Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Householding Naros Scenario
Episode #37: Bleahberries (10/15/98)
Kenmore feels physically refreshed after his shower, meal and rest, but just as mentally confused as before.
Bum Bum had just gotten done being told he can't work in the infirmary today because the visiting Farris channel has snarfed up all the spare work.
Bum Bum: ~annoyed~
Bum Bum trudges to the garden in the hopes a little fresh air will help restore his previously good mood.
Kenmore snags someone and asks them to please see if the "Bum Bum" person is available for an interview, and if so, to bring him to the Zeor guest quarters.
Kenmore really doesn't feel up to facing the less than adequately shielded conference room again.
Bum Bum was never a big fan of healing, but he has liked working at Naros and since accepting Riyyh's offer to join the program for juncts, he has decided he actually likes working at Naros because it's almost all transfers and very little injuries.
Kef runs three quarters of the way around Naros, seeking backwards and forwards like a hunting dog on a scent, in search of Bum Bum.
Bum Bum is sitting out in the garden about 100 yards from his guest quarters.
Kef finally tracks him down in the garden between the infirmary and the guest quarters.
Kef: ~ pant pant ~
Bum Bum contemplates the wonder of actually being annoyed that somebody stole his work.
Kef: Hajene! Hajene Bum er Bum?
Bum Bum had never liked work enough to be disappointed about it personally before.
Bum Bum's contemplative mood is shattered.
Bum Bum looks up.
Bum Bum: Yes, what?
Bum Bum wonders if it's some kind of emergency.
Kef: I have a message for you, from Hajene Farris.
Bum Bum's gut clenches.
Bum Bum: Already??
Kef nods and gets his breath back.
Bum Bum had thought Snake was in no condition to do anything yet.
Bum Bum: Shen.
Kef: He would like to see you in his rooms immediately.
Bum Bum's brain derails.
Bum Bum: He?? Oh!
Bum Bum: ~~ouch~~
Kef waits to escort the oddly named channel to his destination.
Bum Bum struggles briefly, without much success, to decide whether to panic or be relieved.
Bum Bum: Why? [finally]
Kef has heard that this channel is junct, but then, he is used to juncts, just not junct channels.
Kef has also heard a lot of other things about this channel, but then, he is from naros.
Bum Bum grips the arms of the park bench to make it clear he's not going anywhere without an explanation.
Bum Bum: [also he finds it rather reassuring]
Kef: Why what?
Kef: ~ confused ~
Bum Bum: Why does he want to see me in his rooms immediately?
Kenmore feels a slight twinge of entran and hurriedly searches through his bag for his tablets.
Kef: I don't know, Hajene.
Kef: I was just told to find you and bring you there.
Kef: I hope that's all right?
Kef: ~ worry ~
Bum Bum: I guess so. Where are his rooms? Tell him I'll be there when I get there.
Bum Bum thinks he should go consult Sectuib Riyyh about this first, seeing as how Riyyh promised to protect him from both Snake and the Tecton.
Kef: I'm suppose to show you in person.
Kef: Is there a problem?
Kef: ~ interested ~
Kenmore wishes that Wise Snake Farris didn't need Dahlia more than he does just at the moment.
Bum Bum: Well, yeah, actually there kind of is.
Kenmore then wishes that there were another Donor around.
Kenmore: Hmmmm, have to check out this Nick fella.
Kef: Oh dear. What's the problem?
Kef: ~ mental rubbing of hands together at the thought of the gossip that will come from this ~
Bum Bum: Well, I don't really want any trouble with either the Tecton or with, well, I don't want any trouble with any Farrises.
Bum Bum: I think I'll go get Sectuib Riyyh to tell Hajene Farris to take a hike, I'm not available for interviews.
Bum Bum is attempting to believe that Riyyh can actually protect him from Snake and the Tecton, because otherwise he'd be scared spitless.
Bum Bum stands up.
Kef: I don't know Hajene, I think that maybe....
Kef would love, however, to see Riyyh try to stand up to anyone.
Kenmore wonders just who this Nick is, and why he has never heard of him.
Bum Bum starts walking toward the Administrative building, as casually as possible.
Kef follows. He can't wait to find out the conclusion to this saga. Even more, he can't wait to start telling it to others.
Bum Bum goes to Riyyh's office since it's clear Kef isn't planning on stopping him.
Riyyh is back in his old, original office, since Snake has been moved to the infirmary.
Riyyh therefore heard everything that was said in the garden and though he cheered Bum Bum for not allowing himself to get questioned without Riyyh's presence, is panicking at the thought of having to face Kenmore again.
Kef tries to zlin helpful.
Bum Bum signals at Riyyh's office door.
Kef: ~ helpful, not a busybody at all ~
Riyyh: Come in.
Riyyh: Oh! Bum Bum, what a pleasant surprise.
Riyyh: ~sincere~
Riyyh smiles at Bum Bum.
Riyyh: And Kef, how nice to see you again.
Kef: Sectuib.
Kef smiles sincerely.
Kef: [sincerely pleased that he is getting this first hand]
Bum Bum: Kef here says that Hajene Farris from Zeor wants to talk to me. ~nervously~
Bum Bum: Can you do something about it? I mean, I don't really want any trouble, and you said....
Kef nods eagerly.
Riyyh manages to avoid putting his tail between his legs like a whipped cur, but only because he 1) knew this was coming and 2) has no tail.
