Sime~Gen Roleplaying: Householding Naros Scenario
Episode #5: Splitting Heirs (8/25/98)
Ruby carefully applies a second coat of nail varnish to her toe nails.
Ruby puts the lid on the bottle and carefully examines her finger nails to see if they could use a third coat.
Riyyh eyes the pile of reports he hasn't done yet.
Riyyh then glances back to see if what Ruby is doing is more interesting.
Ruby decides that her nails are perfect just the way they are.
Ruby: Have you heard if the new shipment of books has come in yet?
Ruby is waiting, not very patiently, for her order of Companion Monthly back issues.
Riyyh: I don't know. Should we go down and have a look?
Riyyh sits up, eager to have a legitimate reason to avoid the pile Wolfa had left.
Riyyh doesn't actually want to give Wolfa any trouble, he's just having a very hard time getting down to business today.
Ruby: Riyyh, my nails aren't dry!
Ruby: You go, I don't want to smudge them. I'll wait here.
Ruby: ~ determined ~
Riyyh looks mildly surprised by her insistence.
Riyyh: Very well, then... if you think it's best...?
Riyyh gets up and goes out of their office.
Riyyh walks outside and immediately his spirits are lifted.
Riyyh: Ah, what a beautiful day.
Riyyh starts walking towards the gate, where the receiving area is.
Mytag is down in dispatch, sorting into piles the week's imports.
Riyyh looks around at the peaceful countryside and sighs with pleasure at the idyllic setting, then goes inside.
Mytag looks up as Riyyh enters. "Good morning Riyyh, Ruby not with you?"
Mytag doesn't want to admit that he has been avoiding Ruby lately.
Riyyh smiles in good-natured teasing. "No, she's back at the office. Why do you ask, were you hoping I was lonely?"
Riyyh looks for a box that might be the size of the book order.
Riyyh: Actually, Ruby sent me down here. She's all in a knot over her Monthlies.
Riyyh doesn't realize what he just said.
Mytag looks at Riyyh in surprise at his frankness.
Mytag: Oh really?
Riyyh locates a packing knife and cuts open a likely-looking box.
Riyyh then slits open the manifest window, pulls out the manifest, and reads it.
Riyyh: Oh! These are the new rod pockets.
Mytag: What is it you are looking for? I've been through most of it.
Riyyh digs in the box and pulls one out, curious [setting the manifest aside on some other shelf]
Mytag: Rod pockets?
Riyyh: For curtains. [holds one up for Mytag to see]
Mytag: Ah. [immediately loses interest] There is a new strand of trin here. I put all the kitchen gear together there [points] and the medical equipment there [points] and the gardening supplies there [points]
Riyyh sets it down (a few feet away from the box) and investigates another box.
Riyyh: I'm looking for Ruby's reading materials, I thought that might help cheer her up.
Mytag: There is a pile of Companion Monthly... Oh! [just understands what Riyyh was talking about]
Riyyh: Wasn't there a book order due to come in from... oh, I see.
Riyyh looks around.
Mytag: ~ understanding ~
Riyyh blinks innocently.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Mytag: There are some other books there too, for the library I gather.
Mytag: We are getting together a rather good library now.
Mytag knows that because he has taken over the ordering.
Riyyh walks over to the Monthly area and thumbs through them, trying to guess whether they are all Ruby's or just some of them.
Riyyh: Well, that's very nice. You know, the library has always been a centerpost of life here at Naros. Er, that is, between the planting, and the tending, and the harvest, and repairing all the tools, and the festivals, and....
Mytag: I ordered some new text books on channeling and transfer for the 1st Year school.
Mytag: The old ones were way out of date.
Riyyh: Oh? That's very thoughtful of you, Mytag.
Riyyh smiles encouragingly.
Mytag: Yes, I also got some books on more modern farming techniques.
Riyyh looks puzzled.
Mytag goes over to the pile of book boxes and starts going through them.
Mytag: I hope they turned up.
Riyyh is way too nice to contradict Mytag's implication about their current farming techniques, however.
Riyyh: Well, that was good thinking. [tries to smile genuinely, which is a fairly good success]
Riyyh wonders if their farming techniques are unfashionable, and frowns to himself.
Mytag is made aware of the time by an empty feeling around his middle.
Mytag: Must be getting close to lunch time. Have you eaten yet today? Care to join me?
Riyyh perks up at getting the personal attention.
Riyyh: Why of course. That would be delightful.
Mytag: Should you tell Ruby?
Mytag doesn't want Ruby to join them much, he spends most of his time lately avoiding the "blind dates" that she and her mother Emerald keep setting him up with.
Riyyh zlins Mytag's answer to his own question.
Riyyh: Well, I shan't be gone too long, I think she'll be okay for a few minutes?
Riyyh hopes he got that right.
Mytag also doesn't want Ruby's anger down on his back for keeping Riyyh away from her, either.
Mytag sighs and considers, Ruby now, or Ruby later....
Mytag decides that Ruby later sounds good.
Mytag: OK, I'll finish this later then.
Mytag, in his typical Gen fashion, starts to decide what he will have for lunch before they even leave the room.
Riyyh: I haven't seen much of you lately, Mytag.
