Sime~Gen Roleplaying: District Controller's Office Scenario
Episode #156: Real Estate (2/15/00)
see note 1
Nick: Conditions would be a bit primitive in the camp itself, but there is the possibility of alternative accommodations.
Nick at least hopes that no one else of sufficient rank on the project has caught on to the opportunity yet.
Nick is starting to appreciate how much easier life can be, in a world where Rank Hath Its Privileges, if one actually has the aforementioned rank.
Arat realizes that not only is Nick suggesting that Arat apply for a transfer to the project, he actually intends to talk Arat into it.
Arat blanches.
Nick notes Arat's sudden pallor with ~~ concern ~~
Nick: I was able to get my hands on a letter to the Department of Public Works--never mind how, just now--
Nick suspects Arat would rather not know, anyway.
Nick: It was from a local in the area, who runs a small resort. You know the sort of place, where groups can get together for a few days of conferences or discussion.
Arat looks uneasy, but nods for Nick to go on.
Nick: Anyway, the owner, a Mis Tiskal, was very upset because the camp is to be placed only half a mile from her resort.
Nick: She'll be out of business as far as quiet conferences or meetings go--but the place is bound to have decent insulation, and plumbing, and other conveniences.
Arat thinks he gets Nick's drift.
Arat: You would propose renting the entire resort?
Nick: Where better to set up a temporary Sime Center?
Arat: It does not sound as if the owner would appreciate either the volume, or the nature, of the traffic that would generate.
Arat had been thinking along the lines of renting it for the living quarters of the more important channels.
Arat does tend to have a certain sort of mindset which had been passed down from his parents, which overlooks social equality issues blithely and thoroughly.
Nick: Well, most of the routine business, transfers and minor injuries, could be taken care of at the site itself.
Nick: However, there are bound to be some cases requiring more exacting work or long-term supervision.
Nick: And it wouldn't hurt to have a businesslike area in which to meet with the project supervisors.
Nick: Tents are, well, a bit undignified.
Arat: Surely there would be more substantial construction on the site.
Arat looks rather appalled.
Nick: Well, they'll have to put up something more than tents by fall, but it won't be much, at least at first.
Nick: And they'll try to start with housing.
Arat thinks the entire operation sounds extremely badly planned.
Arat: Why do you want me to become involved in this?
Nick: Because if we--you, me, Snake, Jeniard, maybe Beni too--can get assigned to this project, there's a good chance they'll leave us alone until it's completed.
Arat: Nick, I have responsibilities here. People who depend on my being here.
Arat is referring to the large network of protege-employees he has gathered.
Nick: You've done a lot for this District, no one could deny that.
Nick: However, you've got things in decent shape now. Another Controller could manage it easily now.
Nick: Even if you staff the dam project with people drawn from here and New Othwol.
Nick: And starting a Center from scratch does have one advantage: You won't have to deal with a predecessor's deadwood.
Arat looks down.
Arat can't deny that Nick's arguments are compelling, but it really sounds like a terrible idea.
Arat's being in hard need may be contributing to both feelings, of course.
Nick is, of course, as optimistic as only a Gen anticipating a good transfer can be.
Nick is not unaware that approaching transfer has quite the opposite effect on Simes, however.
Nick lets a gentle finger caress one of Arat's lateral sheaths.
Arat gets goosebumps.
Nick: Think about it, Arat.
Arat manages to nod, with an effort.
Arat: I will.
Nick smiles brilliantly, an effect echoed in his nager.
Notes:
1) This scene is continued from DCO #155. [return]