Riyyh: Of course, Bum Bum, [gently] I understand your concerns.
Riyyh: Hajene Farris is simply collecting data regarding Snake Farris' attack on me and Eliza's Genslamming her.
Bum Bum: You knew about this? ~uneasy~
Bum Bum: Well, ah, I don't really want to be answering a bunch of questions and all,
Kef soaks up the info.
Riyyh: ~reassurance~
Riyyh: It is important that we cooperate in every way, so that Hajene Farris can help Snake [thinks: And perhaps get her and himself the heck out of Naros as soon as possible]
Riyyh: Now, I realize that this may border on an invasion of privacy for you and that given you were only accepted here recently you will feel understandably nervous about your status.
Riyyh: I would... [can't get around this can he?] ... be glad to be there during the interview, if that would make you more comfortable.
Riyyh's expression suggests saintly martyrdom, but his nager is ~~solid and reassuring~~
Bum Bum: ~~relief~~
Bum Bum: Well, as long as it doesn't get too personal.
Bum Bum: [grudgingly]
Bum Bum really does want to believe Riyyh can protect him from Zeor and all other evils.
Kenmore wonders if maybe this Bum Bum character has fled town.
Riyyh gets up from his desk.
Riyyh: Right now?
Riyyh looks between Bum Bum and Kef.
Riyyh frowns slightly as he wonders if Hajene Farris has glommed one of his members as an aide or if Kef is just hanging around to suck up gossip.
Riyyh fervently hopes the latter.
Kef: Well, yes Sectuib.
Riyyh: Very well then.
Kef: Hajene Farris said now and in his quarters.
Riyyh smiles.
Riyyh: Shall we, then?
Bum Bum follows Kef and Riyyh out of the office.
Kef tries to work out how he can be present during the interview as well.
Kef: Perhaps, Sectuib, you would like me to stay and give Hajene Bum er Bum what support I could?
Kef: ~ hopeful ~
Riyyh leads the way to the cottage prepared set aside for the Farrises.
Riyyh zlins Kef.
Bum Bum: ~~what the...?~~
Kef: ~ strictly GN-3 ~
Riyyh: Well, Kef, I must say, I am delighted that you are showing an interest in Donor duties. ~sincere~
Riyyh: I regret that this isn't a good choice for a beginner to jump in on, but please, do see Tictoc about getting in on some training.
Riyyh pats Kef on the back encouragingly.
Kef: ~ disappointed ~
Kef: Very well Sectuib.
Kef puts his head down and wonders off in the general direction of the kitchen.
Kef: [the kitchen is such a great place to spread gossip, and people tend to feed you while you are doing it]
Riyyh sighs and makes a mental note to seek Kef out and cheer him up later.
Riyyh: Come along, Bum Bum.
Riyyh goes the rest of the way to the Farris' guest hut and signals at the door.
Kenmore: About time. Come!
Bum Bum follows.
Kenmore swallows another tablet and turns to the door.
Riyyh blinks at the response, but enters.
Riyyh: Hello, I trust you are refreshed? ~~friendly~~
Kenmore: Sectuib, how nice to see you again. Thank you so much for escorting Hajene Bum Bum, it is Bum Bum isn't it? to me.
Bum Bum enters behind Riyyh.
Kenmore: Much better, yes.
Bum Bum: ~nervous junct with a very bad authority problem~
Riyyh: Oh, it is the least I could do, considering the very deep trust he has placed in me, and in Naros.
Kenmore: There was no need for you to trouble yourself in coming in person, Sectuib. Unless there was something else...
Riyyh allows a hint of his protectiveness toward Bum Bum show.
Kenmore: ~ soothing ~
Riyyh: Bum Bum asked me to attend this meeting. [quietly] I do hope you have no objection?
Kenmore wonders at the protectiveness and a flash of what Hero said about the Sectuib liking men jumps through his mind.
Kenmore tries hard to dismiss it.
Bum Bum looks at Kenmore suspiciously as the Farris' nager starts to do some mumbo jumbo on his system.
Kenmore: ~ showing a surprise that he doesn't really feel ~
Bum Bum: ~wary but slightly soothed despite himself~
Kenmore: Well of course, if Hajene Bum er Bum would prefer your presence.
Kenmore: Please have a seat.
Bum Bum: I would. [nervously]
Riyyh: Thank you.
Kenmore smiles at them both and tries to put them at ease.
Kenmore: ~ comfort ~
Riyyh takes a seat, hoping that his calm, kind showfield will fool Bum Bum at least.
Kenmore goes into the little kitchenette and gets some glasses and a jug of the very fine berry juice, still with the chill of the morning on it.
Bum Bum sits also, slouched down like an arrested waiting to be booked at the police station.
Kenmore pours three glasses and tentacles them to the other two.
Riyyh nods his thanks.
Kenmore turns ~ friendly sympathy ~ on towards BumBum.
Kenmore: That's a very unusual name you have. Is it short for anything?
Bum Bum bristles at the sympathy.
Bum Bum: My name is Bumanuel Altavista, and that other name is not short for anything except "I despise you, you filthy low thing!!"
Bum Bum may have a bit of a fear-induced adrenaline rush, which may be affecting his behavior a touch.
Kenmore: I'm terribly sorry Hajene Altavista!
Riyyh supports Bum Bum gently.
