Sime/Gen Roleplaying: Householding Naros Scenario
Episode #53: Run, Rabbit, Run! (11/4/98)
Riyyh finishes what he hopes is a correct writeup of Dain/Dade/Denny/Dennine's donation and wonders what to do with the file.
Riyyh finding himself alone in the lobby decides he'd better slip out of the Sime Center while he can.
Riyyh uses a piece of the Center's stationery to write a small polite note explaining that he really does have to get back home again and apologizing for any inconvenience.
Riyyh slips into the room he was lent, retrieves his bag, then sneaks out of the Sime Center via the lobby.
Riyyh feels bad about letting down the Sime Center like this, but he is genuinely worried that the Tecton will never let him go otherwise.
Riyyh remembers what he'd been told about transportation in Bender Cove, (which warning had been firmly underscored by his cab ride to the Center the other day) and decides it'd really be safest to walk.
Riyyh starts off on foot in the direction of the train station, resigning himself to getting way more exercise than he's used to.
Riyyh thinks Mytag must be frantic with worry for him, and hopes the Gen will be waiting there when he arrives.
Riyyh had actually expected Mytag to come around looking for him at the Center long before this.
Kril frantically dodges through the crowd, trying to outrun pursuit.
Kril didn't mean to cause the carriage's horses to spook, sending it careening into the wagon loaded with salted fish.
Kril is so worried about the carriage's unplanned trajectory that he neglects his own.
Riyyh is lost in his own worries and, believing Bender Cove to be perfectly safe on foot, is not keeping an eye out for hurtling projectiles.
Kril: ~~ frantic flight ~~
Riyyh zlins Kril's panic and looks up, startled.
Kril steps on some wet leaves and slips, skidding into Riyyh.
Kril: Ooof!
Riyyh: Oh!
Riyyh flails for balance.
Riyyh: ~startled~
Ola shrieks as she is almost sideswiped by Riyyh's luggage.
Ola: Look out!
Riyyh manages to regain his balance.
Riyyh: I'm terribly sorry.
Riyyh looks to see if Ola and Kril are all right.
Ola: ~~ pounding and very ill heart objecting strenuously to the overexcitement ~~
Kril: ~~ skinned knee ~~
Riyyh turns to Ola.
Kril scrambles to his feet.
Kril: I'm sorry.
Riyyh: Perhaps you should sit down... please, you're not well.
Riyyh flicks an "it's all right, don't worry" tentacle at Kril.
Riyyh looks for some place suitable, or failing that, the ground.
Kril grins and runs off, limping slightly.
Ola: Oh, I should know better than to walk through the streets.
Ola clutches at Riyyh for support.
Riyyh guides Ola to a nearby crate that apparently fell off a conveyance.
Riyyh: There, careful now, can you sit here? [kindly]
Ola stiffly lowers herself to the crate.
Riyyh: I am a channel. May I try to help you?
Ola takes a closer look at Riyyh.
Ola: I don't recall seeing you at the Sime Center.
Ola: Are you an independent?
Riyyh: My name is Riyyh, I'm Sectuib in Naros. I am only visiting your beautiful city for a few days. [explains]
Riyyh's tentacles are already working at the buttons to her coat. [they have a way with buttons]
Ola: Oh.
Ola: ~~ disappointment ~~
Ola: So you're working out of the Sime Center?
Riyyh is worth taking a closer look at, and knows it, although that certainly isn't on his mind at the moment.
Riyyh: Probably not, [confesses] I am here on other business.
Riyyh: But please, let me examine you.
Riyyh gently tugs off her coat so he can get at her chest and arms.
Ola nods permission, even as she shivers at the cold.
Riyyh: I'm sorry, this should only take a short time.
Riyyh: ~sincere~
Ola: My heart hasn't given me trouble for several weeks now.
Ola: I'd hoped it was improving.
Riyyh takes her into position and tries to stabilize her heart rate.
Ola tries to relax to help things along.
Riyyh zlins that other than reducing her heart rate and blood pressure and blocking some of the pain, there's not that much he can do for her.
Riyyh does so, with ~sympathy~
Ola smiles weakly as the pain eases.
Ola: Oh, thank you.
Riyyh: You'd better get this back on.
Riyyh stoops to pick up her coat.
Riyyh brushes it off for her.
Riyyh: It's cold here, so close to the lake.
Ola accepts it with a murmured thanks.
Riyyh: May I escort you home?
Ola: Would you?
Ola smiles more genuinely.
Riyyh wishes he could get a cab for her, but he suspects that would be harder on her heart than just walking.
Riyyh: Of course. [smiles in return]
Ola: It's not far.
Ola starts shuffling in the right direction, slowing gaining confidence as the pain doesn't return.
Riyyh moves at her side, ready to slow her down if she gets too ambitious.
Riyyh keeps his nageric attention on Ola, although his eyes are studying the passersby with more curiosity now.
