Sime~Gen Roleplaying: Householding Naros Scenario
Episode #4: New Faces (6/3/98)
Ruby shakes Ison's shoulder.
Ruby: Wake up! You sure do sleep a lot for a channel!
Mytag thinks that if he were any more relaxed he would probably just fall apart.
Ison thumps Mytag. "I am awake already."
Riyyh walks down the hallway, pleased that the plan of keeping Ruby occupied has worked so well, so far.
Mytag follows him, in automatic support mode
Riyyh re-enters his office.
Riyyh: Well, Mytag, I feel much refreshed. Shall we go over the plans for the solstice festival?
Riyyh believes it is never too early to start going over plans for festivals.
Ruby rubs her arm.
Ison: Sorry Ruby, didn't mean to hurt you.
Mytag stifles a yawn.
Mytag: Didn't you have an appointment with the Mayor or something today?
Ruby glares at him.
Ruby: Well really Ison, I see that your time in the big city didn't improve your manners!
Ison: Hey, I did say sorry.
Ison smiles sweetly at Ruby.
Ison: Come here, let me hold you.
Ruby: Well anyway, you are due to go see Riyyh this morning and then you have your first day in the collectorium.
Ruby giggles.
Riyyh: Er....
Riyyh looks in his appointment book.
Riyyh: You're right!
Riyyh: I never did find out what he wants.
Mytag: No doubt he will tell you at the meeting.
Riyyh sounds mildly surprised; he's used to knowing every tiny facet of everybody else's business.
Mytag hopes it's something more exciting than tomatoes.
Riyyh: [then again, the Mayor doesn't live within the walls of the Householding; that does make things a little more difficult]
Ruby: Oh Ison, I can't stay angry at you!
Riyyh: Well, that's only in a few minutes. Good thing you remembered.
Ruby flutters her eyes at him.
Ison: Aww, that's much better.
Ison gets up and heads for the shower.
Ison leaves the door open and turns on the taps.
Noft signals at Ison's door.
Noft doesn't wait for an answer, but walks right in.
Noft is carrying a large toolbox.
Noft: I'm here to fix your drains.
Noft: Good morning, ma'am.
Noft doesn't wait for a response, but walks on to the bathroom.
Ison turns in surprise and quickly grabs the towel to wrap around himself.
Noft: Just here to do a little work on the drains. Don't mind me.
Ison: Who called for you?
Noft takes out a large wrench.
Ison scratches his head, and realizes not much has changed since he left.
Noft: Called for me?
Noft: Well, I can't rightly remember.
Ison: How long will you be?
Noft finds a pipe joint and applies the wrench.
Noft: Well,that depends on what the problem is.
Riyyh, having dispensed with the mildly unpleasant business of the reality check, and having several minutes to go before having to leave to the meeting with the mayor, proceeds to wander into the delightful fantasyland of festival-planning.
Riyyh: Do you remember the players who came through the town a few years ago, who had those giant puppets? The oxen, and the earth-mother, and so forth? What if we did something along those lines?
Ison: Well, what's supposed to be wrong? It all seems to be working fine to me.
Noft gives the wrench a hearty pull, and frowns as a gush of water spurts out.
Ison: Well, at least it was fine.
Noft: No, I'd say it's definitely broken, with all that water on the floor.
Noft steps back a little to survey the problem.
Ison soon realizes that making any sense from this fellow would be near impossible.
Noft taps his foot in the water.
Riyyh shows Mytag some drawings of papier-mâché heads of giant horses, birds and even a unicorn.
Noft: Now, this water's too cold for showering.
Ruby calmly continues putting books in a bag as if there were nothing unusual happening.
Ruby: Well, if you want to talk to Riyyh this morning you better hurry.
Riyyh: See how a person can carry them with a pole, and they're hidden by this scrim of cloth? We could make these.
Ruby: Well Noft, fix it!
Noft: Sure thing.
Noft applies the wrench to another pipe, and a gush of hot water joins the cold.
Ison: I think I'll pass on the shower for the moment, I am running late for an appointment as it is.
Noft: There, now.
Ruby rolls her eyes.
Noft tests the temperature of the puddle.
Riyyh: Aren't these beautiful drawings?
Noft: Nice and comfortably warm.
Ruby: Shower Ison, just don't dawdle around!
Noft smiles in satisfaction.
Ison searches for something to wear.
Ison can never find anything.
Mytag looks at them.
Mytag: Yeah, beautiful.
Mytag: You know, Emerald could probably oversee the sewing.
Ison: Ruby, where did you put my shoes?
Noft: That's done it, then.
Riyyh: Oh... good idea, Mytag.
Noft puts his wrench back in his tool box and leaves.
Riyyh approves of anything that keeps Emerald's mind off her daughter's chances of marrying him.
Ruby: I didn't put your shoes anywhere.
Ruby: Look under the bed.
Ruby's voice is a bit strained as she is applying lipstick as she says this.
Ison pokes a foot under the bed, feeling for them.
Ison: Ahh, I found them.
Ruby: All fixed, Noft?
Ruby: Oh, he left!
Ruby: I wanted to ask him about... well never mind.
Ison: About what?
Ison: Why do you always do that?
Ruby checks in the mirror to make sure she is perfect.
Ruby: Do what?
Ison: Have you seen my coat?
Ruby: No, I didn't touch your cloak.
Mytag: Would you prefer it if Ruby went with you to the meeting?
Ison: You know, you start to say something and just leave it there hanging, and you say "never mind".
Mytag: In case it's stressful.
Ruby: Do I do that?
Ruby: Well....
Ison: It's bloody frustrating sometimes.