Kenmore manages to look horrified and zlin apologetic at the same time.
Bum Bum is a bit confused by Kenmore's reaction.
Bum Bum: Well... well... OK.
Kenmore: I had no idea. Please, can we start over again?
Bum Bum thinks to himself, "just don't let it happen again" but no longer has the nerve to be so bold.
Bum Bum: Sure, OK.
Kenmore smiles winningly.
Bum Bum blinks nervously and glances at Riyyh.
Kenmore: Thank you. I just have a few questions to ask about Wise Snake Farris and Eliza er Furdens.
Kenmore: Would you mind?
Riyyh indicates that Bum Bum should go ahead, while continuing to support him.
Kenmore has read Snake's charts during his "rest" and was horrified by them.
Bum Bum had been kind of hoping not to have to answer any questions about Snake that could get him in trouble with her later.
Bum Bum: Well... I guess so.
Bum Bum glances at Riyyh again, wondering if the Sectuib knows what he's doing.
Kenmore: How long have you known Wise Snake Farris?
Bum Bum looks back at Kenmore reluctantly when it's clear there's no help coming from Riyyh at the moment.
Kenmore: ~ no threat ~
Bum Bum: Well, ever since she was born I guess. Fifteen years?
Bum Bum is maybe 5 years past changeover himself, natal years maybe 20.
Kenmore: Really! So you knew her family?
Bum Bum: I knew her brother.
Bum Bum: Her ma's dead.
Kenmore: And would you say that [she is sane] she is normally a violent person?
Bum Bum: Uh... yeah I guess so.
Bum Bum: ~uncomfortable~
Riyyh: ~reassurance~
Kenmore: Really? Why would you say that?
Kenmore: ~ curious and interested ~
Bum Bum: Hey, is any of this going to get back to her?
Kenmore: No of course not.
Kenmore: Everything you say to me is confidential.
Bum Bum: Cause you see, she was already going to cut my throat.
Bum Bum: If she knew I ratted on her my laterals wouldn't be worth fish bait.
Kenmore: Unless of course the Sectuib here feels it is necessary to repeat anything?
Kenmore looks at Riyyh and raises an eyebrow.
Kenmore has never used laterals for fish bait and somehow the idea of either doing so or actually fishing doesn't appeal to him.
Riyyh's showfield remains calm but his core reveals a stab of alarm at Kenmore's words.
Riyyh: Of course not.
Riyyh wonders why Kenmore is trying to undermine Bum Bum's confidence in him, shaky though it is.
Kenmore: Well then. Tell me Bumanuel, why do you say that she was going to cut your throat?
Bum Bum: Well, I mean, it's true.
Bum Bum: ~truth~
Bum Bum: She... I mean, if she didn't want me for Linn, she'd have done it a long time ago.
Kenmore: Why would she have done that?
Bum Bum: She doesn't like me.
Bum Bum: ~squirms~
Bum Bum: Look, it doesn't take that much to set her off, OK? She doesn't like juncts.
Bum Bum: She doesn't like that I exist, that I breathe air.
Kenmore: I see.
Kenmore wonders if there is more to it then that.
Bum Bum finds all this talk of Snake and murder rather nervewracking.
Kenmore: What about Eliza Furdens. Is she normally violent?
Bum Bum: Ummm....
Bum Bum isn't sure whether he should answer questions about Eliza or not.
Bum Bum thinks there is a risk that Eliza might stay if Tanzarra does, and wouldn't want to make an enemy of her.
Kenmore: ~ patience ~
Bum Bum: Only when provoked?
Bum Bum: Or... or inspired.
Bum Bum: [lamely]
Kenmore: So you have seen her use her nager in violence at other times?
Kenmore wonders at the 'inspired' but leaves it for now.
Bum Bum: I've seen her run up to an attacking bear and beat it on the head with a stick.
Kenmore wonders if mental instability runs in the group.
Bum Bum: I had to rescue her. [explains]
Kenmore: Well.... [speechless]
Bum Bum: And I have heard a number of other stories... well.
Kenmore scratches his head.
Bum Bum knows he'll really get in trouble if he starts repeating things he hasn't zlinned for himself.
Kenmore: One other thing. Are you travelling with Hajene Wise Snake of your own free will?
Bum Bum: I wasn't. But now, [glances at Riyyh] Naros has taken me in.
Riyyh: ~~affirmation~
Bum Bum: Sectuib Riyyh has assured me that he can protect me from her from now on.
Bum Bum: ~has to believe it~
Riyyh's nager once again hints at his protectiveness, though it is also tinged with some other emotions as he is sure Kenmore doesn't think much of him.
Kenmore: I see.
Kenmore: Naros of course has an excellent reputation for disjunction problems and junct management.
Kenmore: I'm sure you will be both safe and productive here.
Riyyh's nager brightens noticeably with the praise.
Bum Bum is surprised... he had been waiting for the disjunction-camp shoe to drop ever since entering the cottage.
Bum Bum: Th-thank you, Hajene Farris.
Kenmore: Of course Sectuib, if there is any way that Zeor can [doubles over with pain]
Kenmore: Oh shen.
Bum Bum looks really surprised now.
Kenmore scrabbles for his medical bag.
Riyyh starts to dart forward, then stops himself, not engaging Kenmore's field.
Riyyh: ~concern~
Riyyh: Can... may I... do you require assistance?
