Sime~Gen Roleplaying: District Controller's Office Scenario
Episode #189: Odd Jobs (4/3/00)
Tiarala arrives promptly for her appointment with Arat.
Tiarala waits 15 seconds for the optimum time, then signals.
Tiarala knows that Arat values precision.
Arat: Enter!
Tiarala enters the office.
Lexus strides down the hall towards Arat's office, privately annoyed that the Controller is back in town. He has been enjoying having the coast clear for his private investigations.
Lexus reaches the office and signals.
Lexus wonders what Arat wants now.
Tiarala: You wanted to....
Tiarala breaks off as another signal impinges.
Tiarala looks at Arat questioningly.
Arat nods for Tiarala to get the door.
Tiarala does so.
Tiarala: Hajene Lexus.
Lexus: Hajene Tiarala.
Lexus nods in greeting and enters the office.
Lexus: Good day, Controller Arat.
Tiarala keeps her nager professionally cordial.
Arat nods.
Arat: Hajene Lexus. Hajene Tiarala. Please, be seated.
Tiarala takes a chair.
Lexus sits as indicated, being careful to maintain a respectful nager.
Arat: It appears that the negotiations are going to take considerably longer than I had originally anticipated. Therefore, I have decided to appoint Tiarala to act as 53rd District Controller in my place until the negotiations are complete.
Tiarala covers her surprise handily, although she is sure Arat was able to zlin it.
Lexus quickly suppresses a surge of outrage and jealousy. He will take the matter up with Uncle Neptude later.
Tiarala: Of course, Controller.
Arat: Tiarala, Lexus has been working closely with the Controller position in an administrative capacity. Jeniard will be able to help the two of you adjust.
Lexus: [to Arat] I am at your service, of course. I am sorry to hear that the negotiations are not proceeding as quickly as you had hoped.
Arat has been ignoring cheaper shots than that since he was too little to walk, and proceeds to do so in this case as well.
Tiarala hadn't missed Lexus's reaction to the news, and isn't expecting a great deal in the way of cooperation from him.
Arat: I will be available each morning to resolve any difficulties or concerns.
Tiarala nods.
Arat: In the meantime, however, Tiarala, here is a packet I have compiled, of some relevant documentation.
Arat slides it forward on his desk.
Tiarala takes the packet and starts looking it over.
Arat: Have you any immediate questions?
Arat: [to both of them]
Tiarala: I expect I'll have a few after I've read this. Would it be possible to meet later today to discuss them?
Arat: I will be available tomorrow morning, at 0400 hours.
Arat: Unfortunately, I am due at the Regional Friendship Center in ten minutes.
Lexus smiles, gritting his teeth.
Arat: I expect to be there until late.
Tiarala: I will manage for today, then.
Lexus: I am sure it will be a pleasure working with you, Hajene Tiarala.
Arat rises.
Lexus thinks it will be better than dealing with Controller Arrogant, despite the fact that they are as tight as linked tentacles.
Arat is, of course, assigning Tiarala as acting Controller because he has decided it suits his purposes to try to maneuver Tiarala into being his permanent replacement, rather than Lexus. This is the first step of that plan.
Arat doesn't particularly care if it's an obvious one, either, although he's not going to come out and say what he's doing.
Arat: I must go. I will talk to you tomorrow.
Arat picks up his cloak and a bundle of papers and departs.
Tiarala slowly gets up and moves around the desk to sit in Arat's chair.
Tiarala's nager takes on a new note of authority as she looks at Lexus.
Tiarala: Perhaps we should begin by having you explain exactly what you have been doing for Controller Arat.
Lexus understands that Arat is appointing Tiarala as his heir apparent, but that is not altogether an advantage in the game of bureaucratic musical chairs.
Lexus: I've been coordinating selyn management reports and funds transfers from the eight east District Sime Centers.
Lexus: Handling correspondence and checking financial statements.
Lexus: I've also taken on a few specialized clinical cases.
Tiarala: I see. Well, for now, I would also like you to handle chasing down the additional supplies we require due to the unexpected demands of the riots.
Tiarala: Don't tread on too many toes, but make sure that we are prepared if the riots start again.