Ison: Yes, and I wouldn't be surprised if you did it deliberately too.
Ruby sniffs disdainfully.
Riyyh looks surprised.
Riyyh: Mytag. [a little hurt] You know I trust you.
Ruby: ~ soothing, enticing ~
Ison gives Ruby a playful smack on her bum as he walks past.
Mytag: You trained me well Sectuib.
Mytag: Thank you for your trust too.
Ison feels a little better.
Ruby gives a playful shriek.
Ison: What did I do with that coat?
Ruby: Oh, you don't need a coat!
Ruby: The weather is lovely.
Ison: Well, I have to hide this stain on my shirt somehow.
Ruby: Oh what stain, let me see it.
Ruby checks out the stain.
Ruby: What is that? Tomato? Beetroot?
Riyyh sets the festival paperwork aside.
Ison points to the large mark on his chest.
Mytag tries to look more alert.
Riyyh checks the time.
Mytag: It's so relaxing here. I had forgotten.
Mytag: No one tense or upset.
Mytag yawns.
Riyyh: I wonder if Ison isn't coming by?
Mytag: Probably slept in. He sleeps too much.
Riyyh: 'Too much" is in the laterals of the bezlinner.
Mytag: Maybe you could have a quick zlin when you see him next. Make sure he is OK.
Mytag personally thinks that Ison is just lazy
Riyyh: Sure... good idea.
Ison pulls of his tee-shirt and turns it inside out before putting it back on. "Think anyone will notice?"
Ruby: Look, just take it off and give it to me.
Ruby: And put on this one [drags a clean shirt out of a drawer]
Ison reaches for the clean one.
Ison: Thanks. What ever would I do without you?
Riyyh: Oh well... we don't want to be late.
Ruby: You coped OK before... but I guess Mytag was looking after you.
Riyyh gets up and retrieves his silver-and-gold Householding cloak.
Ison: Well, you are a little prettier than Mytag, don't tell him I said that though.
Ison laughs.
Ruby tries to blush.
Ruby: Mytag is very handsome.
Ruby: Good looks run in our family of course.
Ruby smoothes her hair.
Mytag climbs to his feet slowly.
Ison puts the new shirt on, and pulls Ruby by the waist.
Ison: Stop preening, you look great. C'mon.
Ison ushers her out the door.
Ruby follows him out, nose in the air.
Riyyh leaves his office.
Ison turns back, grabs her hand and tows her along.
Riyyh: It's a lovely day today. Shall we take the open carriage?
Mytag: We don't have time to walk?
Ruby totters along on her high heels.
Riyyh: Sure, if you'd prefer.
Ruby: Ison! Do we have to go so fast!
Ison: Yes we do, Riyyh's probably pacing up and down by now.
Riyyh had been thinking about how splendid they would all look (particularly himself) in their gold-and-silver cloaks in the newly painted white open carriage.
Ruby yelps as she turns an ankle.
Ruby: Oh my ankle!
Ruby: ~ ouch ~
Ison shudders ~ pain ~
Ison: Shen!!
Ison: You OK?
Ruby: Oh Ison, I hurt my ankle!
Ruby states the obvious.
Ison looks down at her ankle.
Ruby: ~ only twisted ~
Ruby: Oh it hurts!
Ruby: I think it's broken!
Ison holds up one of her heels. "How could you possibly expect to walk in these silly things anyway?"
Mytag wakes up during the walk to something more than comatose.
Ruby pouts.
Ruby: Well, you shouldn't have been pulling me so fast!
Ison kisses her ankle. "There, better now?"
Ruby: No, it isn't.
Ison stands and cradles Ruby in his arms.
Ison: Well I guess I'll have to carry you then, won't I?
Mayor Dod strolls through the gates, dressed in his usual flashy style.
Ruby thinks about it and decides that it might impress Riyyh.
Ruby: Yes, please.
Riyyh gets to the gates and is surprised to find Mayor Dod already there.
Riyyh is not surprised to see what the Mayor is wearing.
Mytag nods formally.
Mytag: Mayor.
Mayor Dod smiles his most charming, oily smile.
Riyyh memorizes the details so he can scandalize Emerald and the girls later.
Mayor Dod: Sectuib Riyyh, my dear friend.
Mytag notices that Riyyh and the Mayor both seem to out-glitter each other.
Riyyh: Mayor Dod! What a charming surprise.
Riyyh: ~~ friendly and charming good will ~~
Mayor Dod: I hope you don't mind.
Ison reaches Riyyh's door. "Could you knock, please?"
Mayor Dod: I was passing through, and thought I could save you the trip.
Riyyh: Not at all, not at all!
Riyyh: Please, do come in.
Wolfa: Ison, Ruby, can I help you?
Mayor Dod: So kind of you.
Mayor Dod's smile becomes even broader.
Riyyh: Would you like to sit out in the garden, or indoors out of the sun?
Ison: Hi, we are expected by Riyyh.
Ruby wraps her arms tighter around Ison's neck.
Wolfa: I'm afraid that Riyyh and Mytag have gone to town to see the Mayor.
Mayor Dod: ~~ the sort of good cheer only politicians and used car salesmen can manage ~~
Ison likes Ruby's closeness.
Ruby: Oh! Was that this morning?
Riyyh somehow manages to look Sectuibly dignified and eager to serve simultaneously [only because of years of practice]
Mayor Dod: Oh, it's such a beautiful day. Let's sit outside.
Ruby is devastated, as she wanted to go see the Mayor too! Now she will have to get the gossip second hand.
Ison: Oh, did he leave any messages for us?
Riyyh: Wonderful! You know where the garden is, I imagine...?