Ola turns up the walk to a pleasant, if small, house.
Ola: Here we are.
Ola fumbles in her purse for the key.
Riyyh waits patiently, not wanting her to rush.
Ola: Would you care for some tea? I have some very nice blends.
Riyyh: Oh... [cringes internally at the thought of the Sime Center's tea]
Ola really wants to return Riyyh's kindness in the only way she can.
Riyyh: Why, thank you.
Riyyh: I'd love some.
Riyyh thinks he'd be willing to endure almost any tea to make sure Ola is really OK.
Ola leads the way into the house, carefully locking the front door behind them.
Ola: You can't be too careful, you know.
Ola then leads the way to the kitchen.
Ola: Please, sit down while I put the kettle on.
Riyyh looks back at the door nervously, then follows Ola.
Riyyh: Please, don't overexert yourself.
Ola fills the kettle at the sink, sets it on the stove, and lights the burner.
Riyyh sits, keeping a close zlin on Ola while studying the cheerful if small kitchen.
Riyyh: You keep such a nice house. [sincerely]
Ola putters around getting out cups and tea (a moderately good blend).
Ola: Why, thank you.
Ola blushes.
Ola: You know, it's nice having a channel visit again.
Riyyh: Oh?
Riyyh wonders if she used to have a friend at the Center.
Riyyh: Thank you for your hospitality.
Ola: Yes. Snake Farris used to come around every week or so to see how I was doing.
Ola: It was nice not to have to go so far to donate.
Ola: ~~ nostalgia ~~
Ola: She even found me some temporary boarders.
Riyyh looks green.
Riyyh: How kind. [weakly]
Ola: Is something the matter?
Ola sets tea in front of Riyyh.
Ola: You look a bit...disturbed.
Riyyh: I'm sorry, it's just that I know her, and things have not been so well between us lately.
Riyyh: [confesses]
Riyyh gestures his thanks for the tea and examines it cautiously.
Ola: You know Snake? I haven't heard a word about her since she disappeared.
Riyyh: Oh yes, she has been living at Naros.
Riyyh: [explains]
Ola: Well, so she found a home at last.
Ola: ~~ pleased ~~
Riyyh: No, I'm afraid that is quite temporary.
Riyyh: I was actually hoping that she'd decide to come back here.
Ola: Here?
Ola: ~~ hope ~~
Riyyh: Nothing is decided yet.
Ola: Ah.
Ola: Well, I wish her the best.
Ola: When you see her next, tell her to look me up if she comes back, even for a visit.
Riyyh smiles kindly.
Riyyh: I will do that. [promises]
Riyyh: I don't even know your name!
Ola: I'm sorry, I forgot that you're new here.
Ola: I'm Ola.
Riyyh: What a lovely name. [smiles]
Ola returns the smile coyly.
Ola: Why, thank you.
Riyyh automatically responds to the coyness by looking twice as darling as before.
Riyyh: I do hope you will be all right.
Riyyh: Have you been donating regularly?
Ola: Well, when I can.
Riyyh: Did you know, that donating regularly will actually help keep you in better health?
Ola: I'm not always well enough to walk so far, and of course, it's not possible in winter.
Riyyh nods sympathetically.
Riyyh: I see.
Ola: I know. I was doing much better last winter, when Snake would come by.
Riyyh wishes there was more he could do to help.
Ola: But I promise, I'll make another try tomorrow.
Riyyh: Perhaps you could ask the Sime Center for someone to home visit?
Riyyh thinks that sounds reasonable, but then again he hasn't done much work for the Tecton.
Riyyh: We do such things as part of our outreach programs, at Naros, though of course we could never come so far as this.
Ola: They weren't able to send anyone; they suggested I try to find someone who could give me a ride.
Riyyh: Oh? [cautiously]
Riyyh has had bad experience with rides in Bender Cove.
Riyyh: Perhaps, if it was somebody that you know, who does not drive or ride too fast....
Ola: I could ask my great-nephew, when he visits.
Ola: That's only two or three times a year, though..
Ola: ~~ doubtful ~~
Riyyh: ~unhappy~
Ola: I do manage to make it to the Sime Center in the summer, when the weather is nice.
Ola: At least most months.
Ola is touched by Riyyh's obvious concern.
Ola: You're right, it helps a great deal.
Riyyh smiles.
Riyyh: Well, perhaps if I tell Hajene Farris that she is required here, and name you specifically, that would sway her toward coming back here.
Riyyh: It does seem as if she filled an important niche here.
Ola: True. There are other channels around who are unaffiliated with the Tecton, but most of them don't have any training, or talent, beyond the most basic.
Ola: I've thought about trying to get in touch with one of the remaining rogue channels, but it's so hard to judge their competence.
Riyyh looks dubious.
Riyyh: I can imagine.
Riyyh: If you do, be sure to find one who was originally Tecton-trained.