Lexus: Certainly, Hajene. I will poll all the department heads to determine their requirements.
Tiarala figures that this task is both necessary enough and time-consuming enough to keep Lexus occupied until she can get her bearings.
Lexus has rather enjoyed being in the middle of a national emergency, compared to the boredom of his previous post in Golden Hills.
Lexus thinks this is also a perfectly legitimate excuse to have a one-on-one with every department head and get a sense of how they like Tiarala running things.
Tiarala: I believe the required supplies would be....
Tiarala ruffles through the stack of papers Arat left.
Tiarala: Here.
Tiarala hands Lexus the inventory.
Tiarala: The ones with stars are most urgent.
Tiarala: You may have to be a bit creative about finding sources for some of them.
Tiarala: If you encounter difficulties, notify me.
Lexus takes the list, deciding well he will manage to supervise the deliveries in person and score his information then.
Lexus thinks this will be another fun assignment, as creatively finding and appropriating things he has no right to are one of his major talents.
Tiarala zlins Lexus's acquisitive response.
Lexus looks forward to getting his tentacles on the unsecured resources of the 53rd District.
Lexus: I'll take care of it right away.
Lexus reviews the list carefully.
Lexus: It may take a bit of finesse, but I don't anticipate any problems.
Tiarala nods.
Tiarala: I'll expect a report on your progress this evening.
Lexus: Certainly, Hajene. Guess I'd better get going then.
Tiarala: Indeed. Would you pass the word to have Hajene Jeniard drop by?
Lexus: Certainly.
Lexus leaves the office. After the detour by Jeniard, he plans to head straight to see Uncle Neptude.
Tiarala settles back to read Arat's briefing.
Neptude is busy with his own post-riot adjustments.
Lexus saunters down the hall of the Regional Controllers building and signals at the door.
Neptude is attempting to figure out whether or not Arat's selection as the mediator for the SWAT-Public Works talks was planned or spontaneous.
Neptude looks up.
Neptude: Enter!
Lexus comes in.
Lexus: Hey, Uncle Neptude!
Neptude: Lexus! Come in, my boy.
Lexus extends his arms for the familial greeting.
Neptude returns the embrace.
Neptude: Come have some tea, and tell me what's going on in the 53rd District.
Lexus: I thought you'd like a little up-date.
Neptude hopes the information will assist his planning.
Lexus: Well, Controller Arrogant--uh, Arat is taking an extended leave.
Neptude: These negotiations?
Neptude: The papers have been remarkably tight-lipped about them.
Lexus: He says they'll take longer than originally planned.
Lexus: He's appointed Hajene Tiarala to take over his duties in his absence.
Lexus frowns at the personal slight this represents.
Neptude: Tiarala?
Lexus: Yes, the Director of Pediatrics.
Neptude: ~~ dismay ~~
Lexus: I agree, she's serious competition.
Neptude thinks "serious competition" doesn't even begin to describe it.
Neptude: Seruffin will never allow her to be removed from office in your favor. Not with her record.
Lexus: Not unless she makes a fool of herself. Perhaps that can be arranged.
Neptude: It would be difficult, particularly in the 53rd District.
Neptude: Arat is remarkably free with his praise of his protégés.
Neptude: And he credits Tiarala for getting the selyn usage paperwork out of Riyyh ambrov Naros.
Neptude is a bit in ~ awe ~ of the feat.
Lexus: Did she say how she managed that?
Neptude frowns.
Neptude: Not really, more's the pity.
Neptude: I gather she has a peculiar resistance to his delaying tactics.
Lexus is familiar with Riyyh's reputation, and has to admit that Tiarala in all the glory her Imil wardrobe is enough to twist even strong-willed men around her fingers.
Lexus has his suspicions about methods, and wishes she would use the same techniques to extract paperwork from him.
Neptude: If you wish to replace her as 53rd District Controller, you're going to have to demonstrate that you, too, can get cooperation from Naros.
Lexus: We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Lexus: I'm more concerned about her Imil connections and her standing with the other department heads.
Lexus: Unlike Arat, she's respectable and well-liked.