Mytag: Talking about Ruby....
Riyyh: Yes?
Mytag: No, well, I guess you have been busy.
Riyyh: What about Ruby?
Mytag: Well, Riyyh, to be frank, it wouldn't be a bad idea if you had an heir.
Mytag: I mean, ensure the succession and all that.
Riyyh's eyes widen.
Riyyh: Et tu, Mytag?
Riyyh: ~wounded~
Mytag: People do talk, and there is a lot of talk around in that direction.
Riyyh squirms, unaware that this is one of his more adorable actions.
Riyyh: Well, yes, they do, but a person can't live their life by gossip.
Riyyh: Leastwise the Sectuib of a House.
Riyyh is thinking "Who are you and what have you done with Mytag?"
Riyyh thinks those Bender Cove people have put some awfully strange ideas into Mytag's head.
Mytag: But as Sectuib you have a responsibility to your people.
Riyyh does like and respect Mytag, though, so he worries that Mytag may be right.
Riyyh: Yes, Mytag, I understand that. ~squirm squirm~
Mytag: We just wish you would think about it more. [and do something about it too]
Riyyh: Well, that is very kind of you, er, what does this have to do with Ruby?
Riyyh hopes it isn't what he thinks.
Mytag: ~ surprise ~
Mytag: Everyone sort of takes it for granted that Ruby would be the mother of your children.
Riyyh stops and stares at Mytag, wearing a perfect expression of pitiful lost cuteness.
Mytag wishes that Riyyh wouldn't look at him that way, it makes him feel like a mother cat.
Riyyh: But Mytag.
Mytag: You mean there is someone else?
Mytag thinks Ruby is going to be horrified when he tells her.
Mytag can't wait.
Riyyh sighs and turns away, smoothing back his hair.
Riyyh: Well, it's possible, I mean, there are so many people here I care about deeply.
Mytag: Well Riyyh, you aren't getting any younger!
Mytag regrets these words as soon as they are out of his mouth.
Mytag: I mean, not that you are old or anything.
Mytag puts his other foot in his mouth.
Riyyh turns back and looks at Mytag again, this time actually looking a bit older.
Mytag: Just you have to plan ahead, for the good of the Household....
Mytag wishes he had stopped talking an hour ago - before he started.
Riyyh: Mytag, Mytag, my friend. Must you?
Mytag thinks that someone must.
Riyyh reaches for Mytag's hands.
Riyyh: Really, everything will be fine.
Riyyh: I know they will.
Mytag: What's the problem Riyyh? Ruby not getting you post or something?
Riyyh: You don't have to worry about [chokes]
Riyyh: Mytag! What kind of a question is that! [trying not to laugh]
Mytag: ~ concern ~
Riyyh throws Mytag's hands away playfully.
Riyyh: You're just jealous.
Mytag: I am?
Mytag: What of?
Mytag wasn't aware that he was jealous, but he is prepared to take his Sectuib's word for it.
Riyyh: What does have you acting this way, Mytag?
Riyyh studies Mytag in some concern.
Riyyh: Ever since you came back from Bender Cove, you've been different.
Riyyh thinks, too serious and always thinking about drudgery.
Mytag sighs. "Put it down to professional concern, Riyyh."
Riyyh: Professional concern?
Riyyh now looks like a father whose child has grown up and become a famous neurosurgeon without him quite noticing it had happened.
Riyyh: ~bewilderment/hurt/pride~
Mytag flusters.
Mytag: Well, Ruby insinuates... I mean, I heard, I mean it came to my attention.
Riyyh: Well, I thank you for your very... professional.. concern.
Riyyh: ~~sincere~~
Mytag: Oh shedoni Riyyh. Just think about having a kid will ya?
Riyyh winces.
Riyyh: I will. I'll think about it, Mytag.
Riyyh starts trying to get away, edging farther from Mytag.
Mytag opens the door of the group dining room for Riyyh to enter.
Riyyh: And maybe it's a good idea. Yes, I'll definitely think... ah [sees door]
Riyyh sighs and goes in.
Mytag: Come on, have some lunch. I promise I won't mention it again.
Riyyh perks up slightly at the mention of no more mentioning the unmentionable.
Riyyh wonders just what Ruby has been saying to Mytag.
Riyyh wonders just when she's been saying it... can't remember seeing them together any time recently.
Riyyh frowns to himself.
Mytag: What would you like for lunch? [picks up a plate and starts creating a masterpiece of a sandwich]
Riyyh smiles, covering the frown.
Riyyh: Your call?
Mytag adds some Sime-only food groups to the sandwich and transfers it from his own plate to Riyyh's.
Mytag: Try that on for size.
Mytag starts on a new creation.
Riyyh: Thank you. [sighs at the size of it]
Mytag takes the new sandwich for a walk to a empty table. Due to the early nature of their lunch all the tables are empty.
Riyyh sits near Mytag.
Riyyh nibbles the sandwich appreciatively.
Riyyh: Vegimite and banana... very unusual, Mytag, but I like it.
Riyyh thinks a lot more than Mytag's personality has been affected by that crazy Bender Cove place.
Tictoc zlins the Sectuib eating in the dining room as she walks by, and goes in to take the opportunity to talk to him.