Riyyh: That information is on the public record.
Ola thinks Riyyh is a gentleman, but terribly naive if he thinks that rogue channels let their true names be known.
Riyyh thinks that anybody who can't point to their name on a list of graduates from a good First Year school shouldn't be touched with a ten foot pole.
Riyyh: Well, I really must go to the train station and see if my Donor is waiting.
Riyyh: Will you be all right?
Ola: Oh, of course. I shouldn't have kept you so long.
Ola: ~~ embarrassment ~~
Riyyh: No, no, it was my pleasure.
Ola: I'll be fine.
Riyyh: Thank you for the delightful cup of tea. Your taste is exquisite.
Ola: I promise I won't go out until tomorrow.
Ola blushes.
Riyyh vows to go to a gourmet restaurant with really good tea immediately upon finding Mytag, if not sooner; between the various teas and the Sime Center's cafeteria food, he is in culinary culture shock.
Riyyh: I wish you the best of luck.
Riyyh rises and picks up his bag.
Ola: Thank you.
Riyyh: Good bye.
Ola leads the way to the door.
Ola: Good-bye.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Riyyh exits the little house.
Riyyh hurries back in the direction of the train station.
Riyyh's feet are starting to get sore from all the unaccustomed walking on cobblestones, and so soon after such a long trip.
Riyyh sighs and tells himself he will be much happier with sore feet than getting his neck broken in one of those taxis.
Perfor Manzart stands in Sticky's, moderately drunk, doing what he does best.
Riyyh tries to take a straight-line route to the remembered coordinates of the train station and finds himself passing through a truly ghettolike neighborhood.
Riyyh: Oh, dear.
Perfor Manzart is standing on a table, declaiming loudly.
Perfor Manzart: And I ask you: How can the Tecton demand that I hold back when my life is at stake?
Perfor Man's tentacles flail as he gives in to ~~ need ~~
Perfor Manzart ignores the exodus of customers, since they are discussing his "art" as they leave.
Perfor Manzart thinks the discussions seem more alarmed than applauding, but everyone's a critic these days.
Perfor Manzart: What am I given in exchange for this sacrifice?
Riyyh passes by a really seedy looking establishment labelled "Sticky's".
Riyyh winces at the ambient of drunken disgust as people stampede out of the place.
Perfor Man's tentacles flail even harder.
Riyyh thinks he glimzes hard need beyond them, inside.
Perfor Manzart: I'm taxed to poverty, for the privilege of being allowed one more month to live.
Perfor Manzart wishes there was a shiltpron going; that would really let him whow the room with need, emphasizing his art.
Perfor Manzart: Now, just what would happen if I were to stage a tax revolt?
Perfor Manzart's face becomes a rictus of need.
Perfor Manzart: What if I already have, and there's no transfer waiting for me?
Riyyh frowns as the crowd trickles away leaving a beam of need shining out of the doorway. [so to speak]
Riyyh thinks that zlins pretty bad and walks toward the door.
Perfor Manzart starts to stalk the bartender, as the likeliest Gen to stick around, at least long enough for his performance.
Riyyh enters with great trepidation, zlinning for anything dangerous.
Sticky decides to take an early lunch break and leaves by the rear exit.
Perfor Manzart: What if there isn't a channel to rescue you?
Bug Lumps sees Sticky leave.
Bug Lumps: Closing early?
Perfor Manzart zlins around for a Gen with more appreciation for Art.
Sticky: Nah, just gettin me a sandwich. Be back in about half hour, hour.
Sticky: Don't go back there, crazy Sime in need chased out all the customers and roaming around.
Bug Lumps: All right.
Riyyh notes a lone Sime in hard need looking barely under control.
Riyyh, alarmed, presents a ~~pure, clean enticing field~~ for Perfor Manzart.
Perfor Manzart really does believe that Art works best when you feel it, and is doing his best along those lines.
Perfor Manzart: ~~ NEED ~~
Perfor Manzart hadn't expected enticement, and is unprepared to resist it.
Perfor Manzart attacks Riyyh.
Riyyh braces himself to meet the charge, augmenting slightly, and entwines tentacles with the renSime.
Perfor Manzart draws savagely.
Perfor Manzart: ~~ hunger/ relief ~~
Riyyh delivers ~~hope and uplifting joy~~ along with the selyn.
Perfor Manzart thinks this is better than usual, and goes for a bit of ~~ ecstasy ~~ to finish off.
Riyyh allows Perfor Manzart to end it.
Perfor Manzart breaks contact.
Riyyh having had considerable experience pre-Unity serving junct renSimes, instinctively prepares for some sort of violent reaction afterward... just in case.
Perfor Manzart: Whow! What a show!
Riyyh: ~~caution~~
Riyyh smiles cautiously as well.
Riyyh: You OK now?
Riyyh is breathing hard and his hair is in disarray; this is a lot more excitement than he is used to in one day.