Neptude: And you are not only a newcomer to the District, you managed to irritate a number of department heads.
Neptude: I know you were trying to get the information I asked for, but your enthusiasm did spark complaints.
Neptude considers.
Neptude: No, if you're going to replace Tiarala, it's going to require planning, finesse, and hard work.
Lexus: Arat is giving her the chance to establish herself as his successor.
Lexus: Do you think he's deliberately extending these negotiations to undermine your plans?
Neptude frowns.
Neptude: It's possible.
Neptude: On the other hand, neither SWAT nor Public Works is known for being reasonable.
Neptude: It might just be bad luck.
Lexus: If he is maneuvering to appoint her as his replacement, what does he plan for himself?
Lexus: A transfer to Public Works?
Lexus laughs at the absurd image this brings to mind of the immaculate Arat on a construction site.
Neptude: It's hard to tell, with Arat.
Neptude: He's so secretive, it's possible even his close associates don't know his plans.
Neptude: Still, it would be worth sounding out Hajene Jeniard on the subject, if an opportunity arises.
Lexus: Hajene Jeniard would lick Arat's boots clean if he got mud on them. He's not going to tell us anything that Arat doesn't want us to know.
Neptude: Well, I suppose you could try Reckage. He's more sociable, unpredictable as he is.
Neptude: But you're going to have to do something spectacular, if you expect to become a serious candidate for 53rd District Controller.
Lexus: If this is Arat's plan, Reckage is in on it too. Remember that buddy of his who wanted to know about the Dam?
Lexus: And now Arat is grand-standing as the great mediator.
Lexus: And his hand-picked channel's in the position you wanted for me.
Petunia enters the office, carrying a pitcher of water and two glasses on a tray.
Neptude: Ah, Petunia, your timing is impeccable.
Petunia places one glass on Neptude's desk, and pours.
Petunia smiles at Neptude.
Petunia: Some water, Hajene Lexus?
Lexus: Certainly, my dear.
Petunia smiles at the endearment, and pours the other glass for him.
Petunia: You two just let me know if there's anything else you require.
Lexus knows better than to scheme in front of staff.
Neptude: We certainly will.
Petunia leaves, rather scenically.
Lexus enjoys the view.
Lexus: If you can suggest a spectacular feat that would turn the tide, I'd be glad to take it on.
Neptude considers.
Neptude: There are two main issues that have plagued the 53rd District.
Neptude: There are the problems with the rehabilitation program.
Neptude: You've got a start on that, with your work on Sosu Pylor.
Neptude: If you succeed where Arat failed, that will be a strong point in your favor.
Lexus: Yes, I've been thinking more about his case.
Neptude is willing to stack the deck a bit, if necessary, and assign Lexus rehabilitation cases with a much higher chance of success than those he dumped on Arat.
Neptude: That will take time to show results, though.
Lexus: What is the other issue?
Neptude: You must form a solid plan for the District. A Controller must have a broad perspective, to maintain a smoothly functioning District.
Neptude: You have a head start in that you've been considering the job for some time, while Tiarala most likely hasn't.
Neptude: On the other hand, I'm sure that Arat left her with detailed plans.
Neptude: You don't have the experience to draw up an agenda from scratch.
Lexus: Well, I can certainly do my homework, but plans on paper will not impress anyone if they are never tested by carrying them out.
Lexus: Tiarala has that chance now.
Neptude believes in being frank, at least when discussing strategy with his own side.
Neptude: What you must do, my boy, is to get your tentacles on Arat's plans, and then come up with a few modifications that will show off your strengths at Tiarala's expense.
Lexus considers.
Neptude: It wouldn't hurt to attack her strengths, as well.
Lexus: That might work.
Lexus thinks that, with the plans in hand, he could anticipate her moves and sabotage them.
Neptude: Naros, for instance. If you could demonstrate that you can also handle Riyyh ambrov Naros--well, that would put your prospects forward in an unambiguous fashion.
Lexus: Handle Riyyh ambrov Naros? How?
Neptude: All you have to do is demonstrate that you can get his cooperation.
Lexus has heard rumors of various interesting ways of handling the Sectuib, but none of these methods would advance his prospects in the Tecton.
