Nick follows Homer, keeping his nager friendly but not overpowering.
Homer leads Nick to the section of the ward where the employees have their desks.
Homer waves to the right.
Homer: That office is free for you to use.
Nick looks in the indicated direction.
Nick: You know, I've never had an office before.
Ormof is, alas, not present to hear this admission, or he would have been spared a great deal of worry on the whole office problem.
Homer: Well, it will be a new experience, then. This place is full of new experiences.
Homer waves to the left.
Homer: There is the office I share with my Donor, Sosu Lemuse. I have had an office before, although this one is very different than what I am used to.
Nick: Really?
Homer thinks that it is much smaller, has no windows, and has furniture and filing cabinets instead of carpet and piles of fabric on the walls and floor.
Homer: I was transferred here from a Center in another Territory.
Nick: Do you find it hard to work in?
Homer: Yes, things are very different, but I am learning.
Homer: Such as how to write reports, for example.
Homer: You entered at a very good time, for me.
Nick grimaces with ~~ sympathy ~~
Homer: Those reports might well have taken us an hour to review.
Homer: Though I guess we will have to finish them eventually.
Nick: That was one of the good things about working with Snake--no reports.
Nick: Although having heat in the winter makes up for quite a bit.
Homer gestures ahead.
Homer: Here is the break room.
Homer: And the tea!
Nick's nager brightens at the mention of tea.
Homer gestures Nick to take a seat in the break room.
Homer goes to examine the selection.
Homer has been thoroughly corrupted by Darrel's upscale appetites by this time.
Homer: Would you like Narosian tea, the Dark Passion, or would you prefer to try something exotic from my homeland, the Cactus Flower?
Nick: Cactus flower?
Homer: Yes, a trin and cactus flower blend.
Nick: That sounds interesting.
Homer: My family keeps me supplied.
Nick: Do you miss them?
Homer: I miss my home, very much.
Homer: But I was never very close to my relatives there. Aunt Thistle is a dear, of course, and I am very grateful she adopted me.
Nick: I never had the sort of home one misses.
Nick: Or relatives, really.
Homer opens the cloth sack containing the cactus flower tea and measures out a portion of mixed trin and dried purple flower petals.
Nick has fortunately been exposed to far too many odd-looking blends to discount the cactus-flower tea on the basis of its appearance.
Homer: Then perhaps you are not giving up much, pledging to the Tecton way of life.
Homer: It seems to suit Sosu Lemuse, although she had to leave her child in Maple Leaf Territory when she was transferred.
Nick's nager assumes a more somber cast, although he keeps it politely under control to avoid overwhelming Homer.
Homer sets the pot to boil to make tea.
Nick: I never wanted a Tecton career. It seemed the only way to have at least part of what I wanted, though.
Homer: ~~curiosity~~
Nick tries not to dwell on the fact that he might just have botched up the whole plan.
Homer: And what do you want, Sosu?
Nick sighs.
Nick: I want to take care of Snake, and Arat.
Homer is very sensitive to Nick's Gen caring for his Simes.
Homer: [nods] Of course.
Nick: Only I'm very much afraid that Arat won't be speaking to me for a while.
Homer: He did seem... displeased.
Nick: If he lets me be reassigned before we can settle our differences, I might never be able to get back.
Nick looks genuinely upset by the thought.
Homer: So you might be sent to serve another channel, although you wish to be his Gen?
Homer rummages around for the stash of chocolate he now keeps for Lemuse. He has found it to be an amazingly soothing remedy for all the stresses of the daily grind on the ward.
Nick: Yes.
Nick: Oh, if Arat tried, he could probably get me back. But I'm not sure he'd try, in his current mood.
Nick: He was very angry at me.
Homer: Yes, I could zlin, and I was surprised.
Homer: Last month, he almost died, until you came to care for him.
Nick: I know.
Nick shudders.
Nick: If it had taken a few more days to get back to Capitol, it would have been too late.
Homer: He Needs you, so why does he send you from his side?
Homer brings out the box of chocolate and offers it to Nick.
Nick selects one with a crooked smile.
Nick: Thank you.
Homer sniffs at the box, but in his current state of need, even chocolate isn't appealing.
Nick considers.
Nick: I think he does not consider his own comfort, when he feels that there is a principle involved.
Homer thinks that if a Gen this dazzling wanted him the way Nick wants Arat, he would move heaven and earth to keep him, not send him off.
Homer: What principle might that be?
Homer distrusts abstractions and principles, believing that every thing and person should be recognized for its unique qualities.
Nick sighs.
Nick: Arat has very specific ideas about how his Donor should act.
Nick refuses to elaborate more than that.
Homer zlins that Nick does not wish to discuss this.
Homer sees the tea is now boiling, and pours.
Homer: Now, this is cactus-flower tea, and it is very soothing.
Nick has nothing against Homer, but some things a Donor shouldn't discuss with just anybody.
Nick accepts the steaming cup, and sniffs the brew cautiously.
Homer sips his own, which has a flowery, sweet, honeysuckle-type flavor mixed with the trin.
Nick sips.
Nick: Not too bad.
Notes:
1) This scene immediately follows Arat and Nick's exit in DCO #139. [return]