Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Householding Naros Scenario
Episode #51: Excuse Me, Do I Work Here? (11/2/98)
see note 1
Lisa smiles as she reads Sectuib Naros' paperwork.
Riyyh parts ways with Mytag and hails a cab to go put in a brief appearance at the Bender Cove Lower Sime Center.
Lisa: Goodie! We can sure use another channel of his caliber.
Cabbie waits at the cab stand by the train station, reading the gossip column of the newspaper.
Riyyh: Hello, can you take me to the Lower Sime Center?
Riyyh: [to Cabbie]
Darrel has been stuck with Lobby Duty again, as all the Firsts claim to have hangovers from the party the night before.
Cabbie puts down his paper.
Cabbie: Where? Oh, are you sure you want to go there?
Cabbie looks around.
Cabbie: It's supposed to be a rather... strange place.
Darrel has a hangover, too, but that wasn't enough to get him off duty.
Riyyh: Yes... thank you.
Riyyh: ~nervously~
Riyyh: Will you go there?
Cabbie hops down and opens the door of the cab.
Cabbie: Oh, I'll go there, if you want.
Cabbie: But you might prefer the Upper Sime Center.
Riyyh: I am visiting somebody in particular [explains]
Riyyh: But thank you.
Riyyh thinks it is terribly odd that this cabbie is trying to talk him out of a destination.
Darrel puts a careful tentacle to his aching head.
Riyyh wonders if Mytag's tendency to exaggerate has lulled him into a false sense of security regarding this Center.
Riyyh climbs inside the cab.
Cabbie shrugs.
Cabbie: Your funeral.
Riyyh winces.
Pares ambles quietly into Lisa's office.
Pares: Hello there, little channel.
Cabbie slams the door behind Riyyh and climbs up to his seat.
Pares smiles warmly.
Lisa: Hi Pares, it's good to see you.
Lisa smiles warmly at her donor.
Riyyh jumps as the door slams and realizes he's just a bit wound up.
Alea walks into the lobby.
Alea: Ah, good morning...er...afternoon, Darrel.
Alea smiles ~~ glowing ~~~
Alea: I see you have lobby duty.
Riyyh wishes Mytag was with him, but Mytag had firmly refused to come along on this little visit, and besides, there is more urgent business to attend to.
Lisa: We're getting a new channel sometime today.
Cabbie lifts his whip and cracks it loudly.
Pares crosses the room and sits down near Lisa.
Riyyh settles back in the cab.
Cabbie is glad that his horse is nice and fresh, so that a decent pace can be maintained.
Pares: Did you work out things with Jorgre?
Cabbie's idea of a decent pace is a full gallop.
Darrel winces.
Darrel: Do you have to shout? [whispered urgently]
Lisa smiles as she relaxes in her Donor's nager.
Alea blinks.
Alea: Oh my.
Riyyh grabs onto the back of the seat in alarm.
Cabbie: Yeeeeeeee Haw!
Alea: I guess Hilo and I left before the party got really wild.
Alea: Just how many are... um... in your condition?
Lisa: Oh, he was OK, though last night's events unsettled him a little.
Lisa smiles at Pares. "Thanks for being there."
Pares settles his nager over Lisa like a strong sure defense, wrapping her in peace and relaxation.
Riyyh suddenly remembers somebody saying the streets of Bender Cove are perfectly safe... so long as you remain on your own two feet.
Alea moves over and leans against the desk, crossing her arms and smiling.
Darrel tries to think, not an easy task.
Darrel: Just about everyone who stayed, I'd guess.
Alea ~~ joyous peaceful ~~
Alea: Ah....
Alea: And you ended up stuck here?
Cabbie grins as the cap jolts over the potholes.
Alea chuckles low.
Pares: Any time, Lisa.
Pares: I am your Donor.
Lisa: I'm glad.
Darrel: Shhh, please!
Darrel clutches his head.
Riyyh barely avoids serious injury as he is pingponged between the seat (no springs) and the ceiling.
Riyyh: ~fear~
Lisa doesn't understand why Farrises have such a problem with Tigues. She kinda likes having this one around.
Riyyh tries to grab the handle of the door.
Alea: So, how'd the party go last night?
Cabbie: I'll get you there as fast as can be, don't you worry!
Pares nods.
Pares: It was quite... different.
Darrel: It's been a long time since I've seen so much chocolate being offered in one place.
Alea smiles softly.
Alea: Chocolate.
Alea: It certainly was delicious.
Alea: I might start allotting some money to buy some occasionally.
Darrel is actually finding the thought of food, even chocolate, is nauseating at the moment.
Alea: Although, I'll definitely have to keep it away from Lisa.
Cabbie: Whoops, that was quite a pothole! Oughta write a letter to the Mayor.
Alea: I'm almost certain I saw her dipping it in mustard sauce last night.
Serena walks into the lobby.
Serena takes a seat at her desk, but is basically oblivious to the things around her.