Perfor Manzart likes working on an improvisational basis, going by what seems real.
Perfor Manzart: I'm flying, man!
Bug Lumps pokes his head cautiously through the curtain separating the bar from his own domain, keeping his nager carefully neutral.
Perfor Manzart: What a great end to the show!
Perfor Manzart: Ever thought of going into theater?
Perfor Manzart: ~~ flying high ~~
Riyyh: No.
Riyyh: [firmly]
Perfor Manzart: Aw, you'd be great.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Riyyh edges toward the door.
Bug Lumps decides that the crisis is over, and enters the bar.
Bug Lumps: Hey!
Bug Lumps' attention focuses on Riyyh.
Riyyh's nager immediately shifts to appeasing grovelling.
Riyyh is amazingly good at this, especially when nervous, and somehow manages to do it without making himself look bad.
Bug Lumps: Is this guy a friend of yours?
Bug Lumps nods towards Perfor Manzart.
Riyyh: I apologize for the trouble.... no, I am a channel, I just zlinned his need as I was passing by.
Riyyh's hands and tentacles flutter nervously.
Bug Lumps: Ah, then, I don't have to extract compensation for my friend Sticky's lost business from you.
Riyyh looks alarmed.
Perfor Manzart hears the words "extract compensation" and immediately remembers a pressing engagement elsewhere.
Riyyh: No... no, that should not be necessary.
Riyyh: [agrees]
Riyyh contrives to resemble an aging, (if handsome), well-dressed channel who is obviously way out of his element.
Riyyh is not having much difficulty actually.
Perfor Manzart heads for the door under augmentation.
Bug Lumps looks after Perfor.
Bug Lumps: Harumpf.
Riyyh: I was afraid he was about to become dangerous, [explains]
Bug Lumps nods.
Riyyh: When I walked by, he was zlinning of hard need and people were running from the bar.
Bug Lumps: One of these days, his "art" is going to get him juncted.
Riyyh: Art?
Riyyh: ~confused~
Riyyh looks after Perfor.
Bug Lumps: Yeah. The city gave him some cash to go around convincing people how useful the Tecton is.
Riyyh: ~horror~
Bug Lumps is far from convinced, himself.
Riyyh: Him?
Riyyh tries to cover his dismay without much success.
Riyyh: Oh... oh I see. Oh dear.
Riyyh: And he has nobody to report to, who checks on what he is doing, or...?
Bug Lumps: The art council seems to love him... shows people on a visceral level why they need the Tecton and all that.
Riyyh nods, shaking his head.
Riyyh: [yes, it's possible]
Riyyh: I see?
Riyyh decides it's time to sit down.
Bug Lumps: Well, long as you're here, and saved the day and all, how about a mug of porstan?
Bug Lumps: On Sticky, of course.
Bug Lumps guides Riyyh to a table.
Riyyh's feet hurt, he thinks he pulled something when Perfor jumped him, and he is definitely missing Mytag.
Riyyh: Oh... thank you.
Bug Lumps goes behind the bar and draws a mug of Sticky's best brew.
Riyyh has finally had enough breathing space to stop and take a really good look at Bug Lumps.
Riyyh: ~pale~
Riyyh realizes he is definitely in the wrong part of town and Mytag will have his guts for garters when he finally finds him.
Bug Lumps plunks the brew down in front of Riyyh.
Riyyh smiles in gratitude and, let's face it, a certain amount of cowardliness.
Bug Lumps: There you are, and Sticky's thanks.
Riyyh: It was my pleasure. [feels obligated to say]
Riyyh tastes the Porstan, and his eyes water as his throat starts to itch.
Bug Lumps: Good, isn't it? Barlorn's brew packs a punch.
Riyyh's drinking experiences have been limited recently to the expensive gifts from small brewers local to Naros, and this isn't that.
Riyyh: Oh yes... it's excellent. [rasping squeak]
Bug Lumps draws another mug for himself, and takes a deep pull.
Bug Lumps smacks his lips in appreciation.
Riyyh takes another sip and feels an almost uncontrollable urge to burst into tears.
Riyyh manages to keep a straight nager, however.
Riyyh: Yes, very... very robust.
Bug Lumps grins, showing gaps and chips in his teeth which attest to a vigorous career on the streets.
Bug Lumps: It's good to meet a channel who knows how to appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
Riyyh feels like a rabbit in a foxhouse.
Bug Lumps: Haven't seen one since... well, in months.
Riyyh: You haven't?
Riyyh wonders how Bug Lumps donates, then.
Bug Lumps thinks Snake enjoyed her recreational mood-altering substances in pill form, but the same principle applies.
Bug Lumps: Yup. The Tecton channels stay close to their Center, and the others aren't worth much.
Bug Lumps: At least not now.
Riyyh: Now that Snake is gone? [hazards a guess]
Bug Lumps looks at Riyyh with ~~ interest ~~
Bug Lumps: Why, yes, as a matter of fact.