Riyyh takes another bite of his vegimite, banana, mushroom and cucumber sandwich.
Riyyh zlins Tictoc coming and sighs for his so-called peaceful escape from paperwork.
Riyyh smiles, physically and nagerically.
Riyyh: Hello, Tictoc!
Mytag: Contains high amounts of phosphorus and yeast. Also vitamin B and [meaningful pause] E.
Riyyh: Would you like to join us?
Riyyh hopes Mytag wasn't meaning to insinuate anything by that comment about Vitamin E.
Tictoc: Thank you, Sectuib. I have been trying to reach you for a few days now.
Riyyh: You have?
Riyyh: ~puzzled~
Tictoc gives him a look that clearly says she knows that he has been avoiding her.
Riyyh: Oh.
Tictoc: Yes... About your annual physical.
Riyyh: I'm terribly sorry abou... oh.
Riyyh: ~trepidation~
Riyyh: Well, I'm glad you finally found me.
Riyyh: [weakly]
Tictoc has been increasingly disturbed by the number of rumors flying around about the Sectuib's health.
Tictoc: Are you free this afternoon?
Riyyh: Why... er... yes, as a matter of fact.
Tictoc would have preferred to do it with his stomach empty, but isn't going to pass up the opportunity to grab him while he is grabbable.
Riyyh: I must bring Ruby her magazines, and finish eating with Mytag here, but other than that....
Riyyh hopes Mytag doesn't volunteer to bring Ruby's magazines over.
Tictoc examines the sandwich.
Riyyh: Would you like some?
Riyyh offers it to her.
Tictoc clears her throat. "No, thank you Sectuib."
Tictoc watches Mytag eat with Gen appetite.
Tictoc: I'll continue my work, and I'll see you in my office about an hour from now?
Tictoc approves of the amount of vitamin E rich food in the sandwich.
Riyyh is relieved at the delay.
Riyyh: All right.
Riyyh is sure something very pressing and Sectuibly will come up in the next hour... it always does.
Mytag gives a nageric farewell, his hands and mouth too busy with the food.
Tictoc leaves they to their lunch.
Riyyh looks at the sandwich, suddenly having no appetite.
Riyyh suppresses a sigh and, for Mytag's benefit, eats some more sandwich.
Mytag finishes off his sandwich.
Mytag: Would you like me to take the magazines to Ruby for you?
Riyyh gulps.
Mytag can't wait to tell Ruby that she isn't going to be the mother of the Sectuib's children.
Riyyh: No! Er, please, don't inconvenience yourself on my account.
Mytag: It's no bother.
Mytag: I'll be carting books to the library this afternoon anyway.
Riyyh: Oh. Okay, then.
Riyyh really wanted to waste time before the physical, but also doesn't want to be a jerk about it to Mytag who is just trying to be nice after all.
Mytag brightens up considerably.
Riyyh realizes he made the right decision when he zlins how much happier Mytag is now.
Riyyh smiles.
Mytag: I'll get those books on modern farming methods to you as soon as I unpack them too. It's amazing what they are doing with intensive farming these days.
Riyyh: Oh. Thank you.
Mytag: Did you get around to the letter from South Bay yet? The one about the disjunction?
Mytag passes a cup of trin to Riyyh.
Riyyh takes the tea.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Riyyh: Oh, this is nice. From the south field again? The Freisa Yellows?
Mytag: I didn't look. About the letter?
Riyyh thinks back over the letters he hasn't handled yet, today.
Mytag: Are we going to take them in?
Riyyh: It's on my desk right now, I believe. I was just going to answer letters when Ruby sent me out to....
Riyyh: Yes. Yes, I think so.
Mytag: ~ relieved ~
Riyyh: I mean, we aren't exactly founded on intolerance. What would people think if we said no?
Mytag: I can't believe, after my stint at BC, that the Tecton can really handle difficult disjunctions.
Mytag: They just don't have the, the, sympathy.
Riyyh looks at Mytag curiously.
Mytag gets all worked up over the topic of disjunctions and the Tecton.
Riyyh: We've got someone else coming, too. Nubby's nephew changed over, he's bringing his sister with him.
Mytag: You have to make them prefer the channel over the Gen, and how can anyone prefer a channel when they are lecturing at you all the time?
Riyyh blinks at Mytag's vehemence.
Mytag stops and drops down a few gears.
Mytag: Who?
Riyyh smiles kindly at him.
Riyyh hopes he has never given anybody the opportunity to accuse him of lecturing.
Riyyh: Nubby the plowman? His sister left two children, twins, to be raised by a neighbor. He'd promised they could come here when they changed over.
Riyyh: I agreed to it years ago.
Mytag: Nubby? The renSime over in Fertilisers?
Mytag: Oh that Nubby.
Riyyh: A shame, those two, being raised with no parents.
Riyyh: I can only hope we can make them a decent home here.
Riyyh: Nubby will take them in, of course. He can use a couple more sets of tentacles around the barn and fields.
Mytag: Why didn't they kids come here when they were younger? We could have taken them in.
Riyyh: I asked Nubby about that at the time. He said that... [hesitates]
Riyyh doesn't want to say what Nubby actually said, which was "They're her brats, and they shenned well can stay there until she sobers up and fetches them!"