Kenmore drops it on the floor and a large number of small bottles roll out. It looks amazingly like Snake's medical bag.
Riyyh: Should I fetch Dahlia?
Kenmore: Yes.
Kenmore: Yes, yes.
Riyyh: Bum Bum... go. Infirmary room 2, tall dark haired Gen named Dahlia. Run.
Kenmore tries to pick up a bottle, drops it, tries again, gives up and quivers in agony instead.
Bum Bum remains frozen for a moment longer, then gets up and beats it out of the cottage.
Kenmore tries to concentrate on his breathing.
Kenmore manages to get the pain under control long enough to pick up the needed bottle and get the lid off.
Riyyh hovers nearby, holding his field as neutral as possible.
Riyyh: Is there anything....
Kenmore pours the tablets over the floor but manages to get one into his hand and thus into his mouth.
Kenmore: Wait...
Riyyh looks at all the pills and thinks, shen, just like Snake.
Riyyh feels a moment of great disillusionment which he compresses into a tiny particle and stores somewhere deep inside himself to be examined later.
Kenmore breaks out into a sweat.
Kenmore drags himself back into a chair.
Kenmore: Water, please.
Riyyh: Of course.
Riyyh runs to fetch some from the kitchen.
Riyyh comes back with the water and, carefully watching his field, brings it back to Kenmore.
Kenmore convulses a tiny bit, knocking over the 1/2 drunk glass of juice.
Kenmore: Thank thank you....
Kenmore manages to take the glass to his lips without spilling more than a third over himself.
Riyyh clutches his own hands anxiously, with visions of both Farrises ending up dead and a massive Tecton and Zeor investigation.
Riyyh: Please... is there anything else...?
Riyyh: ~fear and compassion held sharply in check~
Kenmore: No, just, Dahlia.
Dahlia bursts in the door of the cottage.
Kenmore: Dah....
Dahlia thinks she'll apologize for that later... now she rushes to Kenmore's side.
Kenmore: Berry....
Dahlia sees the red-blue stain all over everything and curses.
Dahlia: ~~strong support~~
Kenmore drools a bit.
Dahlia reaches for Kenmore's hands.
Riyyh thinks this is alarmingly similar to the scene in which he and Nick struggled to save Snake's life after an overdose... and Nick did most of the work.
Dahlia: Come on, use my field.
Dahlia props Kenmore up.
Dahlia: What's in this juice? [to Riyyh]
Riyyh: I - I'll have to check.
Kenmore drools some more.
Kenmore looks rather an odd puce colour.
Riyyh tastes the juice, which he hadn't actually touched yet.
Riyyh: Blackberry, boysenberry, and huckleberry.
Kenmore isn't quite frothing at the mouth, but there are definite bubbles.
Riyyh: Or blueberry, but it's huckleberries in season now.
Kenmore: [bubble bubble]
Dahlia: Shen, it's the boysenberries.
Dahlia: All right, [when no response from Kenmore] sorry about this, but....
Dahlia angles his face toward the ground and thinks of the time she got puking sick on green Porstan.
Dahlia: ~~ooo00gh~~
Kenmore retches.
Kenmore throws up a browny red slurp over the floor.
Kenmore: [mixing in with the tablets that are still laying there]
Riyyh: ~compassion~
Riyyh keeps his field from interfering.
Dahlia: There there now, get it all out.
Dahlia remembers the time she ate six big yellow mushrooms then went sailing.
Dahlia: ~~~~bleeeaaggghhhh~~~~
Kenmore throws up again, this time it's predominantly green.
Kenmore retches and sobs a little.
Dahlia thinks it's all out so she modulates her back to a simple ~~strong support~~
Dahlia: Now now, come sit over here, can you walk a little?
Kenmore lets Dahlia pull him upright again.
Dahlia: ~~soothing support, Farris grade smooth~~
Kenmore: No no... wait....
Kenmore leans on her support.
Riyyh hangs back, keeping his field to himself and feeling profoundly nervous.
Kenmore: Uuugh. That was bad. I thought, I thought....
Riyyh hopes that these Farrises will all clear out before something really unthinkable happens.
Dahlia: ~~soothing~~
Dahlia supports his field firmly.
Kenmore: Oh shen. How is the Patient?
Kenmore: You shouldn't have left her!
Kenmore: ~ worry ~
Dahlia: She was fine, and that Hajene Bum Bum is in there watching her.
Dahlia: ~everything's OK~
Kenmore: What!
Riyyh: ~stab of alarm~
Kenmore gets wobbily to his feet.
Kenmore: Is anyone else with them?
Dahlia: ~surprised~
Dahlia: Well, I don't think so... he said it was an emergency, I just....
Kenmore: Dahlia - get back there, no Riyyh you are faster - Augment, man!
Riyyh is already gone.
Dahlia: Just take it easy, Kenmore, you're not at your best.
Dahlia: He'll take care of it. [whatever "it" is]
Dahlia: How about you come sit down over here?
Dahlia tries to lead him out of the soupy pile of pill bottles.
Kenmore wobbles after Dahlia.
Kenmore: This place is a mad house!
Kenmore: Did you know, Riyyh has fathered just about every child here in the last 20 plus years?
Kenmore: Maybe much longer!
Kenmore: Snake Farris seems to be a homicidal maniac.
Dahlia blinks.