Darrel gags at the thought of mustard and chocolate.
Alea glances over and smiles.
Alea: Hello, Serena.
Alea: We were discussing the party last night.
Alea: And chocolate.
Pares: So tell me, little one, how are you feeling after last night?
Alea glances at Darrel.
Alea: You are quite ill.
Cabbie pulls the cab to a lurching halt in front of the Lower Sime Center.
Cabbie: Here we are! Chaos Central.
Riyyh clings pathetically to the handle of the door.
Pares reaches out and touches her hand concern in his nager.
Riyyh: Oh... oh.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Riyyh detaches his hands and fumbles for some money.
Riyyh climbs out shakily and pays the cabbie.
Riyyh: That was... er... very efficient driving.
Alea: Darrel?
Cabbie accepts the fare with a grin.
Pares looks curiously at Lisa.
Pares decides she's not talking and sits back to work.
Cabbie: Thanks, Hajene. Enjoy your visit, and if you ever want a ride, just pass the word for Jaeelyn.
Riyyh watches the cab leave, since for some reason he is reluctant to turn his back on it.
Darrel looks at Alea.
Darrel: Yes?
Lisa: What? Oh sorry Pares what was the question?
Pares: Simply that I'm worried about you.
Pares: How are you feeling?
Serena looks at Alea.
Lisa: Tired slight headache that's all.
Serena: Oh, the party... yes.
Alea: I asked you if you'd be okay to work here?
Pares: Maybe we should schedule you a break later.
Pares gets up and moves behind Lisa and begins to gently massage her neck while working with the field to ease her pain.
Lisa: Yeah, good idea. But not until after the new channel gets here. I'm looking forward to interviewing him.
Riyyh turns and faces the Sime Center, really looking at it - and the neighborhood around it - for the first time.
Riyyh: Oh, my.
Serena: What about the party, Alea? My mind is still a little fuzzy.
Riyyh: ~distressed~
Darrel: Well....
Alea: You are looking quite green.
Riyyh tries to imagine a party held by Zeor there.
Lisa sighs. "Oh Pares, thanks. That feels soo good.
Pares: Tell me about the new channel.
Darrel: My head does hurt, and my stomach's a bit queasy.
Riyyh tries to imagine being in charge of Farris-proofing the environment and sympathizes with whoever it was.
Pares smiles as he gently works on the muscles.
Alea gently reaches out with her field and engages Darrel's to ease his symptoms.
Alea: That's a bad combination for lobby duty.
Lisa closes her eyes and gives herself up to the comfort of her Donor's ministrations.
Darrel tenses at the touch of Alea's nager.
Alea ~~ relax ~~
Darrel: There's a good combination for lobby duty?
Alea: Strong stomach and calm nerves.
Riyyh takes a deep breath and figures he may as well get it over with.
Darrel can only agree with that.
Alea smiles.
Riyyh hopes Veraik is there so it will be brief.
Riyyh climbs the stairs.
Pares: Ah... yes, your muscles were all tense. This is much better.
Darrel smiles back, in a sickly sort of way.
Pares: It's not good for a Companion to allow their channel to get in such shape.
Lisa: The last 24 hours have been a little hectic.
Pares: Forgive me for not attending you earlier.
Pares: Yes, they have.
Riyyh enters cautiously.
Riyyh has heard, and read, an awful lot about this lobby.
Alea simply looks at Darrel.
Riyyh: ~trepidation~
Alea: If you would prefer me not to assist you, then my Farris nager is certain to be welcome elsewhere.
Lisa chuckles. Nothing to forgive, I was with Jorgre. He's not Gen but he takes very good care of me.
Alea: Where the sensitivity and experience are appreciated and recognized.
Darrel zlins Riyyh's entry.
Pares: Yes, he does.
Pares ~~ amusement ~~
Pares: He worried quite a bit.
Lisa thinks that between Jorgre and Pares she is going to be very well taken care of.
Riyyh looks around the lobby.
Lisa: He loves me very much and is soo protective.
Darrel looks at the newcomer.
Darrel: Err... looks like we've got company.
Alea continues to give Darrel an arrogant look before turning to see who entered.
Darrel goes over to Riyyh.
Darrel: Can I help you?
Pares: So, tell me about this new channel.
Riyyh: Ah... yes, thank you.
Darrel: ~~ hung over Second with Lobbyphobia ~~
Riyyh: I am Riyyh, Sectuib in Naros, and I am afraid I missed the party yesterday.
Riyyh: I was wondering if Veraik is here, and if I might see him to pay my respects?
Riyyh: ~polite and friendly if a bit nervous underneath~
Alea shakes her head.
Alea knows Veraik isn't in for... well....
Riyyh is more than a little alarmed by Darrel's condition.
Alea ~~ amusement ~~
Riyyh tries not to stare at Alea.
Riyyh: [not only is she famous, but also he'd dreamed about her recently]
Lisa: He's Sectuib in Naros, specializes in disjunction and I think transfer pathology. I hear he's cute and quite the ladies man.