Mytag: Yes?
Mytag: ~ curious ~
Riyyh: Apparently there was some issue of parental rights and custody.
Riyyh smiles, pleased by his compromise.
Riyyh: Actually I had more than a little to do with his inviting them here when they became adult.
Riyyh thinks Nubby would have just as soon forgotten they existed.
Riyyh hopes their actually showing up isn't going to cause any unforseen difficulties.
Mytag: But that's not going to be an issue. I guess once they are adults it's up to them.
Riyyh nods.
Mytag nods.
Mytag: Well, I best get the magazines to Ruby and give her the news. You had better get over for your physical.
Riyyh: Has it been an hour already?!
Riyyh groans inwardly.
Mytag gets up.
Mytag: I'll see you later - I'll drop those books off.
Riyyh waves as Mytag leaves.
Riyyh thinks it's really only been about 10 minutes.
Riyyh gets up and busses their dishes, then walks outside again.
Mytag can't wait to tell Ruby.
Riyyh stops outside the cafeteria door and looks up at the beautiful blue sky.
Wolfa rushes outside and collides with Mytag.
Riyyh inhales deeply of the air, and sighs.
Wolfa: Oh sorry Mytag! I'm just, I can't, I have to hurry!
Wolfa keeps rushing down the path.
Riyyh decides he can wait another 50 minutes before going over to the infirmary to get checked out.
Wolfa: Riyyh!!!! Riyyh!
Riyyh decides to stroll down to the herb gardens and speak to the gardeners about rotating the beds next year.
Riyyh hears something that sounds a bit like somebody shrieking his name.
Riyyh: Oh dear.
Wolfa rushes over to him.
Riyyh looks around and, as a final resort, zlins.
Riyyh: Ah... Wolfa. [ruefully]
Riyyh: Is everything all right?
Riyyh: [kindly]
Wolfa: Riyyh!
Wolfa: No! Everything is not all right!
Riyyh: ~concern~
Riyyh: Tell me, what's wrong?
Wolfa: That form I gave you to fill in last Wednesday? The Tecton form? About the number of Establishments and possible Donor classes?
Riyyh frowns slightly.
Riyyh: Yes, I gave that back to you. Didn't I sign it?
Wolfa: Tell me you filled it out and sent it off. Please tell me that it's their fault and not ours that they never got it!
Wolfa: You gave it to me?
Riyyh: Wolfa, Wolfa dear. Please calm down. I'm sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for all of this.
Wolfa puts a tentacle to her forehead.
Riyyh touches her forearm gently.
Wolfa: I don't remember you giving it to me!
Riyyh: ~~mellow~~
Wolfa is really worried now.
Wolfa: There is a rep from the Tecton here now! In your office - with Ruby!
Riyyh: Why don't we go back and have a look on my desk just in case, and... oh, I see.
Wolfa thinks that this is a very good reason to panic.
Riyyh: Now, now, don't you worry. I'll handle everything.
Riyyh: ~~kindly/fatherly/Sectuibly/awfully damned cute too~~
Wolfa feels much, much better with Riyyh around, although she knows that she damn well shouldn't.
Wolfa: I had better come too.
Riyyh: Certainly.
Riyyh hopes she calms down a little bit, he wouldn't want her to exhaust herself or anything.
Riyyh: I'm sure you will see everything is just fine. [soothes]
Riyyh leads the way back to his office.
Riyyh walks into his office, the perfect embodiment of the gentle yet competent Sectuib, and looking quite distinguished in his silver-and-gold cape and graying locks.
Carmikel sits in the office with Ruby, looking stunned and wishing that Warren were there.
Ruby: And then I wanted to go to the Tecton to work for awhile at least but mumma said that I would be better off staying here where I was appreciated than to go to a group of strangers... oh Riyyh, you are back
Riyyh: Hello. Welcome to Householding Naros. I am Sectuib Riyyh. ~~genial/welcoming/kindly~~
Ruby: This is Hajene Carmikel.
Carmikel gets up, grateful for the interruption.
Riyyh: Have you come a long way? May I offer you any tea? Refreshments?
Carmikel: Hajene, I'm so reliev... pleased to meet you.
Carmikel: Not so very far today, and no, thank you, nothing just now.
Riyyh nods.
Riyyh: Please, then, have a seat.
Riyyh sits down at his large, friendly-looking Sectuibly desk.
Riyyh moves the big stack of today's letters over to one side.
Riyyh: How may I be of assistance?
Carmikel: I've been sent because of the problems we are having with high order Donors.
Carmikel keeps his back to Ruby.
Riyyh: Yes? Problems? Go on.
Carmikel: I hope that my timing isn't bad? I'm not keeping you from anything important or urgent?
Carmikel sits down again.
Riyyh: No, no, not at all.
Riyyh smiles encouragingly at Carmikel, exuding the image of someone who has all the time in the world, and is very attentive.
Carmikel: As you know, there is a shortage of high order Donors in the Tecton. We can see that this problem is going to become worse and worse until a crisis point is reached.
Riyyh nods.
Carmikel: We are asking the Householdings to cooperate in an effort to make sure there are enough high order Donors to go around.