Dahlia: Poor Kenmore, you are in a state aren't you?
Kenmore: Eliza Ferdens just seems to be a maniac who attacks bears with her bare hands.
Dahlia has been holed up with Snake for the last 17 hours or so and hasn't heard a peep of gossip the whole time she's been there.
Dahlia: [this may be a Householding record]
Dahlia: You're delirious dear, have a seat right here.
Dahlia eases him down on a clean couch.
Dahlia: ~~soothing~~
Dahlia: Did you take anything?
Kenmore sits next to her and holds her arms frantically.
Kenmore: Yes, I took a Myoxiticopines.
Dahlia: How long ago was that?
Kenmore: Just before you came in, 11 minutes ago.
Dahlia is afraid that one probably got wasted, then.
Dahlia lets Kenmore lean on her.
Kenmore: She will kill him. Was she still restrained?
Dahlia: Yes, of course, we wouldn't release her without your permission.
Dahlia had felt sorry for the poor laced up thing but Tictoc ixnayed the release and made it clear there would be no arguments.
Kenmore: ~ relief ~
Kenmore: Then we just have to hope that his fear of her isn't strong enough to make him do anything while she is restrained.
Dahlia: I think she'd be able to stop him nagerically, don't you?
Dahlia: Anyway, I think you're feeling just a tad paranoid right at the moment, Kenmore.
Kenmore doesn't think paranoid covers it.
Dahlia: Ifto and Eruditia and I will go through every inch of this cottage and make sure there's nothing else you're allergic to.
Dahlia: Such carelessness is criminal!
Dahlia being born and raised Zeor, can't comprehend why anybody would be so foolish as to leave anything a Farris might be allergic to lying around.
Kenmore: No... As much as I'd love to keep you with me Dahlia, I'm afraid that Snake needs you more.
Kenmore: ~ self sacrificing ~
Kenmore: I'll be more careful in the future, I promise.
Dahlia: Oh, you're such a dear, you're such a brave man.
Kenmore pulls himself together.
Dahlia: ~~support~~
Kenmore: ~ embarrassed ~
Dahlia: But Kenmore, you're hardly in any condition... Hajene Tictoc can handle Snake for a little while, can't she?
Kenmore: Nonsense. It's just a matter of priorities.
Dahlia: Well, if you say so. ~doubtfully~
Dahlia has had enough experience with Farrises (all her life) that she knows when to give up on arguing with them.
Dahlia figures if he keels over she will get him in a fireman's carry and haul him to his bed and that will be the end of that.
Kenmore: We need to get someone to clean up this room. You need to get back to Snake, I'll come with you - I want to make sure she is OK.
Oolga thumps on the door.
Oolga: Cleaning lady!!!!!! [bellows]
Dahlia jumps, but manages to keep her surprise more or less out of her nager.
Kenmore: Shen!
Kenmore: How did I miss that!
Kenmore shakes.
Dahlia: Shall I tell her to go away?
Kenmore: No, let her in.
Dahlia would simply get up and do so, but Kenmore has a death grip on her arms.
Dahlia: OK then.
Dahlia turns her head and yells out, "Come in!"
Kenmore can't work out why she isn't doing so.
Kenmore: We have to get to Snake.
Oolga comes in the door, clanking and sloshing.
Oolga: My, my my. Red and green.
Oolga: They should just stencil "Puke Patrol" right on these two buckets here.
Oolga gets down on her knees and starts scrubbing.
Kenmore goes to get up, then realises that he still has hold of Dahlia.
Kenmore: Oh shen I'm sorry.
Dahlia moves with him, of course.
Dahlia: No no, I always wanted to be a Siamese twin.
Kenmore releases her and looks at the red marks left behind.
Dahlia rubs her arms and grins crookedly at Kenmore.
Dahlia: You, my man, should be in bed.
Dahlia: ~~support~~
Kenmore: No, I've been in bed. Now I should be doing my job.
Kenmore gets up and heads towards the door.
Kenmore: Oh, [to the cleaning lady] I'm sorry about the mess....
Oolga: Nope, nope, it's my job.
Oolga: ~~stolid enjoyment~
Oolga shakes her rag out into the bucket, dropping a load of loose soggy pills.
Kenmore shakes his head and continues out, hoping that Riyyh got there 'in time'.
Dahlia accompanies Kenmore with a firm ~~support~~
Kenmore crosses the compound, gaining strength (or at least pretending to) as he goes.
Dahlia is right behind him, ready to make a quick "save" if necessary.
Kenmore: Dahl, I want you to arrange a 24 hour watch over Wise Snake Farris. I think that she might be in danger from more than one quarter.
Kenmore: When Eruditia is finished with the Donor, get her to spend shifts with you as well.
Kenmore: When you are free, I want you to question this Eliza Ferdens.
Dahlia: Well, I, [thinks Kenmore really is paranoid, but very used to obeying his commands]
Dahlia: OK.
Dahlia: Who is she in danger from?
Dahlia thinks this is a reasonable question.
Kenmore: Several people [frets that Dahlia can't walk faster]
Dahlia hopes Kenmore will understand that it will be difficult for her to protect Snake if she doesn't know who can't be trusted.
Dahlia is in excellent shape from chasing after Kenmore, but is walking a bit slower so he won't overexert himself too soon.
Kenmore: The junct channel fears her, I'm not sure the Sectuib wouldn't have a go either.