Neptude: He's famous for promising much and producing nothing.
Neptude: If you can get something out of him, some tangible proof of cooperation, that would be sufficient.
Neptude: It doesn't even have to be something he's terribly reluctant to give, like timely reports.
Neptude: Just something that you can point to as proof that you can work with him.
Lexus: You mean, like sending his demonstrators home.
Neptude considers.
Neptude: That might do. He can't really want them to remain, with the trouble they've been causing.
Neptude is, perhaps, overlooking the trouble Racknie and his colleagues would cause at Naros, which was responsible for their leaving in the first place.
Lexus: Or getting a channel or Companion to participate in Tecton rotation.
Neptude: Well, it's best to start small.
Neptude: Although if you have some confidence of success, by all means do so.
Lexus: I'll talk to that Hero girl again. She has a rather unique view of the situation.
Neptude: I'm sure she does.
Neptude: Although I've heard that she can be less than reliable as a source of information.
Lexus: Perhaps. She is, at least, amusing.
Neptude: Just don't depend on her too much, or you may find yourself sorely disappointed.
Lexus weighs the prospect of dealing with Naros' Outreach Program fanatics in Capitol, versus a trip to Naros to confront the dreaded Riyyh in his lair.
Neptude: I understand that Riyyh is in town, attempting to get his people out of jail. Again.
Neptude: If you can corner him before he leaves, that will save you a trip.
Lexus: Well, I'll go talk to him.
Lexus thinks he should at least get a pleasant cup of tea out of the encounter.
Lexus: Meanwhile, Tiarala's left me with a few errands to run.
Neptude: And I've work of my own.
Neptude: Do keep me appraised of your progress, my boy.
Lexus looks at the list Tiarala gave him which includes some rather odd items: greyspinner cobwebs? Cago coffee?
Lexus lets his mind drift to another acquisition problem.
Lexus: I'll keep you informed.
Lexus: Oh, by the way....
Neptude: Yes?
Lexus: Do you know of any Tigue channels in this region who might be up for some clinical work?
Neptude: Tigues? Not really, but I'll put out some feelers. What sort of clinical work?
Lexus: Well, this Pylor business.
Lexus: I'd really like to try him with a Tigue.
Lexus: He over-matches ordinary Firsts, but he lacks the patience and concentration to work with Farrises.
Neptude: A Tigue, for Pylor? That might not be a bad move. I'll look into it.
Neptude scribbles a note.
Neptude: Now, off with you, my boy.
Lexus: Yes, Uncle! I'll keep in touch!
Lexus leaves the office, list in hand.
Lexus thinks about places to obtain 16 quarts of strawberries.
Riyyh leads his horse along at Nick's side, wishing privately that there was some way he could politely ride though Nick is on foot.
Riyyh finds Nick hurries along rather briskly when he's got work on his mind.
Riyyh is actually on his way to the courthouse, but he is going as far as the 53rd District Offices with Nick, ostensibly because of the recent civil unrest.
Nick: I'm afraid I'm not much of a host, running off and leaving you to your own devices.
Nick might be a Donor in a rush, but he's a polite one.
Nick: You really ought to have a Donor with you, when you travel.
Riyyh: Oh dear, I simply couldn't see bringing Ali into the city with things the way they are.
Riyyh: And it was so unexpected, we'd barely returned home. It was Ali's first travel away, you see.
Nick: I know. Still, it's a bit hard on you.
Riyyh enjoys Nick's nager while he can, though he does miss Ali, believe it or not.
Riyyh finds the boy exhausting, but charming.
Nick: And with the city in the mood it's in--although at least you have a pretty good idea what all the Narosians here are doing.
Nick understands that prison life is rather regimented.
Riyyh looks sheepish.
Lexus hurries along towards the District offices, having made several stops in the warehouse district to ask about the availability of the items Tiarala requested.
Riyyh: Yes, at least they cannot get in any worse trouble.
Nick: Well, one hopes not.
Lexus notices a familiar, very prominent nager up ahead and focuses his eyes to identify Nick Reckage.