Riyyh was afraid this was something like that.
Riyyh valiantly keeps the pleasant smile on his face and nager.
Riyyh: Well, of course, we will endeavour to be as cooperative as we possibly can. [graciously]
Wolfa stands by the door and tries to keep the worry out of her showfield.
Carmikel looks pleased.
Riyyh in fact is rather well-known for weaseling out of the quota for keeping people working in the Tecton... in fact has worked deals to send 1 person to Bender Cove instead of 3 elsewhere, etc.
Carmikel: There were some forms that were sent to you concerning the number of high order Donors, and the instances of Establishment amongst members of your Household.
Carmikel: But we, the Tecton that is, has no record of them being received.
Riyyh: Ah, yes. I am sure it was just an oversight; I will be sure to get them to you just as soon as possible.
Riyyh: ~~sincere~~
Riyyh: [well, as sincere as he can make his showfield]
Wolfa: I'll just go have one more look.
Wolfa escapes from the room.
Riyyh: She's going to look now.
Riyyh smiles in a friendly, open and positive fashion.
Carmikel: It's a worry for us all. I don't like being shorted, and I'm sure you don't like it either.
Riyyh: No, of course not.
Carmikel wonders if Riyyh has ever been shorted in his life.
Carmikel rather resents the thought that he probably hasn't.
Carmikel: Yes, well....
Riyyh in fact hasn't ever been shorted, but has heard it's unpleasant.
Riyyh is always eager to avoid unpleasantness.
Carmikel looks at Riyyh and clears his throat.
Riyyh: Did you bring a Donor? [curious]
Riyyh: We have an excellent cafeteria.
Carmikel: One of the steps that the Tecton is suggesting is an exchange of personnel. Two Seconds in exchange for one First and so forth.
Carmikel: Err? What?
Riyyh grimaces internally as the change of subject does not go off without a hitch.
Riyyh: You were saying? [politely]
Carmikel: Yes. My travelling companion, Warren, is getting some rest in the township down the hill where we are staying.
Carmikel: I thought I'd come up and [get it over with] save time.
Carmikel tries to think back to what he was saying.
Carmikel: Oh yes, one First for two Seconds and so forth.
Riyyh: How would that work? [puzzled]
Carmikel: The idea there is to qualify more people by using both Tecton and Household personnel then any one group could do by themselves.
Riyyh isn't 100% up on the latest channelling techniques, but last he heard, a First Order channel would hardly be pleased at being assigned two 2nd Order Donors.
Riyyh: I see. How interesting.
Riyyh smiles, though he doesn't see at all.
Riyyh makes a mental note to ask Mytag about this new theory later.
Carmikel smoothly adds... "The gentle atmosphere of Households are well known to be conductive towards qualifying upwards."
Carmikel smiles winningly.
Riyyh's smile flickers and burns out as he realizes he has just missed something major.
Carmikel hates his job.
Riyyh: Er... thank you.
Riyyh frantically thinks back over the last few sentences.
Riyyh: I'm sorry?
Riyyh: I don't believe I....
Carmikel: Of course, we wouldn't want anyone to leave who wasn't entirely happy with the idea.
Carmikel: You are? What for?
Carmikel wonders what he missed.
Riyyh gives Carmikel a long, hard look. [quite uncharacteristic, which means it's actually a real look and not one of his contrived ones]
Riyyh decides it might have been just a misunderstanding, and relaxes a little bit.
Carmikel: Here, let me explain it to you in a more scientific manner.
Riyyh: Please do.
Carmikel takes a piece of paper and a pen and leans over the desk, spilling a few letters on the floor as he does so.
Carmikel: Now the math of the matter is this....
Riyyh picks up the letters absently.
Carmikel scribbles hurriedly on the paper. He doesn't fully understand the math himself, but he can repeat what he has been shown so many times.
Carmikel: So you see, if you take this equation, and put is here, demonstrating Gorgon's theorem, and then using the combined thulugium of the end result.... [quickly finishes the equation] you can see how it works.
Riyyh can't even remotely follow the math, but has been given the mathematical argument for forking over extra Donors many times before.
Carmikel: So you end up with more Firsts in less time.
Riyyh nods.
Riyyh: I see.
Carmikel: Or that's the theory.
Riyyh: Very convincing.
Carmikel sighs, happy that that worked once again.
Riyyh: Thank you for explaining that so clearly.
Riyyh finds it easy to float back into his usual state of light flattery.
Carmikel is glad that so many people understand the math better then he does.
Carmikel: No problem.
Riyyh: Are you sure you wouldn't like some tea? We produce it here, you know.
Riyyh feels a little bit more on firm ground with the subject of tea.
Carmikel: I'm sure. Actually, I should be going, I hadn't let Warren know that I'd be gone.
Riyyh: Oh, I see.
Carmikel: I'd like to come back tomorrow if that would be suitable. [hands some forms over]
Riyyh takes the forms without looking at them.
Riyyh: Thank you very much for coming.
Carmikel: If you can't find the previous forms if you could fill those out and I'll pick them up then.
Riyyh: Tomorrow will be fine.
Riyyh nods agreeably.
Mytag is upset to find that not only is Riyyh back in his office with Ruby but that he has someone else with him as well.