Dahlia: ~surprise~
Dahlia: All right.
Kenmore: Then there is the woman who made the initial attempt, and someone called "Griff" who no one will talk about.
Dahlia nods.
Dahlia: What about Sosu Linn, and Hajene Tictoc and her Donor?
Kenmore: Goodness knows who else.
Kenmore: I'll be glad to get Eruditia's comments.
Kenmore: No, I think that they are safe, and her Donor is locked up.
Kenmore enters the building.
Kenmore: Have they moved her to the infirmary now?
Dahlia: Yes, in room 2.
Dahlia points the way.
Kenmore follows the pointing finger.
Wise Snake: Come here. I'm not going to hurt you.
Riyyh is sitting across the room from Snake, and Bum Bum is nowhere to be seen.
Wise Snake's tentacles curl in frustration as Riyyh remains out of reach.
Kenmore goes to the door and hesitates, decides not to signal and opens it while trying to stay calm.
Wise Snake: Just come here. ~~enticing~~ Just a few feet.... [falls suddenly silent]
Wise Snake: ~~wary~~
Riyyh jumps up.
Riyyh: Ah, Hajene Farris.
Riyyh: ~relief~
Riyyh: You seem much... er... [zlins him]
Riyyh: Shouldn't you be in bed?
Riyyh: ~worried~
Kenmore zlins Snake and the room in general.
Kenmore: I'm fine.
Kenmore: How are you? [to Snake]
Wise Snake: I seem to be alive.
Kenmore isn't ready to commit to that yet.
Riyyh kind of hangs back as Kenmore more or less ignores him.
Kenmore: Where, where is Hajene Bumanuel?
Riyyh: ~unsure~
Kenmore notices that the restraints are still done up, but that doesn't prove anything.
Wise Snake's lips curl.
Wise Snake: Bum Bum ran like a dog when his master showed up.
Wise Snake: Before that, he was hiding over there... right about where Riyyh is standing now.
Wise Snake: ~contempt~
Kenmore considers that his running means that he is still alive - probably.
Riyyh avoids zlinning in Snake's direction, and Kenmore's too, while he is at it.
Riyyh: If that is all, Hajene Farris? [to Kenmore, stiffly]
Kenmore goes over and puts a hand, and a lateral, on Snake's arm.
Dahlia supports Kenmore, moving with him.
Kenmore: Hmmm? Please stay a moment Sectuib.
Riyyh hesitates, then remains where he is.
Kenmore thinks that if Riyyh was so keen to be in on the interview, he can be in on this one as well.
Wise Snake flinches at the touch, then stares evenly at Kenmore.
Wise Snake: ~cynical resignation on the surface, something harder burning underneath~
Kenmore: You are improved. I'll want to do some more work with you this afternoon, keep things moving in the right direction.
Wise Snake: What are you going to do to me when you are done?
Wise Snake: Take me back?
Kenmore seems to be - well, not as focused as he was before.
Kenmore: Hmmm? Oh, I don't know yet.
Kenmore: I think we will have to see about getting you out of these restraints.
Wise Snake's eyes light up with a feverish hope.
Wise Snake: ~wary~
Wise Snake's tentacles curl against the lacings.
Kenmore wishes that he had Ghonic and Talbo with him as well as Dahlia, then he could put around the clock Donors to watch her.
Dahlia's attention sharpens as she watches Kenmore for signs of fatigue.
Dahlia: ~support~
Wise Snake zlins Kenmore.
Wise Snake: What happened to you?
Wise Snake: ~academic curiosity~
Kenmore: ~ somewhat lacking in concentration, concerned for Snake and something else ~
Kenmore: Hmmm? Drunk something that didn't agree with me.
Kenmore smiles at her. "You know how it is."
Wise Snake's nager turns ~wary~ again at the smile.
Wise Snake: Let me go... you can let me go, can't you?
Kenmore: Soon soon ~ promises ~
Wise Snake darts a glance at Riyyh, then concentrates on Kenmore.
Kenmore: Now, let's work on those systems of yours.
Kenmore takes Snake into full transfer position and searches out the damage - it doesn't take long to find.
Dahlia sighs and gives Kenmore full working support.
Wise Snake: ~resignation~
Kenmore encourages the repairs.
Kenmore breaks contact slowly.
Dahlia wonders if her protection of Snake is supposed to also include not allowing her to be worked on by exhausted sick channels.
Kenmore: Sectuib, could you arrange a more secure room for Hajene WiseSnake?
Dahlia: ~~heavy support~~
Riyyh comes forward nervously.
Riyyh: I believe so, if you could give me some idea of what you had in mind...?
Kenmore: Something, better shielded then this, one exit, safe....
Riyyh had been following the healing session in total awe at how this Farris left both him and Tictoc in the dust channel-wise.
Kenmore: ~ wait patiently please ~
Kenmore: ~ here to help ~
Kenmore looks at Snake, catching her eyes.
Wise Snake's pale eyes narrow slightly.
Kenmore: Now, I'd like to talk to Snake alone for a while, if that is all right with you Sectuib?
Riyyh: Of course.
Riyyh: ~very sincere~
Riyyh: I will see what I can find for arrangements.
Riyyh leaves quickly.
Wise Snake: Rabbit.
Wise Snake: [muttered under her breath as Riyyh leaves]
Kenmore: I think we can remove these restraints for a little while.