Riyyh leads the way anyway.
Mayor Dod: Of course. Beautiful place.
Wolfa: No... I guess he forgot you were coming! I'm terribly sorry!
Mytag stays in silent, and faintly amused, support.
Ison: OK thanks, please tell him we were here.
Wolfa: Of course I will.
Wolfa smiles nicely at them both.
Ison: Well Rubes, where to now?
Charbomme greets them as they enter the formal garden.
Wolfa looks at Ruby in Ison's arms and will make sure she tells Riyyh all about it.
Charbomme: Good morning, Sectuib! [beams]
Charbomme: And Mayor Dod! [beams, although a different sort of smile: more desperate]
Mayor Dod gives Charbomme a sickly smile.
Mytag looks at the new person and tries to remember if he knows him from before or not
Mayor Dod: Pleased to see you again, I'm sure.
Riyyh: Good morning, Char... we'll be using the garden for a little while, I trust that is all right?
Ruby: Well I don't know! You could work more on my ankle of course.
Ruby tries not to sound cross.
Charbomme: Quite all right. [hurriedly]
Charbomme: I'll just... [looks around, then drops the deadheads he was carrying into a heap where he stands, then hurries off]
Mayor Dod looks around to see if the bodies are safely buried.
Mayor Dod relaxes when nothing appears out of place but the deadheads.
Ison: Yes, working on you sounds like fun to me. [smirk]
Riyyh goes to the stone table and benches in the garden's center.
Riyyh: Would you care for refreshment? There are berries in season, and Cheia makes the most delightful ice drinks with them.
Ruby sticks out her injured leg.
Mayor Dod: Berry drinks?
Mayor Dod: It sounds delightfully exotic.
Ison: We can start with your foot.
Mytag: I'd be happy to get you some from the kitchen. If you like, Sectuib?
Ison takes Ruby outside and heads for the park.
Riyyh: Thank you, Mytag.
Ruby clings to Ison, enjoying the attention.
Mytag heads off to the kitchen.
Ruby sees Mytag coming out of the garden.
Riyyh smiles, and turns his full attention to the Mayor.
Ruby: Ison look! There is Mytag! I thought he was supposed to be in town with Riyyh?
Mayor Dod sits down on a stone bench.
Ison finds a nice spot under a big old tree and gently places Ruby down.
Riyyh projects the charming-old-rogue/interested-friendliness thing that is one of his best looks.
Riyyh sits down near him.
Ruby waves to Mytag.
Mayor Dod admires the effect.
Riyyh: So, how are your wife and daughters?
Ison shouts out "hello".
Riyyh has heard plenty about the one daughter, in connection to the soap factory explosion the week before, but would never let on such a thing of course.
Mytag sees Ison putting Ruby down and briefly admires his friend's quick work.
Mayor Dod: Fine, fine. Very clean, actually.
Mayor Dod: And how are your members?
Riyyh chuckles good-sportingly.
Riyyh: Oh, we have our ups and downs, of course, but on the whole we are having a very good month.
Mayor Dod: Ah. I'm glad to hear that.
Mytag heads over to where Ison has set Ruby.
Mytag: Well well well, not interrupting anything am I?
Ison massages Ruby's foot and ankle.
Ison: No not at all, where have you been?
Riyyh: Strawberries are up due to the increased fashionability of out-territory cuisine, and we spent the surplus cash on a new stained-glass window for the administrative building.
Riyyh is very pleased about that last.
Mayor Dod: I see.
Mayor Dod: Tell me, do you put water on your strawberries?
Mytag: The Mayor came up here to save us the trip to town.
Mytag: He and Sectuib are in the garden now, I was just going to get some cold berry juice.
Riyyh figures it wouldn't hurt to let his pal the mayor in on a little Householding secret.
Riyyh: No, we grow them under adobe.
Ison: Oh, Ruby did want to see the Mayor too. Shame her ankle is so sore [grins at Mytag]
Mayor Dod frowns.
Mytag: What happened to your ankle, cousin?
Riyyh zlins the Mayor, concerned by the frown.
Ruby: Well, I don't suppose we should interrupt them. Should we? ~ hopefully ~
Mayor Dod: Well, then, if you're not watering your strawberries, why is Naros using twice the water it usually does?
Mayor Dod: ~~ confusion ~~
Mayor Dod: Doesn't make sense.
Ruby: Ison hurt my ankle. ~pout~
Ison: No, your ankle is much too bad for you to be roaming around today.
Riyyh's normally affable and intelligent expression veers momentarily into the range of baffled.
Ruby: You could carry me. [flutters both eyelids and nager at him]
Ison: I did no such thing, it was those ridiculous things she calls shoes that did it.
Mytag: I'd better go get the drinks.
Riyyh: Twice as much? Really?
Mytag: I'll catch you later.
Mayor Dod: That's what the water plant says.
Mytag heads back to his deferred duty.
Ison: OK, later Mytag.
Riyyh frowns.
Mayor Dod: They can hardly keep up.
Ison ignores the obvious attempt from Ruby to coerce him into taking her.
Riyyh: That's very odd. We haven't done any extra manufacturing or expanded the agricultural programs... and we are even in the process of doing a total maintenance sweep of all the plumbing and electrical systems in the compound.
Riyyh: No untoward problems have been reported by the persons performing the inspections, but perhaps I should inquire just to make sure.
Ruby looks crestfallen.
Mayor Dod: That would be very helpful.
Ison knows that Riyyh wants a little distance from Ruby at present too.
Mayor Dod gives his best smile.
Riyyh struggles mightily, and manages to convert his worry into a constructively appeasing grin.