Bug Lumps: Are you a... friend... of hers?
Riyyh: I know her. [temporizes]
Bug Lumps: Ah.
Bug Lumps is well aware of the value of absolute discretion, particularly where Snake is concerned.
Riyyh: I heard she... might come back here. To Bender Cove.
Riyyh tries to be as casual as possible.
Bug Lumps raises an eyebrow in restrained surprise.
Bug Lumps: Well, there's many who'd be glad of that.
Bug Lumps: And some who wouldn't be glad at all.
Riyyh had been afraid that might be the case.
Bug Lumps's sympathies are with the former group.
Bug Lumps finishes his beer and puts the chipped mug down decisively.
Bug Lumps inspects Riyyh closely.
Riyyh looks like, well, the Sectuib of a House having a really stressful day.
Bug Lumps: You know, you don't appear to be the sort I'd expect to be keeping up on Snake's business.
Riyyh: I'm not, really. [confesses]
Riyyh: It's an uncomfortable situation at best.
Bug Lumps: Oh?
Bug Lumps's eyes glitter as he remembers B'cal, and her unsatisfactory attempt to work with Snake on her less official tasks.
Riyyh isn't sure he likes how Bug Lumps is zlinning at the moment.
Riyyh shrinks back despite himself.
Riyyh: [well, because of himself]
Riyyh: She is, well actually, she is my guest.
Bug Lumps: Your... guest?
Bug Lumps: ~~ dawning suspicion ~~
Riyyh: I am hoping she will move on soon.
Riyyh: [rather fervently, actually, but he is still capable of keeping that from his nager around strangers]
Bug Lumps becomes provisionally less suspicious, because as a Gen he is not fooled by the controlled nager.
Riyyh: I didn't really know who or what she was when I invited her in. Naros isn't really her... natural environment. ~apologetically~
Bug Lumps snorts.
Bug Lumps: True enough.
Bug Lumps: If you're typical -- well, it doesn't take much to see you don't have much in the way of street smarts.
Bug Lumps: ~~ condescension ~~
Riyyh's shoulders wilt further.
Riyyh: We're a farming community.
Bug Lumps harumphs.
Riyyh: She and her friends showed up at our gates and we treated them as guests.
Riyyh is aware that he is whining, and tries to stop.
Bug Lumps chuckles.
Bug Lumps: Snake Farris playing farmer?
Bug Lumps: That I'd purely love to see.
Riyyh: She hasn't been doing much of that.
Bug Lumps: I don't suppose she would, at that.
Riyyh: She's been recovering from an injury.
Bug Lumps: ~~ interest ~~
Riyyh: And helping with some administrative items....
Bug Lumps: An injury, you say?
Riyyh: But I really think she would be happier somewhere where she was in more of a power positi...
Riyyh: Yes, she was Genslammed by a rogue Donor.
Riyyh: While trying to murder me. [admits]
Riyyh: It wasn't a pretty scene actually.
Bug Lumps chuckles again, louder.
Riyyh's tentacles wave nervously at the memory.
Riyyh: [which for him actually consists mostly of memories of terror and trying to hide behind other people]
Bug Lumps: You know, you just might make me change my mind about the pastoral life.
Riyyh: I think she can be persuaded to move on.
Riyyh: Actually, Bender Cove is one of the possibilities.
Riyyh: There does appear to be a, a niche available.
Bug Lumps nods.
Bug Lumps: She did well enough here, for a while.
Bug Lumps: Of course, there would be difficulties if she returned.
Riyyh: Not for Naros.
Riyyh: [honestly]
Bug Lumps shrugs Naros off.
Riyyh: Well, thank you for the Porstan.
Bug Lumps: You're welcome.
Bug Lumps: Where are you headed, anyway?
Bug Lumps wouldn't usually ask such a question, but Riyyh is so obviously out of place that the usual consequences seem very unlikely.
Riyyh: To the train station, I was hoping to meet my Donor there.
Riyyh: I was actually supposed to meet him there yesterday, but was inadvertently kidnapped by the Tecton while visiting the Sime Center.
Riyyh: ~unhappily~
Bug Lumps: I tell you what.
Riyyh: [Actually, Riyyh supposes, the advantage of taking this particular route back is that nobody from the Center is likely to look for him here.]
Bug Lumps: This isn't a part of town which is very forgiving of strangers, if you know what I mean.
Riyyh: No, I can imagine. ~nervously~
Bug Lumps: How about if I get one of my sons to take you as far as the train station, just to make sure you get there in one piece?
Riyyh nods cautiously.
Riyyh: That sounds....
Riyyh: Thank you, that is very generous of you.
Bug Lumps goes to the curtain and pokes his head through.
Bug Lumps: Thom! Warrin! Get your lazy butts out here!
Bug Lumps: They'll be right out [to Riyyh].