Darrel: Veraik?
Pares: And I would wager you didn't tell your Jorgre this.
Alea: Sorry, Veraik is indisposed at the time.
Riyyh: Oh. ~disappointed~
Alea grins.
Alea: I'm Alea Farris. This is Darrel, hajene.
Darrel cudgels his aching head for the information.
Alea: Please come in.
Lisa: I haven't seen Jorgre since the paperwork arrived.
Riyyh: Er... thank you.
Alea: Our assistant Controller is here though.
Riyyh smiles at Alea, although it comes out a bit pained.
Alea winks at Serena.
Serena smiles at Alea.
Alea: I would guess Veraik is still busy with the line of women outside his door.
Alea looks oddly at Riyyh.
Alea: Have we met before?
Pares nods.
Pares seats himself beside her.
Pares: What about the changeover from last night?
Darrel tries to smile at Riyyh, through the headache.
Riyyh's forehead wrinkles as he wonders what she means about the "line of women outside his door".
Pares: Did they find all the conspirators?
Lisa: I'll tell him tonight, but I fail to see where it matters.
Pares smiles again.
Riyyh: I don't believe we have, [to Alea]. It is a pleasure.
Pares: Forgive me. My humor seems to fall flat with you.
Lisa: I don't know. I haven't heard a thing since we turned the matter over to the Tecton.
Riyyh smiles at her, a little more genuinely.
Alea nods.
Alea adjusts her field, signalling acceptance and pleasure to meet him.
Lisa: Sorry. Guess I'm a little slow today.
Alea: Veraik pledged ambrov Zeor yesterday.
Alea: We had a celebration last night.
Riyyh: Yes, I know, I was to attend the ceremony.
Alea: A few people, like Darrel here, had a bit too much porstan with the shiltpron playing.
Riyyh: I see.
Alea: Oh dear.
Darrel winces at having his hangover pointed out to a First.
Serena: Actually, I think it was the chocolate too.
Riyyh finds that explanation a bit more reassuring than the idea that Darrel might have sustained his "injury" in the lobby while on duty.
Alea: Well, Serena, perhaps you can show Hajene Riyyh to Lisa's.
Serena: If you like. Is she in her office?
Alea: Unless, Sectuib, you'd like to rest and wash up first?
Alea: Yes, she is.
Pares: Not at all.
Riyyh: Well... yes, actually, if that is possible.
Riyyh: ~surprised, but grateful~
Serena rises.
Pares sits back and simply supports Lisa.
Riyyh never passes up an opportunity to wash up.
Alea: Would you take him to one of the extra suites, Serena, to wash up first?
Alea ~~ graciousness ~~
Serena: I could do that if you wish.
Lisa rises "Want some tea, Pares?
Serena: Come along, this way.
Darrel wishes the conversation could be carried on at lower volume.
Alea: Thank you.
Lisa moves to the alcove and puts on the water.
Riyyh: Thank you. [to Alea and Darrel]
Pares: Would you like me to make it for you hajene?
Riyyh feels ~sympathy~ for Darrel's condition.
Alea me smiles politely.
Riyyh follows Serena.
Lisa: Its OK, I've got it.
Riyyh wonders what Alea Farris would think if she knew he'd had a dream about her.
Riyyh: Oh, how embarrassing. [to himself]
Alea: Now Darrel....
Darrel is ~~surprised ~~ at not being condemned for unprofessional behavior by the First.
Lisa: You rest I understand you had a rather wild night too.
Darrel looks at Alea.
Alea: Do you want my expertise or would you rather simply suffer?
Pares: Not at all.
Serena takes Riyyh down the hall to one of the rooms.
Pares: Most of it was spent sleeping in your room.
Darrel zlins Alea to make sure she isn't likely to succumb to an allergic attack.
Darrel: Please.
Lisa: How well do you know the First Companion in Zeor anyway?
Darrel sidles closer.
Serena: You can clean up in here. When you're ready, I'll take you to Controller Lisa's office.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Pares stands and moves over to her sofa and quietly straightens the pillows and magazines before seating himself.
Riyyh smiles at Serena.
Alea twirls her finger motioning him to turn his back on her.
Serena: You're welcome. I'll wait here for you.
Darrel turns as directed.
Lisa just chuckles low in her throat as she makes the tea.
Riyyh disappears inside.
Alea gently engages his field much like the soft breeze against a butterfly's wings and begins to work to get rid of the pain as she rubs his neck.
Pares: How well do I know the First Companion?
Pares: Well I don't know the First Companion well at all.
Pares: I do know a woman named Devida I met in Gulf Territory.
Darrel sighs as the "breeze" hits his aching forehead.
Pares chuckles.
Lisa: She was sure giving you the google eyes last night.
Riyyh begins a very elaborate grooming process that could take hours if not interrupted.
Pares: We're old friends.