Ison: I am not that unbearable to be with am I?
Mytag organizes the jug of juice and teases a tart out of Cheia while he is there.
Riyyh: Rest assured, we'll get to the bottom of this. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Ruby smiles flatteringly at him.
Ruby: Oh Ison, no! You are wonderful to be with.
Mayor Dod: Such cooperation makes my job much easier.
Ruby: It's just that... well... never mind.
Riyyh: Oh, and you must remember to thank those alert workers down at the water plant, for being so vigilant.
Riyyh: Perhaps a gift?
Ison: See, there you go again. Right then.
Mytag returns with the jug and glasses and puts them on the table, pouring three glasses and handing them to the two while licking the remaining jam off his lip.
Mytag: Here we go, Mayor, Sectuib.
Riyyh: Oh, thank you, Mytag.
Mayor Dod takes a glass.
Ruby: What?
Ruby: ~ confused ~
Ison: That infernal never mind thingy.
Mayor Dod: Strawberry juice, you say?
Mytag splutters.
Riyyh: No no! [chuckles]
Riyyh: Huckleberry.
Ison: OK, I am not letting you out of it this time. What were you going to say?
Ruby: What was I going to say when?
Riyyh double-checks the color of his own drink before sipping it.
Mayor Dod: Huckleberry?
Ison: You said "it's just that... well" and stopped, followed by "never mind".
Riyyh: Mind the juice; it stains something fierce.
Mayor Dod: I thought those were for pies.
Mytag: We aren't that antipolitical that we would try to murder you Mayor... errrr....
Ison: Like always.
Ison: So come on out with it, what were you going to say?
Mayor Dod sips cautiously.
Ruby: I have no idea what you are going on about.
Ruby: ~ mild annoyance ~
Riyyh: It's not pure huckleberries. It's in a base of white and red grape juices.
Riyyh: Good, hey?
Ison stops massaging and starts tickling her foot instead. "Now, what ere you going to say?"
Riyyh sips his again, being very careful so as not to stain his lips an embarrassing shade of dark purple.
Ruby: Oh, Ison, stop!
Ruby is unbearably ticklish.
Mayor Dod: Very.
Ruby wiggles under his hands and shrieks with laughter.
Mayor Dod: You know, my mother used to do a trick with berry juice.
Ison moves over Ruby and tickles her ribs. "Tell me."
Riyyh thinks it's not as good as the liquor produced by the Householding also.
Mytag hears Ruby's laughter and mentally congratulates Ison... hold on, Ison is due for transfer in about a week.
Riyyh: Oh? Do tell!
Mayor Dod: Yes.
Riyyh wonders if the Mayor is actually going to tell him what the trick is, or was just teasing.
Mytag wonders if Riyyh recognizes (or can zlin) who the laughter is coming from.
Mayor Dod drinks down his juice and inspects the empty glass.
Mayor Dod: This should do.
Ruby: Oh Ison! Stop stop!
Ruby: Ison!!!!!!
Mayor Dod looks around for a hose.
Ison: OK, I'll let you off this time.
Ruby: ~ frustration and pleasure ~
Riyyh hears Ruby's shrieks, and Ison's lower voice, and is relieved he is succeeding in keeping her attention.
Mayor Dod: You have to dilute the juice, first.
Ison stands. "So, forgotten about the ankle yet?"
Riyyh: Hmmm.
Ruby: It's fine, I guess.
Riyyh glances over at a standing garden spigot he knows is in a flowerbed nearby... and frowns as he notices a frontline of water creeping slowly through the grass toward them.
Ruby looks wistfully towards the garden.
Ison: How about we go have those showers now then?
Ruby blinks rapidly.
Ruby: You want me to have a shower with you?
Ison: Sure, why not?
Ison: Saves water.
Mayor Dod follows Riyyh's glance.
Ison: Besides, I'll have to be there to catch you in case your ankle gives out.
Riyyh gets up and goes over to the faucet, thinking somebody left it on.
Ruby: I think not!
Ruby: Anyway, I'm not the smelly one!
Mayor Dod follows, squelching through the puddle.
Mayor Dod: How long has that been on?
Ison: Smelly?
Ison grumbles.
Mytag watches with interest.
Mytag: Sprung a leak?
Riyyh: It's not on... it's leaking out of this loose connection.
Riyyh starts turning the nut with his fingers and tentacles, eventually tightening it under augmentation until the leak is stopped.
Riyyh is now a bit disgruntled.
Riyyh: This was inspected last week!
Ison helps Ruby to her feet and starts off.
Mayor Dod: Who inspected it?
Riyyh: I don't remember right off hand, I only remember reading the report. I'll have to check my records.
Riyyh waves his tentacles to dry them, unwilling to sully his clothes.
Ison: Are you coming, Rubes?
Riyyh: I promise you I will investigate this problem to the best of my ability. [reassuringly, to the Mayor]
Ruby hobbles after Ison, then stops to remove her shoes.
Ruby is noticeably short(er) without shoes.
Ruby: I do wish you wouldn't call me that, Ison.
Ison turns back and sees her discomfort.
Ison bends down low, and picks her up again.
Mayor Dod: Well, if it's just a faulty inspection, that's easy enough to fix.
Ison: Oh sorry Rubes, I won't do it again.
Mayor Dod: I'm sure you have a member who knows plumbing.
Ison heads inside.
Ruby wraps her arms and nager around him.
Ison feels secure with her in his arms.
Riyyh: We have several, in fact, all of whom are involved in the maintenance program.
Riyyh thought they knew about plumbing anyway, when he assigned them to the task.
Mayor Dod: Well, then, I'm sure the problem will be fixed soon.