Riyyh: Thank you.
Warrin enters the bar with his brother: Two very large Gens without noticeable intellect and with a definite taste for physical violence.
Riyyh gets a very bad vibe from Warrin and his brother.
Riyyh: ~~hairs crawling~~
Warrin and Thom grin at Riyyh--unpleasantly.
Bug Lumps: This gentleman is to be delivered to the train station. In one piece.
Warrin: Awwww....
Warrin: ~~ disappointment ~~
Warrin: Can't we have just a little fun with him? Some nice bruises, maybe?
Warrin: ~~ wheedling ~~
Riyyh faints.
Bug Lumps looks down at Riyyh in disgust.
Bug Lumps: Now look what you've done.
Warrin: We didn't do nothin'.
Warrin: ~~ pout ~~
Bug Lumps goes behind the bar and draws a pitcher of Sticky's cheapest brew.
Bug Lumps dumps the alleged porstan on Riyyh's head to revive him.
Riyyh: W--- aiii!!
Riyyh sputters as he is attacked by a bucket of swamp water.
Bug Lumps steps back to observe the effect of his first aid.
Riyyh looks like a drowned rodent now.
Bug Lumps looks at his sons.
Bug Lumps: No telling if that Donor of his will be at the train station, if he's a day late.
Bug Lumps: Better take him back to the Sime Center instead. They'll keep him out of trouble.
Riyyh: N--no.
Riyyh climbs to his feet, dripping.
Riyyh: Where's my bag?
Riyyh does not look really effective right now.
Warrin grabs one of Riyyh's arms, and his brother the other.
Warrin: Right, then, come along.
Bug Lumps: Hey!
Bug Lumps picks up the bag and throws it in Thom's general direction.
Riyyh: ~fear~
Warrin waits as his brother catches the bag with his free hand, then the two proceed to march Riyyh towards the door.
Warrin: ~~ aggressive firmness, mostly from being too dumb to consider alternatives ~~
see note 1
Serena: Then I'll just go into a corner for now, I'm working on something for you anyway, but you can't have it yet.
Pares signals at Lisa's door.
Lisa: Come Pares.
Pares walks in, a tray in hand, smiling blandly.
Serena retreats to the back of the office, sits down and pulls something out of a bag, starts working on it.
Lisa grins as she puts the water on for tea. "What have you been up to?"
Serena looks up.
Pares: Having a talk with Jorgre.
Serena: Hello Pares.
Pares: I understand you are on a strict diet.
Pares: Hello Donor in training Serena.
Pares smiles warmly.
Lisa: He thinks I am. In reality I eat what I want. Why?
Pares walks over with the tray and sets it down.
Serena shakes her head thinking that's really getting stale.
Serena: I see to it that both of them eat properly.
Lisa giggles.
Pares [on the tray is a perfectly balanced meal for a pregnant Sime]
Serena: Why do you think I spend so much time in the kitchen?
Lisa: Oh my.
Pares: Because you like to cook?
Lisa: She's good at it.
Lisa: Pares is a dear.
Pares: Well, as her Donor, I'll make sure she eats properly for the next two months.
Serena: Because I love to spoil Lisa and Jorgre --- not to mention my other friends.
Pares smiles.
Serena looks at Lisa.
Alea stretches her legs and stands.
Serena: We're "family" if I remember right?
Lisa pours the tea and hands each Gen a cup, then settles behind her desk, cup in hand, to study the contents of the tray.
Pares looks at Serena.
Serena takes the cup and stashes her project back into the bag so Lisa won't see it.
Pares: I don't have family here, dear.
Pares seats himself by Lisa.
Pares is hungry but doesn't touch the food.
Warrin and his hulking brother "help" their charge up the steps of the Sime Center.
Serena: I've been adopted, sort of.
Lisa glances at Pares. "Eat, please."
Riyyh by this point is actually glad to see the place.
Lisa: Jorgre and I consider Serena family.
Alea walks down the path and back to the Center, entering the back door.
Serena walks over to the table with the goodies she brought, and brings back some fruit for Pares.
Pares: Ah.
Pares nods.
Serena: Here, have some of this.
Pares: I'll eat when you do.
Pares: I can wait.
Lisa: I'm eating.
Lisa waves her apple in Pares' face.
Alea walks up the hall, slipping off her cloak.
Warrin is still disappointed that Bug Lumps forbade them to have any fun with him on the way.
Pares: And I will eat too.
Serena: If you don't I'll start throwing fruit at you.
Serena smiles.
Alea stops at Veraik's office and signals.
Lisa slides the tray over. "There is way too much here for me."
Pares picks up a small piece of fruit.
Serena digs some of her own baked goods out of the bag, and puts them on the desk.
Veraik goes to the door. "Alea. Come in."
Alea nods.
Alea: You wanted to see me, hajene?
Lisa: Oh goodie.