Lisa rolls her eyes.
Pares: Used to match wits.
Lisa: I gathered that.
Lisa: Oh and who generally wins? You I bet.
Darrel hopes that the lobby remains free of customers until Alea finishes.
Alea continues to manipulate the muscles in his neck easing the tension.
Alea: You know Darrel ~~ soothing ~~ you really should learn to relax in the lobby.
Serena knocks on the door Riyyh entered.
Pares: Now if I say I won, little channel, how would that look for Devida, but if I say I lost, how would I look to you?
Pares: She the First Companion and me your Companion.
Pares: Shame, shame.
Lisa pours the tea and hands Pares a cup setting a plate of chocolate cookies and candy before him.
Lisa giggle.
Serena: We can't keep the Controller waiting too long.
Pares: More chocolate.
Lisa: Here eat. I liberated that stuff from the party leftovers.
Darrel: In here?
Pares nods.
Pares: Join me.
Serena is not going to walk in on him.
Pares ~~ gentle hunger ~~
Alea: Well that would be nice.
Alea: The idea is to be relaxed.
Riyyh is startled out of his soothing routine.
Alea: At ease.
Darrel: Well, I'd certainly feel better if Patrice had showed up for our shift.
Lisa: Devida's a Farris. She probably won most of the time. I know I certainly can't get around her easily.
Riyyh: Oh, I'm terribly sorry, I'll be right out.
Alea: Then as the people...or opponents come in, you can handle any situation.
Alea: I think she's pretty sick.
Darrel: Do you know where she ended up after last night's festivities.
Alea: Got some bad food or something.
Darrel wilts.
Rychau pokes head in door of lobby and looks about.
Riyyh would never be able to live under conditions where a few seconds were considered enough time to rest and wash up.
Pares: If that is what you wish to believe.
Rychau: 'Scuse me, has anyone seen Lyta?
Riyyh puts everything back in his bag and inspects his hair one last time, then leaves the room.
Pares picks up a cookie and takes a bite, cupping the tiny tea cup in his hand.
Riyyh: Thank you for waiting. I'm sorry it took so long.
Riyyh: ~sincere~
Lisa sits by Pares and sips her tea.
Darrel turns around, startled out of the semi-relaxation which Alea had managed.
Darrel: Err... Lyta who?
Serena: It's all right, Hajene. Come along.
Pares: Actually, you should ask Devida about it sometime.
Riyyh follows Serena.
Lisa: I just might do that.
Pares chuckles and sips his tea, leaning back on the couch and crossing an ankle over his leg.
Alea isn't sure who Lyta is.
Alea thinks supporting Darrel is like using a sledge hammer on a pin, but does because she actually feels sorry for the guy.
Lisa puts down her tea and leaning her head against her Donor's shoulder closes her eyes going hyper to study his field.
Serena knocks on Lisa's office door.
Rychau: Don't you remember, she came in about two weeks ago to have our baby? Cute little Gen with big blue eyes?
Lisa: Come in, Serena.
Serena opens the door.
Lisa: Oops, we have company.
Darrel: Oh.
Pares ~~ steady calm solid ~~
Lisa jumps up and rushes back to her desk.
Pares: Shush...relax. I'm your Donor...
Lisa: ~professional field~
Riyyh is surprised to see Lisa evidently involved in something private.
Darrel tries to remember if he was on duty that night.
Serena: This is Hajene Riyyh ambrov Naros.
Pares sighs and stands, straightening his shirt and then moving sedately across the office.
Pares ~~ steady solid support unwavering from Lisa ~~
Lisa smiles. "Sectuib Welcome to Bender Cove."
Riyyh: Thank you, Serena. [smiles to her]
Riyyh enters Lisa's office.
Lisa holds out her hands and tentacles in welcome.
Darrel: I could see if she's been sent home from the infirmary.
Alea: She was dismissed...I believe, Darrel.
Riyyh: Thank you, it is a pleasure to be here. [to Lisa]
Rychau: She was sent, but she left a bit ago and I thought it was to bring the baby in for her checkup.
Darrel: Well, then, she'd be at home, I suppose.
Serena: You're most welcome, Hajene.
Serena: Anything else I can do for you, Lisa?
Rychau: ~growing anxiety` i don't know where she is.
Pares nods his welcome his nager warming just a bit in acknowledgement.
Lisa is surprised that the Sectuib didn't return her greeting, but retracts her tentacles without comment.
Lisa: Please have a seat. May we offer you tea?
Riyyh wonders why Lisa is surprised.
Riyyh: Yes, thank you. ~grateful~
Darrel: Well, if she's not here, I can't help you, I'm afraid.
Riyyh takes a seat.
Lisa: That's fine, Serena, thanks. Is it quiet in the lobby, I hope?
Lisa moves gracefully to the alcove and pours another cup of tea.
Serena: I hope it will be.
Alea: Have you donated lately?
Serena: Darrel's falling to pieces.