Riyyh: Yes, yes, thank you for your vote of confidence.
Riyyh: Well, now that the deed of notifying me has been done, I am sure you have plenty of Mayorly business to attend to?
Riyyh is not trying to get rid of the Mayor, just speaking from experience.
Mayor Dod: Thank you for the juice, Sectuib Riyyh, but I really must be going.
Riyyh: Of course. I understand. ~~ sincere ~~
Mayor Dod: I'm sure you do.
Mayor Dod starts walking.
Riyyh manages to look sincerely affectionate while privately thinking that between his daughter and the Town Council the Mayor certainly has his hands full.
Riyyh moves along with Mayor Dod, escorting him back in the general direction of the gate.
Mayor Dod: I'm so glad to have had the chance for a personal visit.
Mytag: Perhaps the Mayor would like to look around the Household while he is here?
Riyyh: And we are so delighted to have had you.
Riyyh mentally thinks, Shen!
Mayor Dod excels at personal visits, since they generate votes.
Mayor Dod: Do let me know if I can be of assistance in any way.
Mayor Dod flashes his teeth in Riyyh's direction one more time.
Mayor Dod steps through the gate.
Riyyh: Good bye, Mayor Dod. [cheerily]
Riyyh watches him off down the road.
Mytag: He was cheerful.
Mytag can't work it out.
Mytag: Did that seem odd to you?
Riyyh: I don't know, I suppose a fellow who can stay Mayor as long as he has must have extraordinary powers of optimism.
Mytag is disappointed that it was nothing more exiting than water.
Mytag picks up the jug and hands it to Riyyh.
Mytag picks up the glasses.
Riyyh lets his tentacles linger on Mytag's skin for a moment as the jug changes hands.
Mytag switches to professional mode.
Riyyh: Ah, Mytag. Always the Tecton Donor.
Riyyh: [slightly regretful fondness]
Mytag: Something wrong Sectuib? Riyyh.
Riyyh: No no, of course not. I just... it's silly of me, but sometimes I wish we still had the old ways, when there was no Tecton rotation.
Riyyh was actually alive during that! Wow.
Mytag: I can honestly say that I'm glad to be back in a Household after working in a Tecton run Center.
Mytag: I have never seen so many disasters in such a short period of time.
Mytag: Did you know, we actually had one channel there who developed a phobia for the lobby?
Riyyh's eyebrows raise, his curiosity piqued.
Riyyh: Was he mentally unstable?
Mytag: I never really came to a conclusion about that.
Mytag: He certainly needed a lot of work.
Mytag: It's much more relaxing here! Although I think that anybody who trained there would have to be a damn good Donor just to survive!
Riyyh: Well, now you're back here, where everybody is perfectly sane. [protectively]
Riyyh takes Mytag's other hand.
Mytag: ~ agrees ~
Riyyh uses tentacles since his and Mytag's actual hands are full of glassware.
Mytag concentrates on not breaking glasses.
Riyyh: Shall we return to the festival materials?
Riyyh: [testing - engagingly]
Mytag: Ah yes, the solstice.
Riyyh and Mytag return to Riyyh's office to discuss the plans.
Wolfa finishes the monthly crop reports and carefully files them just in case anyone ever asks to see them.
Wolfa: [no one has ever done so yet, but you never know]
Riyyh: So... about these giant puppets.
Riyyh: What do you think about taking the traditional maypole, and making it into a puppet that looks like, say, a woman? And the streamers from the maypole could form her skirt?
Mytag: Sounds pretty.
Mytag is impressed.
Mytag: We get the kids from the school to do the dance?
Riyyh: I sort of thought we all could do it.
Riyyh: Although, come to think of it, there wouldn't be enough room for all....
Mytag: At the same time?
Riyyh: Yes, the children would enjoy it. [smiles]
Mostan comes in the door carrying four large suitcases with great difficulty.
Wolfa looks up from her filing, then gets up to greet the stranger.
Wolfa: Can I help you?
Mostan puts down the suitcases, a rather lengthy process.
Mostan: Greetings. I'm Mostan. From Bender Cove.
Wolfa looks in surprise at the suitcases.
Wolfa: Yes?
Wolfa wonders if paperwork from the Tecton has gone missing again.
Mostan: I've been transferred here.
Mostan squats down to open up one of the suitcases slightly and stick his tentacles in.
Wolfa: Oh not again! Can't the Tecton ever get the paperwork to us before the people arrive!
Mostan stops as he pulls out paperwork from the suitcase. "Is there a problem?"
Wolfa pulls out some forms from the bottom drawer, under the forms requesting fertilizer from the egg farm.
Wolfa: Not for you, only me. Don't worry about it, Mostan wasn't it?
Mostan: Yes.
Wolfa: We just didn't get any forewarning of your arrival. But you are welcome of course.
Wolfa starts.
Wolfa: Did you say Bender Cove?
Mostan closes the suitcase and stands up to come over with the papers.
Mostan: I just got these a few days ago.
Wolfa takes the papers.
Wolfa: You did say Bender Cove! Why, you would know Ison and Mytag then!
Mostan stretches his arms and looks around.
Mostan: Hmmm? They are here?
Wolfa: Yes! They arrived home just a few days ago!
Wolfa is delighted.
Wolfa: Well, just leave your bags there, the paperwork can wait. I can't wait to see Riyyh's face.
Wolfa: Come on!
Wolfa rushes down to Riyyh's room and opens the door without signaling.
Mostan smiles and follows Wolfa.
Wolfa: Riyyh, Mytag, we have a new channel!
Wolfa looks as pleased as if she just served him in change over herself.