Pares nibbles his fruit.
Lisa reaches for a roll.
Lisa: Serena makes the best.
Riyyh: Thank you for your [oof] kind escort.
Veraik: Yes. Come in. Sit down.
Serena: Well, who knows when I can get back into the kitchen.....
Alea nods and walks in.
Alea seats herself and waits ~~ cool composed ~~
Pares: One sweet a day, limited pickles for salt intake.
Pares: Yes, Jorgre gave me a complete list, little channel.
Warrin thinks that emptying the pitcher over Riyyh's head was a total waste of good porstan.
Serena looks at him ~~exasperated~~~~
Pares pulls it out of his pocket to show her.
Serena: I know exactly what Jorgre wants... we worked out the diet together.
Lisa: I still eat what I want.
Riyyh: Er, you can go home now....
Riyyh: [pleading]
Lisa takes a bite of her roll.
Pares looks at Serena.
Veraik goes behind his desk, sits downs and entwines tentacles as he clasps his hands. "Care to explain?"
Pares: Be that as it may, I am her Donor.
Pares: I will see to her meals.
Warrin looks around.
Pares: You may bring them, but her welfare is in my hands.
Warrin: Fancy place.
Serena just looks at Lisa.
Alea: Explain?
Serena: I give up.
Lisa pretends a great interest in her food.
Alea ~~ confusion swirls in her nager ~~
Pares: I understand you must be more than a little confused as you are still in training.
Pares is more than a little confused at this person who isn't Lisa's Donor trying to usurp his position.
Serena: Not confused at all.... I've been caring for Lisa and Jorgre long before you got here, and long after you're gone.
Veraik: I zlinned you in the garden without....
Serena: I have nothing more to say about it.
Pares: Excuse me?
Veraik: Just explain, Alea.
Pares's eyebrows inch up into his hairline.
Veraik: Please don't make me question you.
Pares looks at Lisa and then back at Serena.
Lisa chuckles to herself. She finds having 2 Donors argue over her most amusing.
Pares: Have I said or done something to offend you?
Serena picks up her tea, and her bag, and retreats to the back of the office to work on her project.
Darrel enters the lobby, and his eyes widen as he sees--and smells--Riyyh.
Darrel: ~~ boggled mind ~~
Pares stands.
Pares: Perhaps I have come at a bad time.
Riyyh looks like he's either stuck his head in a bucket of bad Porstan or had it poured over him.
Lisa: Sit down Pares.
Pares: If you require me, you can find me in my room.
Pares shakes his head.
Riyyh is being dragged by two huge goons.
Lisa: I said sit down.
Pares walks out the door.
Serena takes her project out of the bag and concentrates on it.
Alea: Explain what?
Lisa yells, "Pares, come back here!"
Alea: I was simply up on the hill meditating.
Serena: He had no reason to leave.
Pares ignores her and Serena and goes down the hall.
Warrin would object to being described as a goon, except that the shoe fits and he's got to wear something.
Lisa sighs and runs after Pares.
Lisa: Pares, please come back here.
Alea: I got the message you wanted to see me.
Alea: And I came here.
Lisa augments to catch up.
Pares turns.
Darrel: Riyyh, what happened?
Pares: I think it best I not, little one.
Serena continues on her project and won't say anything more.
Darrel starts towards Riyyh, then hesitates at coming near the goons.
Lisa: But Pares, I need you.
Pares: You are not past turnover and for some odd reason the other Donor is angry and insists on supporting you.
Pares: No, not yet you don't.
Pares smiles.
Riyyh: Oh look, there's Darrel. ~relief~
Riyyh: You can let go of me now?
Veraik: Meditating is fine but Alea, this is not a nudist colony. Besides, the weather is too cold for a Gen disrobed.
Lisa glowers. "Why are Tigues so shendidoomed stubborn?"
Alea: For a....
Lisa: ~growing dizziness~
Alea's eyes widen and she gets a wary look on her face.
Alea: Just what are you talking about?
Lisa: Shen you, Pares, get back here.
Warrin looks at Darrel.
Warrin: ~~ dubious ~~
Lisa: I can't.
Warrin: He's a friend of yours?
Pares scoops up Lisa and carries her to the infirmary.
Riyyh: Yes.
Riyyh: Thank you, you've been very kind to me.
Lisa starts to hyperventilate.
Pares: What is it? what's the matter?
Warrin looks around the lobby again.
Riyyh wonders if anybody has ever taught these guys the "drop it" command.
Riyyh wonders if only "get him!" was ever needed before.
Warrin: Say, you don't suppose there's any porstan around here?
Alea thinks there is no way he can know about the other morning when Vivek was so upset and well....
Veraik: You walking in the garden completely naked is not appropriate behavior for a Tecton Donor especially one of your caliber.
Lisa: I - I can't breathe.
Lisa begins to pant.