Alea: Darrel here would be glad to take your donation.
Pares gets his and Lisa's tea and sits them down before quietly moving to his own seat.
Lisa: How was your trip, Sectuib?
Pares picks up the tiny cup and sips it.
Darrel would much rather sleep off his hangover, preferably in a Donor's presence.
Riyyh: Not entirely without mishap, unfortunately. [confesses]
Riyyh: There was some track out and that delayed us by over a day.
Serena: So I'll get back there then
Darrel tries to smile reassuringly at Rychau.
Lisa: Um, OK, thanks Serena.
Serena exits the office and returns to the lobby.
Rychau: Well thanks, doc, I'll try the store.
Riyyh pauses to let them finish.
Lisa: Oh dear. Well I'm glad you got here safely. I was beginning to worry.
Serena returns to the lobby.
Darrel tries to figure out what that means.
Riyyh: I am terribly sorry to have missed the ceremony.
Lisa smiles. "That was something else."
Riyyh: I hope I will be able to offer Veraik my congratulations while I am in town here?
Pares wraps Lisa in a bubble of quiet peace.
Alea simply shrugs.
Lisa: Oh, of course. Veraik should surface in a day or so. He's post right now and I think enjoying every minute of it.
Alea: Well Darrel, let me go find someone to send you some fosebine.
Riyyh: I see.
Alea: You look much better now.
Alea: I'll leave you in Serena's capable hands.
Riyyh is sort of surprised that Lisa would volunteer that kind of information to a complete stranger.
Lisa: I take it you two are old friends?
Darrel is ~~ grateful ~~ that the visitor declined his services.
Darrel: Thank you, Alea.
Serena: Thank you Alea.
Riyyh: No, actually we do not know each other well. I believe we met once before he was assigned to the Upper Center.
Alea: Any time, Darrel.
Alea walks on down the hall.
Serena: Well, Darrel, do you want that fosebine, or what?
Lisa: Ah ok. Well we are all very proud of him.
Riyyh isn't sure how to tell Lisa that he gets dozens of these invitations and has to accept two or three a year just so people know he's still alive.
Riyyh: Yes, I can imagine.
Riyyh smiles.
Riyyh: Well, I will arrange to come back in... shall we say, two days? I think I can extend my stay that long.
Alea catches a local renSime and gets a dose of fosebine, sending it back for Darrel.
Alea goes out to the garden.
Darrel: Please.
Darrel smiles at Serena, in a somewhat sickly fashion.
Lisa grins back. She is starting to really like this new channel.
Dru comes into the lobby with a glass of fosebine.
Lisa: Well, Sectuib, I've read your file and it seems you are a channel of many talents.
Dru: Good day, Darrel.
Darrel: Is it?
Dru: Sosu Farris sent me with this fosebine for you.
Darrel sees the fosebine.
Serena: Hello Dru.
Dru: Well... yeah.
Darrel: Ah, thank you.
Darrel: ~~ gratitude ~~
Serena: There's your fosebine, Darrel.
Dru blinks wondering what he's upset about, then realizes....
Dru: Hangover.
Dru nods.
Dru sets the drink down.
Riyyh pauses nervously as Lisa ignores his attempt to leave gracefully, then covers it with another smile.
Riyyh: My file? Errr... thank you.
Serena: Dru, did you enjoy the party last night?
Darrel takes the glass and tosses the does down in one gulp.
Dru: Well there you go.
Dru: You want more, I'll be glad to get it for you.
Dru hurries out of the lobby.
Riyyh wonders how in shen Lisa got her hands on something like that.
Lisa: Hum, has there been another Tecton screwup? I was given to understand you were being assigned to Bender Cove.
Serena looks at Darrel.
Serena: Wonder what set him off in such a hurry.
Riyyh's showfield clamps down hard in order to hide a stab of ~~heart clenching panic~~
Riyyh goes pale.
Pares looks curiously, a frown wrinkling his brow.
Riyyh: P-pardon me? [squeaks]
Darrel closes his eyes, waiting for the dose to take effect.
Lisa says softly "What is it Hajene?"
Darrel: I can't imagine....
Lisa looks at Pares. ~support him~
Pares doesn't waver in his support of Lisa as the other channel looks quite ill.
Darrel tries to get his nager into order, so that he doesn't blast hangover to everyone.
Lisa goes into functional mode, zlinning.
Riyyh: No... no, there must be some mistake.
Pares nods and delicately switches his field from Lisa to Riyyh.
Riyyh: ~scared like a rabbit~
Serena: You really aren't feeling very well, are you?
Darrel: No, I'm not.
Pares offers typical Tigue steady, sure support with a soothing quality to it, to ease Riyyh's anxiety.
Darrel: I don't think chocolate and shiltpron mix very well.
Serena ~~support to Darrel~~ "Maybe this will help."
Darrel leans on Serena, eyes closed.
Serena: You're absolutely right about that, especially the shiltpron.