Mostan follows along and waves to them both.
Mytag stands up.
Mytag: Mostan! What brings you here!
Riyyh: Greetings! Wel---
Riyyh pauses as Mytag obviously recognizes the channel.
Wolfa grins wildly.
Mostan: Hello Mytag. How are you doing?
Wolfa: Riyyh, this is Mostan from Bender Cove.
Mytag gives him a nageric welcome.
Riyyh struggles to control his alarm and put a big grin on his face instead.
Riyyh: My, my... Bender Cove sending us somebody? How unusual!
Mytag: Fine! Pleased to see you friend!
Riyyh: And, what a, a pleasant surprise.
Riyyh: ~~ nager solidifies into a firm and sincere welcome ~~
Wolfa: Why don't I arrange for some tea?
Wolfa rushes out.
Riyyh: Please, please, have a seat. You must be exhausted.
Riyyh offers Mostan a seat.
Mytag: Did you come alone?
Mostan is ~~ tired ~~ with aching arms and posterior, and sits down gratefully.
Mostan: I left the Donor Escort at the station. He had to catch another train to get back in a hurry, and I didn't thing it would be too far to get here. ~~ regret ~~
Mytag: Well, you are here now.
Riyyh adjusts the ambient in the office to be pleasant and relaxing.
Riyyh has spent many years perfecting the art of the "light conversational ambient".
Wolfa returns with the tea on a tray.
Wolfa puts a plate of tarts on the desk and pours the tea.
Riyyh: Please pardon my earlier surprise. You see, we rarely receive assignments for Tecton channels here, and when we do they usually come from Kavrol, our sister-House.
Mytag: So, how are things at Bender Cove since we left? How is Darrel's lobby phobia?
Riyyh smiles at Wolfa.
Riyyh is looking particularly handsome in his gold-and-silver cloak, which sets off his silvering, once-blonde hair beautifully. 1
Mostan: Yeah. Well BC is in an odd state right now. There are a lot of new rensimes showing up on the rolls, and they're having to bring in more talent.
Mytag: Oh? Why is that?
Mostan: I think I'm a token to show they do let people go sometimes.
Wolfa: Tart?
Wolfa offers Mostan the plate.
Mostan: Well, something about how the uh, 'informal' sector has had a significant shrinkage lately.
Mostan tries to decide if she is one.
Mytag looks confused, then alarmed.
Mytag: ~ concern ~
Mytag: What happened to Snake Farris?
Mostan shrugs. "No one knows. But she dropped out of sight."
Mostan: I'm told her health was bad.
Riyyh: Yes, thank you.
Riyyh somehow manages to say it in an extremely suggestive fashion.
Mostan decides not to mention the rumor that Snake juncted and either fled or was shipped to a disjunction camp.
Wolfa blushes, making her nose turn bright red.
Mytag: What about your friend that went to work with her?
Wolfa takes a seat and listens avidly, gossip being the main currency in Naros.
Mostan: ~~ worried ~~ "I don't know. I haven't heard anything."
Riyyh keeps his attention divided smoothly between Wolfa and Mostan, as he memorizes the details of the gossip.
Riyyh thinks this Mostan is a gold mine.
Mostan: Also, I thought I should get some perspective. I requested reassignment.
Wolfa: If they were short on channels in Bender Cove why did they let you go? Timing seems a bit odd doesn't it?
Mostan: Well, I'm not the most productive of channels, in view of my history.
Mytag tries to remember something about Mostan's history.
Mytag: Oh?
Riyyh subtly catches Wolfa's eye, in a come-hither fashion.
Mostan: I've only worked as a channel for the past six months. I was misidentified at changeover. ~~ bitter ~~
Wolfa ignores Riyyh, feeling that Mostan is much more interesting (at the moment anyway).
Wolfa: Oh how frustrating for you!
Mostan: Since I never used my secondary system in First Year, I have limited capacity even for a 3rd.
Mostan is glad someone appreciates what he went through.
Riyyh pouts slightly, then gives Mostan his full attention.
Wolfa radiates sympathy.
Riyyh: Well, I hope you are ready to work hard. We have our hands full with the people from the town. 2
Riyyh: You're much needed!
Riyyh is unaware he is speaking in a string of awful puns.
Mytag cringes.
Wolfa: You know who would be good working with Mostan, at least for the moment?
Mostan tries to look enthusiastic. "Glad to hear it."
Wolfa: Risha!
Riyyh: Hmmmm... yes, Wolfa, you're right.
Riyyh: But she wants to increase her production.
Wolfa: Oh, of course.
Riyyh: Well, there is time enough for this later. You must be starved, Mostan. How about we show you to your room, and get you something to eat?
Mostan: Yes that sounds good.
Wolfa: I suppose that Cheia is out of the question. She would jump at the chance of working with a channel but I don't think Zenik will like it.
Wolfa is still mentally running through people
Riyyh: Wolfa! [injured for Zenik and Cheia] They are engaged now, remember?
Mytag: How about I get him settled in? If that will be ok with you Riyyh?
Wolfa: Well I was just thinking....
Riyyh would chide Wolfa for trying to do his job for him, but then it would be more fun to let her help him, later.
Wolfa: ~ hurt ~
Mostan: I should eat before turnover.
Riyyh looks between Mytag and Wolfa.
Riyyh: Go ahead, Mytag.
Riyyh: Great having you, Mostan, and I'll look forward to talking to you in a little while.
Mytag bounds up, eager for gossip.
Mytag: Come on mate, lets get those bags!
Mostan: OK.
Mostan gets up.
Mytag: Wolfa, where will we put him?
Mostan goes back towards the entrance.