Nick's resemblance to the older channel by his side is, well, about 75% exact.
Lexus has never met Sectuib Riyyh ambrov Naros before, but he knows of him by reputation and description.
Riyyh is dressed fairly conservatively for him, although he is wearing his Sectuibly gold and silver, white-lined cape.
Riyyh is leading an expensive, but rather plain, brown horse.
Lexus recognizes the Householding colors of course.
Nick is dressed in the civvies he prefers when not actually on duty.
Nick's choice of civilian attire has improved considerably since his months as Riyyh's Companion, but is still not up to Riyyh's exacting standards.
Lexus: Sosu Nick! What a surprise to find you out on the streets!
Lexus: With all the civil unrest, do you think it's safe?
Nick turns.
Nick: Lexus? What are you doing here?
Nick wonders if Arat knows Lexus has left the building, or if the younger channel is taking advantage of Arat's mediation job.
Lexus: Ah, performing my civic duty.
Riyyh isn't sure whether he should smile or not, as there seems to be some tension between Nick and Lexus.
Riyyh tries to err on the side of friendliness, though (and let's face it, he'd do that even if he wasn't trying) and smiles anyway.
Lexus: Crisis re-supply.
Nick: I see.
Lexus turns to Riyyh.
Nick is reminded of his manners.
Nick: Father, this is Controller Neptude's nephew, Lexus.
Riyyh: I've heard so much about you. [beams]
Riyyh has a handsome face and a ~~ kindly ~~ nager.
Lexus: And you must be Riyyh ambrov Naros.
Nick tries not to take the beam personally; after all, he's been around Riyyh enough to know that it's given to everyone.
Lexus: A pleasure to meet you at last.
Riyyh: I haven't seen your uncle in quite some time, how is he? Well, I hope?
Lexus studies Riyyh with interest; it is hard to believe such a harmless-looking channel could be the source of so much trouble.
Riyyh instinctively becomes more innocent and gentle in appearance in response to the examination.
Lexus: Oh, well enough. These are trying times for all of us.
Lexus: I hear some of your members were caught up in the demonstrations?
Riyyh: Yes, I'm afraid so.
Lexus: Nothing serious, I hope.
Riyyh: I am just going over to wait in line at the courthouse now.
Riyyh: To visit, you know. They aren't going to release anybody until there is a settlement.
Riyyh is still working on getting that rule bent, and not by waiting in line, either.
Lexus: And we are depending on Controller Arat to arrange that.
Riyyh: Oh dear, what a perfectly odd situation.
Riyyh: But if it's what the people want...
Lexus: You know, he's extended his leave from the 53rd District as the negotiations are taking longer than expected.
Nick is a touch ~ concerned ~ about that.
Riyyh naturally perks up at the bit of gossip.
Lexus has heard of the Narosian relish for gossip.
Riyyh: Is that so? It must be very time consuming, then?
Riyyh wonders if he'll have better luck prying Hero loose for a little grandfather/father/daughter/granddaughter lunch later today, then.
Lexus: It would seem so.
Lexus: But I'm sure Nick knows more than I do about this.
Nick decides that Lexus doesn't come up to Narosian gossip-mongering standards, if he hasn't learned yet that Beni is attending Arat during the talks.
Riyyh: You had been working with him, before all of this, is that right?
Lexus observes Nick to see his reaction to the statement.
Nick's nager is, of course, inscrutable to non-Farris Firsts.
Lexus: [to Riyyh] How long do you think it will take to get your people out of jail?
Riyyh blinks as his question is ignored.
Riyyh: Well, I should think within the next week or so.
Riyyh thinks that even if the civil disturbance is not done, he will have had time to find another way out of the situation by then.
Nick is sure that it would take less time, if the jail wasn't so overcrowded that court staff were doing double shifts, and thus too tired for much recreation.
Lexus: And once they are out, what are your plans for them?
Riyyh: I'm afraid salvaging what's left of their office will have to be the first order of business. [sadly]
Riyyh: I believe I've found a suitable building, though. I should know for sure by tomorrow.
Riyyh hasn't quite won the building's current owner over to the benefits of Narosian partnership.