Serena puts an arm around his shoulder.
Darrel makes his way to a couch and sits.
Lisa says soothingly, "well, it must be a bureaucratic foulup. Don't worry."
Serena ~~calming field~~
Lisa: We'll get it sorted out.
Riyyh is afraid it's much worse than that.
Riyyh tries to hide his ~fear and despair~
Riyyh isn't panicking, at least, thanks to Pares.
Riyyh makes a sort of distracted gesture of thanks to Pares.
Lisa says quietly, "all right Hajene, I think you'd better tell me what's going on."
Serena: Hopefully it will remain quiet.
Darrel: Yes.
Lisa: ~calm professional concern~
Darrel opens his eyes long enough to throw a nervous glance at the lobby door.
Serena: I managed to salvage both your Pick Up Sticks and your Barrel of Monkeys from the caterers.
Riyyh: Do you have documentation of my... assignment here?
Darrel: What would the caterers want with our games?
Lisa: Right here.
Serena ~~calm ~~ "No nasties should be coming through those doors."
Riyyh: May I see them?
Riyyh reaches for the papers.
Lisa hands over the folder that lists Bender Cove as the assignment.
Serena: They were using them as decorations on the food trays last night.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Darrel: Decorations?
Lisa: If that's in error we can certainly rectify it.
Riyyh looks it over.
Darrel: Monkeys?
Riyyh sees that a bunch of it is in his own writing and it's been signed by the District Controller for Naros' area.
Riyyh blanches.
Riyyh: Oh dear.
Riyyh closes the folder and hands it back to Lisa.
Darrel is taking more interest in the conversation as the fosebine kicks in.
Riyyh tries to think of the best way to handle this.
Riyyh: ~flustered~
Serena nods.
Lisa: Is any of that in error, Hajene?
Serena: They didn't like the garnishes I made, they thought the monkeys would look good with bananas.
Darrel: They're a bit small for that, I'd think.
Lisa says softly "What is it, Riyyh?"
Serena: And they put fruit pieces on the Pick Up Sticks thinking they were skewers.
Lisa: ~talk to me~
Riyyh: Have you heard anything of my... current political situation?
Darrel: Skewers? I thought those were usually made of metal?
Lisa: No I haven't. We're pretty isolated here.
Riyyh thinks the "we're pretty isolated here" is quite a whopper, but he appreciates her tact.
Serena: What did they know? Shortly after that was when they left.
Riyyh: I am afraid that this was done by someone with malicious intent.
Darrel: Well, you managed to save the day, as usual, Serena.
Riyyh: This person had threatened to do this very thing, but I had believed the situation to be under control.
Riyyh: ~unhappy~
Lisa: Oh dear. Are you saying these papers are forged?
Darrel smiles a slightly less sickly smile than before.
Serena: The caterers didn't want to put up with what they called "The Legend of Bender Cove" but I think they were afraid of me.
Pares ~~ soothing ~~
Serena smiles.
Pares ~~ empathetic ~~
Riyyh: The part in my handwriting certainly is! I don't know about the District, Regional, and Tecton Central signatures.
Darrel: Of you? Why would they be afraid of you?
Serena: With your help too.
Alea signals at Lisa's door.
Lisa sighs. "OK, Riyyh. We are going to get to -
Lisa: Oh Alea, come.
Serena surrounds Darrel with her field.
Serena: Who knows? Feeling a little better I hope.
Darrel: Yes, very much so.
Alea smiles ~~ glowing ~~
Darrel keeps leaning on Serena's field, however.
Alea: Hi Lisa, I wanted to talk... oh.
Alea sees the company and blushes, embarrassed.
Serena: Good.
Pares glances over at the Farris and smiles.
Riyyh tries to look harmless.
Lisa: Hi, Alea.
Riyyh can actually look pretty damned cute and harmless when he tries.
Alea nods to Riyyh smiling at him.
Alea: We meet again. ~~ offers greetings with a touch of amusement and embarrassment ~~
Riyyh wonders if there will be a moment when he can quietly slip out the door and rush to find Mytag and escape the town.
Lisa: ~support Riyyh Pares to me~
Riyyh wonders what is going on at Naros at this moment.
Lisa studies the other channel a minute.
Pares looks at Lisa and realizes, with anther Donor in the room... and gently moves his support back to Lisa.
Riyyh smiles in return, a bit worriedly.
Riyyh had received quite a tongue-lashing from Mytag when he'd mentioned he'd accepted support from Alea in the dream.
Alea looks at Lisa with a question in her nager, then cocks her head toward Riyyh. ~~ support ? ~~
Lisa: Riyyh I don't know what's going on here, but I do intend to get to the bottom of this.
Lisa tapes the file.
Serena: Let me get some of my paperwork, and I'll be right back.
Alea moves over and quietly slips into a seat and carefully reaches out, treating Riyyh like a Farris and offering a gentle sweet support that would make a Farris weep with joy.