Wolfa thinks.
Wolfa: Well, until we work out who would suit him he had better just stay in the dorm for now. 3
Mytag: OK.
Mostan: OK, that's fine. ~~ not really ~~
Wolfa: It won't be for long, I promise.
Riyyh: Mostan?
Wolfa smiles at him.
Riyyh: If you are really that concerned about it, surely we can work something out...?
Riyyh looks to Wolfa.
Wolfa: Well, why don't you leave it for now, get something to eat, then come back.
Mostan: No, I don't want to make trouble.
Wolfa: By then we will probably have something sorted for you.
Mostan moves towards the door, and pauses. "Which way to the cafeteria?"
Mytag: Sounds good to me too. Wait until you eat the food here Mos, Cheia's a genius!
Mytag: Oh I know where it is! Come on.
Mytag leads Mostan out of the building and across the courtyard to the mess hall from where issues wonderful aromas.
Wolfa can't wait till they get out and shuts the door behind him.
Riyyh sighs and looks around at his desk.
Mostan sniffs at strange but attractive aromas.
Riyyh: That's odd, I don't seem to recall getting any paperwork on him...?
Wolfa: Well!
Riyyh picks up pieces of paper and moves them around searchingly.
Wolfa: We didn't! But that's nothing unusual!
Riyyh looks up and finds himself alone in the office with Wolfa.
Riyyh smiles.
Wolfa: He brought his file with him of course!
Mytag: So tell me Mostan, how is Alea and the baby?
Riyyh: Please let me see it at the earliest opportunity.
Wolfa: Who do we have that might suit him do you think?
Mostan looks around at the buildings surrounding the courtyard.
Riyyh means, before he interviews Mostan privately.
Wolfa: You want me to go get it now?
Riyyh: Yes.
Mostan: They are both doing well.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Wolfa scurries out to get it.
Mytag takes him into the hall and sits him down.
Mytag: Just sit here and let me wait on you, my friend. Can't have anyone saying the hospitality of Naros isn't up to standard!!!
Wolfa returns and hands the folder to Riyyh, moving behind him so that she can read over his shoulder.
Wolfa: You should see the number of bags he brought!
Mostan: All right.
Mostan sits down, trying to position himself to favor the sore bits from the long ride.
Mytag just about runs into the kitchen to give Cheia the news and arrange for the best meal Mostan has ever eaten.
Mytag returns and sits down opposite.
Mytag: Cheia, that's one of the cooks here, will bring something out soon. Have you ever been in a household before?
Riyyh enjoys her closeness, and it shows pleasantly in his nager.
Wolfa unconsciously relates to his field.
Wolfa: Do you have anyone in mind for him yet?
Riyyh reads through Mostan's file carefully, paying close attention to detail.
Riyyh: Sh shhh... I'm reading. [avidly]
Riyyh finally reaches the end of the file.
Wolfa reads with him.
Mostan: No, not since class tours way back when....
Riyyh: It really is true, all the things they say about that Sime Center.
Wolfa: Goodness! Lateral damage no less!
Wolfa: the poor poor man!
Riyyh: Do you see this? He was attacked by a religious fanatic? In the lobby, even.
Mostan fiddles with the condiments idly.
Mytag: You will love it here!
Mytag: All this country air, the people, the food....
Mostan: I hope so.
Riyyh ponders the available Donors.
Mostan: ~~ dubious ~~
Wolfa: You know what he would be perfect for?
Riyyh sighs.
Riyyh: Who?
Wolfa: First transfer for newly Established Gens who show an aptitude.
Mostan reflects on all the things he has always joked about with friends about householders and country hicks....
Wolfa: He is obviously a very gentle person.
Riyyh looks at Wolfa in mild incredulity.
Mytag: Talking about food....
Riyyh: Are you sweet on him, Wolfa?
Riyyh: ~ half teasing/half serious/half amused/half serious ~~
Wolfa looks defensive, on her face and in her field.
Mostan: No, I don't have any food allergies.
Wolfa: Really Riyyh, I hardly know him.
Riyyh: And I thought you liked me instead. [pouts slightly]
Wolfa: Oh Riyyh, I do!
Wolfa: Errr, well you are one of my dearest friends.
Riyyh: I brought Ison all the way back from Bender Cove just to distract her, and you haven't so much as said hello to me since then.
Riyyh: [injured]
Wolfa: And my Sectuib, of course.
Wolfa looks amazed
Riyyh: Of course. But I thought there was something more.
Wolfa melts.
Wolfa: What are you saying Riyyh?
Riyyh turns to look up at her, his expression open.
Riyyh: I thought that we might take this time to explore each others' interests...?
Wolfa zlins him curiously.
Wolfa is afraid of being hurt by him again.
Riyyh: ~~ the usual friendly/fatherly overtures mixed with vague subtle urges and contradictions ~~
Riyyh: ~~ truthful ~~
Mytag grins in expectation as Cheia brings the food out.
Mytag feels a bit mean, but doesn't invite Cheia to join them.
Mytag: Here you go, dig into that.
Mytag shows a mild amount of hunger to get Mostan started, figuring the taste of the food will do it's own job.
Wolfa is a bit confused.
Wolfa: Well, maybe we can talk about it later.
Wolfa: ~ flustered ~
Mostan picks up his utensils and looks over the food, trying to decide what it is.
Wolfa notices that her tentacles are weaving in and out like a crazy person's and tries to still herself.
Riyyh ventures a smile at her.
Riyyh: Of course.
Riyyh: ~~ gentle hope and longing ~~
Wolfa: Back to Mostan....
Wolfa clears her throat 'cause that sounded funny.