Riyyh gets up to show Carmikel out.
Riyyh: Shall I walk you to the gate?
Riyyh thinks it would be a great excuse to continue on to the herb gardens afterward.
Carmikel: Thank you, I'm sure I can find my way.
Riyyh: Very well then. Good bye.
Ruby sits back on her seat and pouts.
Carmikel smiles tightly and leaves, anxious to get back to Warren.
Riyyh watches Carmikel leave, then goes back to his desk and looks over the forms.
Riyyh: They just don't ever stop, do they?
Riyyh shakes his head.
Ruby: Well I'm not going, that's for sure.
Riyyh places the forms on his desk, then pauses and turns to Ruby.
Riyyh: ~surprise~
Ruby: We really should get married as soon as possible you know.
Ruby: ~ hopeful ~
Riyyh: What ever made you think that I would consider sending you-- what!!
Ruby: They way they can't steal me from you.
Riyyh looks really surprised now.
Riyyh: Get married??
Ruby goes over and sits herself down on his knee.
Ruby: All right!
Riyyh: Steal you??
Ruby kisses him.
Riyyh: ~~pleased surprise~~
Riyyh encircles her in his arms and kisses him back.
Ruby: When?
Riyyh: Mmm... mmummhh.
Wolfa comes back into the room
Riyyh kisses her back, with increasing passion.
Wolfa: I can't find those forms anywhere are you sure that you... erk!
Wolfa blushes from head to foot.
Ruby makes "go away, we are busy" gestures.
Riyyh bites her throat, then hungrily kisses her cleavage, gripping her back with his hands and tentacles.
Riyyh suddenly realizes somebody is there.
Riyyh: Oh!
Wolfa backs out quickly and goes to tell Mytag that Ruby is, errr, tied up at the moment.
Riyyh looks up.
Riyyh: Who was that... Wolfa?
Riyyh's hair is all mussed up and he's panting slightly.
Ruby: It doesn't matter, they are gone now.
Ruby: You were saying?
Riyyh: Oh.
Ruby pulls his head back down again.
Riyyh: I was saying... this. [places another kiss on her lips]
Ruby holds him by the ears and kisses him passionately.
Ruby pauses for breath.
Riyyh: Oh, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby. What would I ever do without you? [fondly]
Ruby: I'd need at least 4 weeks.
Riyyh pauses.
Riyyh: What?
Ruby: And that is bare minimum.
Riyyh's eyes, which were all glazed and dreamy, start to clear up.
Riyyh: For what?
Ruby: To make the dress and organize the feast and send out invitations.
Ruby: Probably 6 weeks should be better.
Riyyh: For what?
Riyyh is clearly confused.
Riyyh: For what, Ruby, come on, can we talk about this later?
Riyyh kisses her neck.
Ruby: Of course! Mummy would want to know straight away though.
Riyyh: Know what?
Riyyh's hands and tentacles massage the small of her back as his nose tickles her bosom.
Ruby: About the wedding!
Riyyh looks up suddenly.
Riyyh: Wedding!
Ruby: Yes darling!
Ruby kisses him again.
Riyyh: Oh, Ruby, you know how I feel about that word. [responding to the kiss]
Ruby: We should definitely coincide it with your transfer as well of course.
Ruby kisses him all over his face.
Riyyh: But I'm not ready yet, Ruby. [passively allowing the kisses while his hands grip hers]
Ruby: Riyyh!
Ruby stops and sits back.
Riyyh looks into her eyes.
Ruby: If you aren't ready, why did you ask me?
Riyyh: Ask you?
Ruby: Yes!
Riyyh tries to struggle back into the logical side of his brain where conversations are supposed to happen.
Riyyh: I'm sorry, Ruby, I didn't mean to ask you.
Ruby: What!?
Ruby gets up quickly.
Riyyh: Come on, Ruby, don't be angry with me. [gentle pleading]
Ruby: What do you mean you didn't mean to ask me?
Ruby: [too late]
Ruby: ~ irate ~
Riyyh: I meant I didn't mean to upset you.
Riyyh: Come, Ruby. I'm sorry.
Riyyh rises also, reaching for her hands.
Tictoc walks towards Riyyh's office. She isn't going to let him get away this time.
Ruby snatches her hands away.
Ruby: Oh no boy!
Tictoc nods to Wolfa as she goes by, noticing that Wolfa seems to be undecided about something.
Wolfa is undecided about whether to stop her or let her walk in on them.
Riyyh follows Ruby, wearing a hang dog expression.
Ruby: So do you ask me or don't you ask me?
Tictoc signals at the door and walks in all in one smooth movement.
Riyyh: Ruby, you're my Companion. I love you. Why are you so angry with me? Can't we just share one another and be happy?
Tictoc: Sectuib, had you forgotten....
Tictoc blinks rapidly.
Tictoc: Am I interrupting anything?
Riyyh winces as Tictoc's voice sounds.
Riyyh: No, no... please come in.
Riyyh sighs.
Tictoc zlins their condition in a clinical manner.
Ruby: Yes! Go away!
Riyyh: Can we talk about this later? [whisper to Ruby] Please??
Tictoc takes a step forward, then a step back, and blinks again.