Riyyh: I am sure it can be straightened out. ~not sure at all~
Lisa: If this is a forgery, somebody is going to be in a lot of hot water.
Riyyh thinks the Tecton is not going to let go of him easily after all those years of him stiffing them of Donors and channels from Naros.
Darrel nods bravely, and clutches the couch with all handling tentacles as Serena leaves.
Riyyh: Yes, well, I can tell you who did it at any rate.
Riyyh doesn't think it will help, but it pays to be cooperative.
Pares: Is it possible it's simply another Tecton screw up?
Serena rises to get some of her files.
Lisa: With the Tecton, anything is possible.
Alea ~~ soothing gentle promise that everything is going to be okay ~~
Darrel feels his stomach lurch as the support grows more tenuous.
Serena turns around with the files, and notices his distress.
Riyyh realizes they don't actually believe him.
Riyyh: ~dismay~
Serena walks quickly back.
Pares: Oh?
Lisa: I'm afraid that I'm going to have to ask you to stay here at Bender Cove for a few days while I have Veraik check this out.
Serena takes her seat again.
Riyyh: Well, I can stay for a day or two longer, but....
Serena: Guess I can't leave you for a minute in the shape you're in.
Lisa: We'll see what we can do.
Alea reaches out and lays a hand gently on his arm, increasing the support.
Darrel clutches at Serena.
Lisa: Alea who's your channel now?
Alea ~~ it'll be fine ~~
Darrel: I guess I'm not feeling as well as I thought.
Riyyh gets goosebumps.
Serena ~~wraps Darrel in her field again~~
Riyyh is not panicking though, which is always a good thing.
Pares leans back in his chair and clasps his hands over his abdomen as he calmly supports Lisa.
Serena: Well, I'll stay with you for as long as I can.
Riyyh: Well, I can leave you with a signed letter explaining the difficulty, and I am sure that you will be able to handle it from there.
Darrel: Thank you.
Alea ~~ promise you'll be fine ~~ ~~ concern ~~
Serena starts on the paperwork.
Serena shakes her head.
Riyyh has never been good at multi-person interactions and is finding three people being there very disconcerting.
Serena: That was some party.
Alea: Hajene, relax.
Alea: Things will be just fine.
Riyyh wishes he could ask Alea to tone it down a little so he can think, but is terrified of insulting the Farris.
Serena ~~calm, contentment, tired~~
Riyyh doesn't need any more Farris enemies right now.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Alea: Let me just work on your fields for a bit, with your permission of course.
Riyyh smiles at her in gratitude... or as close as he can manage.
Riyyh: Oh... er... of course.
Darrel finds himself blinking.
Darrel: You're tired, aren't you?
Serena: Yes. But it shouldn't matter. I've been tired before.
Lisa: I think, Hajene, we'll just keep you here for a few days while we sort this out.
Pares smiles, thinking there is someone else besides Tigues who don't care for Farris Donors, with their gentle fluttery touch, and the way they are so... nervous.
Riyyh: You know, I really should find my Com... my Donor.
Serena: I'm not leaving when you feel so rotten.
Pares realizes he is thinking improperly and pulls his mind from that.
Lisa: Alea, would you mind serving him?
Riyyh: Here? No, that is quite impossible.
Riyyh: ~alarm~
Lisa: Alea will attend you for a few days. She's one of our best Donors.
Alea eases up on Riyyh sensing his discomfort.
Darrel: At least there haven't been any customers this morning.
Alea: I... wha--
Riyyh thinks Mytag would have a cat fit, and also he has to get back to Naros to stop whatever is happening over there from happening.
Riyyh: Alea?
Riyyh: But what about Mytag?
Lisa smiles blandly at the other channel of whom she's more than a little suspicious.
Alea blinks, surprised though this doesn't show in her field. "I see...."
Serena: And I hope it stays that way.
Riyyh: ~fear~
Lisa: Who is Mytag?
Riyyh: My... my usual Donor. He travelled with me.
Lisa: Where is he now?
Riyyh looks handsome, lost and, er, really worried.
Alea looks back at Riyyh ~~ no panic....relax ~~~
Riyyh: He's on other business in town, I was only supposed to come here to have a word with Veraik.
Serena: Wasn't last night enough excitement for you, Darrel?
Riyyh's nervously waving tentacles wilt into their sheathes with Alea's attentions.
Darrel starts to blink and nod off under the influence of Serena's nager.
Darrel: More than enough, actually.
Lisa: Well hopefully he will come here looking for you. If so he can attend you. In the meantime Alea will take you to a suite and get you settled.
Pares: Is it possible he has a head injury, Hajene?
Pares: [whispers to Lisa]
Darrel: Never zlinned anything like Hilo's performance before.
Lisa gives Alea a significant look.
Serena nods.
Riyyh: You're not going to let me leave?? [disbelief]
Lisa glances at Pares.
Alea is immediately submissive.
Serena: I can imagine how it zlinned. It sure felt different.