Kenmore: Dahlia?
Kenmore: Can you get that side please?
Kenmore zlins around to see if anyone is close.
Wise Snake's nager quivers as she anticipates release.
Wise Snake: ~~guarded~~
Wise Snake: [hope within]
Kenmore starts to remove the right restraint.
Kenmore: There is no one around, we can talk.
Dahlia starts to object, but then swallows her words and goes over to Snake's left side.
Kenmore: You are a long way from well, I'll do what I can to help you, but I need you to promise that you won't do anything - foolish or otherwise- until I give you the all clear healthwise, OK?
Dahlia carefully starts unlacing the channel's arm.
Wise Snake: I can't go back.
Kenmore: To Zeor? No, I don't think you can.
Kenmore: Have you considered just what you do want to do?
Wise Snake: I want to... [distant, crazy look to eyes and nager]
Wise Snake: Maybe the coast.
Kenmore gently massages the arm where the lacings were.
Kenmore certainly doesn't want her anywhere near Zeor, no matter what the others may think.
Dahlia takes a little longer to undo her side, seeing as how she only has 10 fingers you know.
Kenmore: The coast? [that should be far enough]
Kenmore: [maybe]
Wise Snake: Maybe I'll stay right here.
Wise Snake's core hardens.
Kenmore clears his throat [it's only a 3 day trip from Zeor - much too close]
Kenmore: I don't think that would be a good idea.
Wise Snake: I owe Naros a little bit of leadership, I believe.
Wise Snake: Something was left undone.
Wise Snake pulls her arm the rest of the way from the left restraint and then rubs her hands together, massaging the creases on her wrists.
Kenmore: In fact I think I could safely say that staying here would be a big mistake.
Kenmore: Tell me about Nick.
Wise Snake decides now would be a good time to get up.
Wise Snake: Where is he? [quickly]
Kenmore: I'm not sure. I have one of my people, a Gen, with him now. He is safe.
Kenmore: But tell me. I believe that there was some friction between you.
Wise Snake pushes herself up into a sitting position on the bed.
Kenmore slips an arm behind her back and helps her.
Kenmore: Slowly now, you have been down a long time.
Kenmore: Have you eaten since you woke up?
Wise Snake discovers that lying in bed for 2 weeks is not conducive to good health.
Wise Snake: No.
Kenmore: Dahl, go arrange some clear soup please.
Wise Snake: Nick and I are fine, I want to see him.
Dahlia: But Kenmore, ~concerned~
Kenmore: I'll be fine.
Dahlia is not wanting to leave Kenmore alone with anybody, much less Snake.
Kenmore would like to point out that Snake is weak as a kitten at the moment, but not where Snake can hear.
Dahlia: ~reluctant~
Dahlia: Well OK, but I'll be right back.
Dahlia leaves the room, looking over her shoulder all the way.
Kenmore: Yes. [knows that she will, that Gen can almost augment when she wants to]
Kenmore: How long have you and Nick been transferring alone?
Wise Snake: This last was our seventh.
Kenmore knows that there is no dependency from his zlinning of her, but would like to see the two of them together to be sure.
Kenmore: Shen.
Kenmore: Why aren't you in a dependency then?
Kenmore: ~ touch of fear at the thought ~
Wise Snake: We aren't that close.
Wise Snake: He feels it more than I do, though... I satisfy him.
Kenmore is surprised that she is alive.
Wise Snake rubs her forehead.
Wise Snake: I feel like....
Kenmore: I know what you feel like.
Wise Snake tries to find an adequate descriptive.
Kenmore: ~ sympathy ~
Kenmore really does.
Kenmore: How about washing that has been slapped on rocks and scrubbed on wash boards then hung over bushes in the burning sun?
Wise Snake is starting to relax a little bit; after all, it was Zeor trained fields she knew first before anything else, and Kenmore is sensitive enough to handle her field correctly.
Wise Snake is not really equipped with the background to really dig the washing simile.
Kenmore continues to support her with an arm around her back.
Wise Snake: I was thinking more like a jellyfish washed up on a shore.
Kenmore has never seen a jellyfish, well, only the two legged kind.
Wise Snake is thinking of the pathetic clear lumps left to dry out among the rocks around Bender Cove.
Wise Snake: I would like to stay here, though.
Kenmore: For how long?
Wise Snake: Forever.
Wise Snake had decided that while she was lying there.
Kenmore: Ah, that would represent a problem.
Wise Snake: For a while, until they got used to the idea, but then it would be fine.
Kenmore: I don't think that the Sectuib would open you into his household after you made a murder attempt on him.
Wise Snake has entertained many exotic visions of the revenge she would exact upon Riyyh, none of them so short and pleasant as murder.
Wise Snake: We'll see.
Kenmore leaves it for the moment.
Kenmore: You are due for transfer in 4, 5 days?
Wise Snake: Six.
Wise Snake: Or five.
Wise Snake: [amends]
Wise Snake doesn't feel much like playing the Superhero of Stamina right at the moment.
Kenmore: You have used a bit more selyn then usual in your healing. I want you to have transfer in 4 days rather then wait longer this month.
Kenmore: And I want you to have Dahlia.
Kenmore doesn't want her to at all.
Wise Snake's eyes turn paler.
Wise Snake: But Nick?
Wise Snake knows what Kenmore is going to suggest.