Wolfa tries to ignore the feelings coming from him.
Wolfa tries not to hope too much!
Wolfa: [be still my fluttering heart!]
Mytag: Go on, dig in!
Mostan tries the most generic looking item.
Mytag: It's all grown here right in the householding!
Mytag: We don't grow many tree fruits here, but if it grows on a vine, we grow it!
Riyyh zlins that Wolfa's heart is fluttering and smiles with a little more confidence.
Riyyh: Wolfa... you don't have to use work as an excuse to talk to me, you know.
Riyyh reaches up and touches the back of her hand with the tip of a tentacle.
Riyyh: ~~ fondness ~~
Wolfa presses her lips together primly.
Wolfa melts again.
Wolfa: Oh, Riyyh.
Wolfa: I know I don't, but there is always so much to do!
Riyyh gathers her fingers into his hand and then kisses the back of the fingers softly.
Mostan: I didn't know there were so many kinds of fruit.
Mytag: We have watermelon, butter melon, cantaloupe, passion fruit, huckleberries, blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries and strawberries.
Mostan looks up in alarm at the last.
Mytag: That's just the fruits of course, what you have there is veggies.
Mytag: And pasta.
Mytag: Oh don't worry, the strawberries are mostly for export.
Mostan feels reassured. Pasta he can deal with.
Mytag: We have them here for the kids, and some of the adult Gens still like them too.
Wolfa pulls her hand back.
Wolfa: ~ regretfully ~
Wolfa: Maybe we can discuss it - later?
Wolfa's heart is beating 20 to the dozen.
Mostan: Ah. Just so they are kept separate....
Riyyh: ~ sinking from brief delight toward loneliness ~
Mytag: Don't worry, we haven't had any fatalities this week.
Riyyh: If you would prefer.
Mytag: Only joking!!!
Riyyh schools his nager.
Riyyh: Allow me to ponder Mostan's assignment for a while.
Wolfa: Well, we have to find a partner for Mostan and somewhere for him to stay. Then if you have time I have the financial reports for you to look at.
Riyyh: It will not do to assign him to one of the ones who is looking for a permanent arrangement. We don't need any more broken hearts.
Riyyh: And really, after all these years, don't you trust me to do the matchmaking? [chidingly]
Wolfa looks interested.
Wolfa: Whose heart has been broken?
Riyyh affects a put out expression. "Wolfa! You know I never indulge in gossip!"
Wolfa nods.
Wolfa: Of course Riyyh, but as you know as your assistant I should be told if anyone is upset and it's going to affect the running of the household!
Riyyh: Anyway, I thought everybody knew about Leeta and Forbis not working out.
Mostan finds he is eating the various things with relish.
Mytag: The relish is good isn't it?
Riyyh: I mean, she did hit him with that frying pan on the way out the door.
Mostan: So where is the danger spot here?
Wolfa: No! Really!?
Riyyh: And all those whispered arguments in the hall near the front door....
Riyyh: You haven't heard about this? Really?
Mytag: Danger spot?
Mostan: Yes, I've never had anything like it. What is it?
Wolfa: I guess I've been busy!
Riyyh knew she hadn't; he knows just as much about who knows whose business as he knows about the business itself.
Mostan: Like the Lobby in BC.
Mytag: Oh no Mostan! We don't have anything like that!
Mytag: Everywhere is as safe as everywhere else.
Wolfa: Why did she do that?
Wolfa: Hit him I mean!
Wolfa: Are you going to caution her?
Mostan looks nervous. "Not safe anywhere?"
Riyyh: Oh, I think they let it go too long is all. They wanted to be more compatible than they really were.
Mytag: Well, you could be careful in the garden
Mostan: Ah. Another uppity statue?
Wolfa: That means you have to find new assignments for them!
Mytag: No... we just found a leaking tap and it's a bit muddy.
Riyyh: Wolfa. I've been doing this for over 30 years. You don't have to remind me. 4
Wolfa: Of course Sectuib, sorry.
Mostan: Ah. How much do plumbers charge to come all the way out here?
Riyyh smiles to soften the rebuke.
Mytag: We have a few in the household here.
Riyyh: But if it will make you feel any better, I'll be sure you're the first to know who I decide upon for Mostan. All right?
Wolfa had forgotten about Mostan in the excitement of the frying pan.
Mostan: Oh. The old Self-sufficiency bit?
Mytag: ~ defensive of his household ~
Mytag: Well, we are well established Mos.
Wolfa: Oh. Thank you Riyyh!
Wolfa softens towards him again.
Mostan looks chagrined. "Sorry."
Mostan: I'm just a city boy.
Mytag: No, I'm sorry.
Mytag looks ashamed.
Mytag: I shouldn't have jumped at you like that. Pride in one's household and all that.
Wolfa: Do you want me to leave you to it then? Or, maybe, stay...?
Wolfa: ~ hope ~
Mostan: Oh yeah, you're from here aren't you? I forgot.
Riyyh smiles at Wolfa.
Mytag: Yep, Naros born and bred.
Riyyh: Would you like to work in here for a while? I'd enjoy the company.
Riyyh actually can't stand to be alone and with Mytag and Ruby elsewhere, Wolfa is a more than welcome substitute.
Notes:
1) Once light brown, actually, as is established in later episodes. [return]
2) This must have been a temporary situation, as it was later established that the Narosians are habitually underworked as channels and Donors. [return]
3) The "dorm" is probably communal housing for young people who aren't married but don't want to live with their parents. Naros was later established to not have dorms in the same sense the Sime Centers in the game do, although there are guest cottages. [return]
4) Over 40, actually, but who's counting? [return]