Alea: Of course, hajene [murmurs]
Lisa: Not for a couple of days. I want the mystery solved first.
Riyyh: But you have no right....
Darrel looks at Serena with interest.
Darrel: You felt it?
Serena: I tried to center on the ambient, but it was too chaotic for me to follow.
Lisa: We'll send out renSimes to look for your Donor.
Pares ~~ support ~~
Darrel: Chaotic. Yes, it was that.
Lisa: What does he look like?
Riyyh: ~helpless dismay~
Alea looks apologetically at Riyyh.
Alea: We'll find him as quickly as possible.
Lisa: And in the meantime, you are in the best hands with Alea.
Serena: Yes. I did.
Alea: I realize how inconvenient this must be for you to be assigned a Companion you have never worked with.
Riyyh: [and has been warned about a thousand times by his own Donor]
Alea: However, let me reassure you I have worked with Sectuib before and he trusted me. I've worked with the Controller and Assistant Controller as well.
Riyyh looks pleadingly at Alea.
Darrel thinks that it's no wonder he's so sick, if the fluctuations were strong enough for Serena to feel.
Riyyh: Really, I have nothing against you, but... I hadn't expected to be retained here.
Riyyh: I am Sectuib in Naros, I have responsibilities!
Lisa: Go with Alea now, Riyyh, she'll take good care of you.
Lisa: ~soothing~ It's only until we get things sorted out.
Serena looks at Darrel.
Alea stands.
Riyyh: But....
Alea: Please, Sectuib, come with me.
Riyyh stands also, clutching his bag.
Serena: You're getting all upset again.
Lisa: I'll send messengers right away to Naros and Capitol. We'll get it resolved.
Alea: Since Mytag isn't here, I'll be glad to work with you.
Alea slips a hand over his lateral sheath projecting soothing.
Serena ~~soothing~~
Alea: I'm sure this can be cleared up in a few hours.
Riyyh jumps as Alea's hand touches his arm.
Alea: Or less.
Riyyh: A few hours?
Darrel: I'm sorry.
Riyyh wonders how they're going to get messengers to Capital and Naros in a few hours.
Darrel tries to relax.
Pares thinks he sure is jumpy.
Riyyh: ~very bad feeling about this~
Riyyh is unconsciously pressing up against Alea, due to nervousness.
Serena: Don't apologize. Just relax.
Alea blinks, disconcerted.
Darrel thinks that apologizing is much easier than relaxing--at least in the Dreaded Lobby.
Alea slips a supportive arm around him.
Alea: Come on, Hajene. ~~ soothing ~~
Darrel: I'll try.
Alea urges him gently toward the door.
Serena: I told you I'm not going to leave you, so you may as well enjoy it.
Serena turns back to her paperwork once again.
Riyyh allows Alea to nudge him out of the office.
Darrel huddles against Serena as his stomach lurches again.
Alea: I have to apologize again. But you see, my Sectuib....
Alea: Well, Hilo... I was downstairs... and someone tried to break in with the intent or murdering him.
Lisa collapses in her seat and looks at Pares.
Alea: So we're all a little jumpy and extra careful around strangers.
Pares: Well?
Riyyh: Yes, yes, I heard that sort of thing happens all the time here. [nervously]
Lisa: Your opinion.
Pares immediately goes to work soothing and working on Lisa's fields.
Lisa relaxes immediately.
Serena continues to project calm and serenity.
Alea: Oh not at all.
Pares: Odd....
Pares: But....
Pares: He seemed too worried not to be sincere.
Pares: However, after last night....
Pares: And they still haven't caught the conspirators behind the attempt.
Lisa: He zlinned as more than worried. I think he's hiding something.
Alea: Actually, Hajene, it is usually pretty quiet around here.
Pares: It's possible.
Lisa: Yes we do have to be careful.
Riyyh is startled enough by that statement to give Alea an odd look.
Alea: Please, feel free to make yourself at home. We have a garden out back, a cafeteria....
Riyyh: I do know people who have been posted here.
Alea nods.
Alea: And you will get to know more.
Alea: I'm sure.
Alea ~~ soothing ~~
Pares: How long do you think it'll take to find out something?
Lisa rises. "Well Pares, let's go talk to Security. Then I'll ask Serena to write some letters."
Pares nods.
Lisa: Only a couple of days, I should think.
Pares stands and walks to the door, pulling it open.
Lisa smiles at Pares then leaves the office for the Lobby.
Darrel is sitting as close as possible to Serena, without actually sitting in her lap.
Serena smiles at Darrel.
Serena: I'm not going to bite you.
Darrel tries to look dignified, but succeeds only in looking hung over.
see note 2
Notes:
1) This is a fragment from a longer Bender Cove Township episode. When/if the longer version gets posted to the Bender Cove site this one may be edited and/or renamed to match. The episode began before our log starts. [return]
2) At this point the episode picks goes onward but there is nothing else related to Naros. [return]