Riyyh goes to the door and opens it.
Riyyh: It's fine, I'm fine. I'll come with you.
Tictoc: Ah, very well then.
Tictoc hopes that she hadn't interrupted any future heir-making.
Riyyh darts a glance back at Ruby. [troubled]
Riyyh closes the door and follows Tictoc.
Ruby throws herself down on the couch and cries.
Tictoc is very quiet and thoughtful.
Riyyh seems agitated, for him.
Wolfa is upset at the speed at which they reappeared, but slightly heartened by the fact that Ruby isn't with them.
Tictoc: Thank you for being so cooperative in this, Sectuib.
Riyyh smoothes back his hair and tries to look less harassed... he knows people like to see a mellow Sectuib.
Tictoc: It's important that we give everyone regular checkups, and as Sectuib of the house it's good of you to give a good impression.
Riyyh: Of course.
Tictoc leads the way down to her office;.
Tictoc: Now, before we start, if you would just take a seat so I can ask you some questions?
Tictoc opens a drawer and pulls out some forms.
Riyyh sits.
Riyyh plays with a lock of his hair and tries to look guileless.
Tictoc: Firstly, I'd like to ask you if you have considered the matter of an heir.
Riyyh's hair-playing tentacle freezes momentarily.
Riyyh: Well, yes, of course.
Riyyh's tentacle starts fiddling again, more nervously this time.
Tictoc: Although your health seems to be good, we must plan for the future.
Tictoc wonders about the possibility that the Sectuib might be infertile and the chances of getting a sample off him to check the number and motility.
Tictoc wonders how to broach this and decides not to for the moment.
Riyyh: Well, ah, yes, that seems prudent.
Tictoc: So you have been considering it?
Riyyh is growing more and more wary, which is not a state he enjoys being in. [nor does he enjoy being sexually frustrated, so this hasn't exactly been his day]
Tictoc: It would probably be best if there were a choice of course. There is no guarantee that any child will be Sime, or a channel.
Riyyh: Um, yes, I suppose you're right.
Tictoc: Possibly several children by several different women would be the best choice.
Tictoc: Channels or high order Donors, preferably.
Riyyh starts to nod, but something about the mention of additional high order Donors makes him study Tictoc carefully.
Riyyh nods belatedly.
Riyyh: That sounds reasonable.
Tictoc: I'm sure that there are many women in the Householding who would be thrilled to be approached on the subject.
Tictoc pulls out some charts.
Tictoc: If you are interested I have drawn up some charts of possible bloodlines that would be more favorable than others.
Tictoc hands a handful to Riyyh.
Riyyh looks at the charts slowly, in a sort of daze.
Riyyh wonders if this day could get any worse.
Riyyh: These are very educational. [manages to get out]
Ruby comes storming out of the room where Mytag finally caught her alone.
Ruby: He what!!!! I'll murder him! I'll cut his laterals off at the neck!
Ruby barrels down towards the medical center like a very small hurricane.
Tictoc: Now these ones you should avoid. You have much too close relationship with them and there are unfavorable recessives.
Tictoc hands him some other forms, of which Wolfa's is the top.
Riyyh studies Wolfa's form.
Riyyh: I hadn't realized we were half-siblings.
Ruby pushes some people out of her way with the strength only known to augmenting Simes and very angry women.
Riyyh jumps as Ruby barges in.
Riyyh: ~~shock~~
Tictoc: Oh yes, her great-grandfather's brother's sister....
Riyyh: Ruby! This is a surprise...
Ruby picks up something [a paper weight shaped like a ship] and throws it at him.
Ruby: How dare you!
Ruby: How dare you!!!!
Riyyh is so surprised he actually lets it hit him [on the shoulder]
Riyyh: Ow! What the...
Riyyh jumps up, backing off defensively.
Ruby throws herself at him and starts pummeling him with her fists.
Riyyh: Ruby! [protesting]
Ruby: Why don't you just tell everyone!!!!????
Riyyh drops the forms and snatches her wrists, then immediately wishes he hadn't as it gives him an even better zlin of her rage and frustration.
Tictoc watches in amazement for a few moments then goes to get Ruby's file to see if there is any mention of mental instability.
Riyyh: Tell them what? Ruby! [trying to fend her off without zlinning any more than he has to]
Ruby kicks him in the knee.
Ruby: Let go of me you beast!
Riyyh drops Ruby and flees over to Tic Toc's side of the room.
Ruby: And you let me think! You let me think!!!
Riyyh: Ruby, what's gotten into you?
Riyyh sounds more injured than he physically is.
Ruby starts to sob.
Ruby: You never meant to marry me at all.
Ruby: You don't want me to have your babies.
Ruby didn't want to have babies either, but that isn't the point.
Riyyh: Ruby, you're my Companion. We'll be together always!
Ruby: I don't want to be just your Companion!
Ruby stops and looks up at him in amazement.
Ruby: I don't want to be your Companion at all!
Riyyh looks horrified.
Riyyh: Ruby, how can you say that?
Tictoc is thrilled. She usually only gets this sort of gossip second [or third, or fourth] hand.
Riyyh: We've been together for years and years!
Ruby: It's true! I hadn't realized that before!