Lexus: Naros will continue to support their activities in Capitol, even after all that's happened?
Riyyh: Well, of course.
Riyyh: The poor still must be able to feed themselves, after all.
Riyyh sounds earnest and reasonable.
Nick is quietly ~ amused ~ at Lexus's incredulity; anyone who knows Riyyh would never have doubted that the farming program would continue.
Lexus: And perhaps it can be understood if poor, uneducated, desperate people riot in the streets.
Lexus: But not if Householders lead them.
Nick then corrects himself: Anyone who knows the Coalition members and Riyyh would not doubt his determination to keep them away from Naros.
Riyyh: Of course not.
Lexus: My uncle expressed concern.
Riyyh: He is a fine and honorable man.
Nick notes the repeated mentions of Neptude, and deduces that Lexus has been keeping in close touch with him.
Lexus: Jail is not pleasant. Do you think your members will behave with more discretion in the future?
Riyyh moves closer to Lexus, in an effort to show his sincerity.
Riyyh: Many of them are young, and still have much to learn. This has certainly been a lesson to several of them.
Nick watches Riyyh's moves with interest, as Lexus's statements show a marked ignorance of Narosian social customs.
Lexus: There are better ways to learn than trial and error.
Riyyh smiles.
Lexus: Perhaps you should consider a re-education program.
Riyyh: Perhaps you are right.
Riyyh smoothes back his silvery hair and looks at Lexus earnestly.
Riyyh: I would be pleased to hear any ideas you may have on that subject.
Lexus: Well, you know your members best.
Lexus: So the proposal should come from you.
Lexus: But I assure you, I'd be happy to assist in any way possible.
Riyyh holds Lexus' gaze, from a bit closer than many Tecton types find comfortable talking distance.
Riyyh: You would?
Riyyh: ~~ genuine interest and gratitude ~~
Lexus: Certainly. The government rests on the Tecton, the Tecton on the Households.
Lexus: These arrests undermine the credibility of us all.
Riyyh: Do you believe in the urban farming movement?
Riyyh: [looking into his eyes]
Nick arranges his nager to block the ambient, giving the two channels privacy.
Lexus: I believe no one should go hungry. As to method, I am flexible.
Lexus wonders how Riyyh can get so intense and intimate about farming?
Riyyh: But do you believe in our cause enough to constructively shape, rather than simply suppress, my people's efforts?
Nick wonders if Lexus has any idea just how flexible Riyyh can be.
Riyyh places a gentle hand on Lexus' arm, as he asks it.
Lexus: I don't think activities that injure people and destroy property are constructive. Your cause, however worthy, should be pursued by other means.
Riyyh takes this to mean that Lexus' offer was not genuine.
Riyyh had left a large opening for Lexus to get involved if he'd wanted to.
Riyyh: Of course.
Riyyh: You're right.
Riyyh removes his hand, and looks to Nick.
Riyyh: I should be on my way to the courthouse.
Riyyh: Thank you for the escort.
Riyyh: And Hajene Lexus, I enjoyed meeting you.
Nick: You're welcome.
Nick: I expect I'll see you this evening?
Riyyh: Perhaps. [smiles an entirely innocent smile]
Lexus: It was good meeting you, Sectuib.
Riyyh turns his horse enough away that he can mount.
Riyyh rides away down the street.
Nick looks after Riyyh for a moment.
Nick is finding it a lot harder to part with Riyyh when he doesn't have an assigned channel.
Lexus stands rather bewildered by Riyyh's abrupt departure.
Lexus: Well, I guess he didn't like that idea.
Nick: He was probably in a hurry to get to the jail.
Lexus: Why doesn't he keep his people in line? Do you have any idea?
Nick wonders if Riyyh had arranged a... meeting... with a crucial official.
Lexus wonders if Nick is as loyal to Riyyh as he is to Snake or Arat.
Nick: He does keep them in line, more than anyone else could, probably.
Nick thinks it unfortunate that Riyyh's methods for doing so have given him so many relatives, but doesn't deny his efficacy.
Nick starts walking towards the District Center.
Lexus lets Nick go, no closer to a solution to the Narosian puzzle.