Kenmore wants to have a transfer partner for Snake that he can trust and monitor and one who knows how to handle damaged systems.
Wise Snake: ~~inner shiver~~
Kenmore: Wisesnake, your systems are in a mess. It's not just the slam, or the previous slams, it's not just the lifestyle you have been living.
Kenmore: Part of the problem is that you haven't had a fully trained Donor. I'll work with Nick for awhile, you rest your systems with Dahlia.
Kenmore: In a few weeks, maybe a bit longer, we will see.
Kenmore: Ideally I'd like to give you someone fully trained ~ regret ~ but that isn't possible. The shortage....
Wise Snake: When I'm Sectuib in Naros, I'll give you all the First trainees you require.
Wise Snake: ~dead serious~
Kenmore carefully doesn't choke.
Kenmore mentally puts down "delusional" next to her other mental disorders.
Wise Snake: Do you realize how many young Gens are living here who had a First order channel as both grandfather and father?
Wise Snake feels for the floor with her toes.
Kenmore: I'm beginning to.
Wise Snake tries out standing.
Kenmore keep his arm on her.
Kenmore: Are you sure you want to get up?
Wise Snake is a Farris, of course she is sure she wants to get up.
Wise Snake: What do you think, Bender Cove?
Wise Snake: I thought maybe one month in Bender Cove would do the trick.
Wise Snake: Or maybe... just to keep him here?
Kenmore: One month in Bender Cove for what?
Wise Snake: As 2nd... or 3rd perhaps....
Wise Snake: For Riyyh.
Kenmore: ~ support ~
Wise Snake: He's avoided the Tecton rotation for 30 years, it's about time he pulled his share don't you think?
Wise Snake leans heavily on Kenmore.
Kenmore: Why would the Sectuib of Naros want to go to Bender Cove?
Wise Snake: He wouldn't want to, that's the entire point.
Wise Snake: It's only a pity I wouldn't be able to be there myself to see his face.
Kenmore knows that after her long convalescence she won't be up for long.
Kenmore walks her slowly around the room.
Kenmore: Well, don't worry about that now.
Kenmore: I'm going to keep Dahlia with you until your transfer. You'll be safe and supported.
Wise Snake: Although keeping him here would be just divine.
Wise Snake: ~~grateful~~
Wise Snake wonders if Dahlia has been disenchanted with Zeor at all lately, and if Nick would like to give it a try.
Wise Snake is starting to get a bit dizzy.
Wise Snake: Maybe I should sit down again.
Kenmore: I think so.
Kenmore helps her back to the bed.
Wise Snake: Don't let him escape, will you?
Kenmore: We won't.
Wise Snake clings to Kenmore's arm.
Wise Snake gets back into the bed with his help.
Wise Snake: ~~fuzzy~~
Kenmore helps her to lay down.
Dahlia signals at the door.
Kenmore: You go back to sleep now, when you wake up Dahlia will be with you.
Dahlia is horribly late after being grabbed by about 80 people all wanting juicy details.
Wise Snake's eyelids get heavy.
Kenmore: Come!
Dahlia enters, carrying a tray with a bowl of soup on it.
Dahlia: Oh! I'm too late.
Dahlia: ~regret~
Kenmore: Don't worry, I'll eat it.
Dahlia: These people sure are interested in gossip!
Dahlia: ~amazed~
Kenmore: I'll have more sent up when she wakes again.
Dahlia has just had her first taste of Naros.
Dahlia brings the tray over to Kenmore.
Dahlia: How are you?
Dahlia bathes him in her steady field.
Kenmore: I'll be fine.
Kenmore isn't looking forward to leaving Dahlia with Snake and going off by himself.
Kenmore takes the soup and looks at it, shrugs and starts eating it.
Dahlia: She didn't give you any trouble?
Kenmore: Have you eaten?
Dahlia looks at the unrestrained arms.
Kenmore: Snake? No, she is fine, a bit delusional.
Dahlia: Delusional? Yes, it did mention that in her file, didn't it?
Kenmore: Dahlia, I want you to stay with her and keep her under control.
Dahlia nods.
Dahlia: All right.
Dahlia is not hungry but appears to still be wearing the same clothes she rode in wearing and is a bit grimy.
Kenmore: She might get edgy, might demand to see Nick, or anyone else. She has to stay put and be kept quiet.
Dahlia: I think I can manage that.
Dahlia: What about drugs?
Dahlia: [pointedly]
Kenmore: No thanks, I'm right for the moment.
Kenmore: Oh, you mean Snake?
Kenmore: Well, I'll leave that up to your judgment.
Kenmore: Definitely no uppers though.
Kenmore: Hmmmm, you look like you could do with some time off.
Kenmore: I'll stay here with her while you go get cleaned up, have a meal. When did you sleep last?
Dahlia: What was it called? Frost Lake?
Dahlia: I've been sitting right here since we arrived.
Dahlia pats Snake's bedside.
Kenmore rubs his eyes and wishes for a few more Farris strength Donors.
Kenmore: All right - get some sleep, I'll stay here with her until you come back.
Dahlia: Well... all right.
Kenmore: Not less then 6 hours, not more then 8 all right?
Dahlia resolves to tell some people to check in on him.
Kenmore pulls a chair over close to Snakes bed and sits down.
Kenmore: Off you go, get some rest, we will be fine.
Dahlia leaves.