Ruby: Riyyh, I don't want to be your Companion, I want to be your wife.
Riyyh: But Ruby, darling, it's too late for that. You're already my Companion.
Tictoc tries desperately to memorize every word.
Riyyh approaches her cautiously, his hands held out beseechingly.
Riyyh: Please... don't talk like this.
Riyyh: You're upset.
Ruby backs off a few steps.
Ruby: It used to be enough.
Ruby: But it isn't enough any more.
Ruby: Riyyh, marry me or set me free!
Riyyh: I can't set you free Ruby, I've been taking transfer off you for 15 years!
Riyyh is starting to sound a little hysterical.
Riyyh isn't prepared to deal with the loss of a Companion at this stage of his life.
Ruby: Then you will marry me?
Riyyh: I don't know!
Ruby gasps.
Tictoc gasps in concert with Ruby.
Ruby: Then it's over.
Riyyh realizes he's about to cry, and rushes suddenly from the room.
Ruby sits down suddenly.
Tictoc resists a sudden urge to clap, as if an act were just over.
Tictoc shakes herself and tries to remember that she is a professional.
Tictoc: Ruby, are you going to be all right?
Riyyh walks back in, in an extremely dignified fashion.
Riyyh picks up the scattered forms with everybody's family history (now totally mixed up the bad ones with the good ones) puts them under his arm, then walks out again.
Tictoc gazes after him in amazement
Ruby: I'll be all right.
Riyyh goes back to his office and looks at the forms Carmikel gave him.
Riyyh looks at the pile of family data next to them.
Riyyh picks up the forms from Carmikel and studies the list of demands: 1 First, 4 Seconds and 7 Thirds.
Ruby: I've never had transfer with anyone else...
Ruby: Maybe it's time that I started.
Riyyh sighs and carefully begins filling out the forms. Under the name of the First to be transferred to a Sime Center, he puts Ruby's name.
Wolfa stands hesitantly at the door to Riyyh's office.
Riyyh stops and rubs his forehead.
Wolfa: Riyyh?
Riyyh: Yes, what is it. [sounds depressed]
Wolfa walks in slowly.
Wolfa: Are you all right?
Riyyh looks up at her.
Wolfa zlins for signs of physical damage.
Riyyh looks like he aged 20 years and had his favorite dog get run over by a beer wagon in the same day.
Riyyh: ~~pathetic~~
Wolfa pours him a glass of porstan and brings it over.
Riyyh struggles to marshall his nager into something more presentable.
Riyyh: ~~blah~~
Wolfa: What happened?
Riyyh takes the porstan.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Riyyh: It's just... oh, I'm sure you'll hear soon enough.
Wolfa puts the bottle of porstan in front of him.
Wolfa: I'd prefer to hear it from you.
Riyyh: Ruby was... distraught and, said some things that, I guess I should know better than to hope weren't what she really meant.
Riyyh sips the porstan.
Wolfa: ~ comfort ~
Wolfa: You have been together for so long, I'm sure she will get over - whatever it was.
Riyyh: I don't know. She seemed fairly sure.
Riyyh edges closer to Wolfa and tries to lean on her comforting field (and physical presence)
Riyyh: That marriage thing means so much to her.
Wolfa puts a sympathetic arm around his shoulders.
Wolfa: Ah, well, yes.
Wolfa: It does.
Wolfa: And she gets a lot of pressure from home too.
Riyyh: I hadn't realized it meant so much that she'd give up being my Companion if she couldn't have me for husband also.
Wolfa: She what!?
Wolfa: ~ stunned ~
Riyyh winces as his nageric comfort cushion turns into an electric porcupine.
Wolfa: Is that possible even?
Wolfa: I mean, you aren't close matches, but still, after all this time!
Riyyh: I've switched over before.
Wolfa: After such a long time?
Riyyh: Well, yes,
Riyyh always tries to steer away from conversations that reveal just how amazingly old he is, to the younger people who don't realize.
Wolfa: Oh.
Wolfa: What are you going to do then?
Riyyh: Send her away.
Riyyh: Shen knows the Tecton has been after me for a First for years.
Wolfa feels the need to sit down, so does, rather rapidly, on the edge of the desk.
Riyyh looks at the form with Ruby's name on it and can't tear his eyes away from it.
Wolfa: Is Mytag up to you?
Wolfa doesn't even want to think about what Emerald is going to say about all this.
Wolfa certainly doesn't want to be in the room when Emerald hears the news.
Riyyh: I'll have to test everybody again and figure out who's the closest.
Riyyh feels a weight as heavy as a planet settle onto his shoulders.
Wolfa: At least you have some time.
Riyyh: Yes.
Wolfa: In the mean time, do you want me to call someone to stay with you?
Wolfa: ~ worry ~
Riyyh looks at the pile of Tecton papers and the pile of heir-begetting data.
Riyyh sighs.
Riyyh: Yes, please do that, Wolfa.
Wolfa: I'll not be long.
Wolfa gets up and goes out to see if Mytag is around. She has the feeling that a era is coming to an end.
Riyyh picks up the first of what may be quite a number of Porstan glasses.
Go on to Episode #6: Point of Impact
Return to the Index of Episodes