Lisa: ~panic~
Pares lays her on the bed and takes her into transfer position and works to calm her down.
Darrel: Err... porstan?
Alea feels a flush start up her chest and rise all the way to her hairline.
Darrel: We had porstan in the cafeteria during the party a few days ago...
Lisa clings to Pares trying to calm down.
Riyyh starts to despair of ever being unhanded.
Alea: How did you know....
Alea feels an edge of panic.
Alea: Just who knows?????
Alea thinks if this makes the grapevine, her hope to reclaim her position in Zeor is hopeless.
Veraik: I do. Isn't that enough?
Riyyh wishes he had listened to Mytag when... well, all the time.
Warrin and his brother come to "point" at the mention of porstan in the building.
Pares ~~ soothing ~~
Veraik zlins Alea's emotions.
Pares: That's it, little one, just relax.
Veraik: Calm down Naztehr.
Alea: I am calm!
Alea ~~ calm though her field is wavering with ripples of soon-to-be panic ~~~
Veraik: Yes, of course.
Lisa says in a sheepish voice, "you left me".
Warrin is a bit vague on the nuances of verb tense, not surprising for a first grade dropout.
Pares continues to hold her field and steady her.
Pares ~~ strong steady, like a rock nager ~~
Warrin and his brother therefore set off in search of the alleged porstan-containing cafeteria.
Lisa: Why, Pares?
Veraik: Listen, Alea. We are both of Zeor so this will not leave this office but I just asked that it not happen again.
Lisa relaxes her grip but keeps a hand on his arm.
Veraik: Think of Zeor.
Alea: I'd like to know who mentioned it to you, Hajene.
Riyyh is immensely relieved when they do not bring him with.
Alea: Do not even think to presume to tell me to think of Zeor.
Alea: I am Zeor... have been all my life.
Alea ~~ simmering ~~
Veraik: No one. I was in the garden.
Darrel sidles closer to Riyyh now that the danger is past.
Pares: I would not stay and cause problems there.
Darrel: What happened to you?
Pares: Your customs here are quite different it seems.
Veraik: Fine. If that is how you feel, then by all means I can report to Zeor - and to the Tecton, for that matter.
Riyyh is glad they left his bag also.
Darrel wrinkles his nose at the stale beer smell.
Pares: For one Donor to intrude and attempt to control another one's channel just isn't done where I come from.
Riyyh: What didn't happen to me!
Lisa: You weren't. Serena's just used to taking care of me. For a long time she brought all my meals.
Pares: We tend to be a tad possessive.
Riyyh can't quite believe it himself.
Lisa: I've noticed that.
Alea stiffens up straight as a poker.
Alea: Do what you must, since you won't give me the information I seek.
Veraik: And as far as I zlinned, I was the only one in the garden besides you and Aran. 2
Riyyh: I went... er... for a walk, and I kept running into all these people who required a channel's services.
Alea stands and glares.
Serena is getting concerned about where Lisa went, and sets off to look for her.
Alea: May I be dismissed?
Veraik: So no one reported it.
Darrel nods.
Veraik stands.
Riyyh thinks, and some who required the services of a large bathtub filled with hot water and a good scrub brush.
Lisa: Please Pares don't take it out on me because Serena likes to feed me.
Veraik: Unto Zeor, Forever.
Darrel: There's a great many people in this town who never think to come to a Sime Center.
Darrel just wishes more of them felt that way.
Pares: I see.
Lisa strokes Pares' arm with a gentle tentacle.
Pares: Is that what you think I was doing?
Riyyh: There was one man who was being paid by the city to display need in public.
Alea sneers at Veraik's attempt and turns.
Riyyh: ~mystified~
Darrel: To display need in public?
Alea walks to the door, forcing her field under perfect control.
Darrel: ~~ confusion ~~
Pares ~~ shocked ~~
Lisa: You ran out on me. Losing your field that abruptly did a number on my system.
Pares: Do you honestly think I would take it out on you?
Darrel is not, however, skeptical: This is Bender Cove, after all.
Lisa: Then I had to stupidly augment.
Veraik sighs.
Riyyh: As art.
Serena has no clue where Lisa went but keeps looking for her.
Darrel: Art...?
Alea leaves and goes down the hall, intending to find Rab and warn him before tentacles are tied in knots over this.
Riyyh: And there was this poor old lady with a heart condition....
Riyyh: ~compassion~
Lisa: I'm sorry, Pares. But when you left it shocked, and I think scared, me a little.
Darrel: Oh, dear.
Darrel: Were you able to help her?
Pares: Well then, I have failed in my duty, hajene and must most humbly apologize.
Lisa is still shaking.
Warrin blunders through the Center, searching for the food-oriented facilities.
Serena asks a passing renSime if he's seen Lisa.
Serena starts off in the direction he told her to look.
Lisa: It's OK, Pares. I realize you were upset.
Lisa: But please warn me the next time.
Pares nods.
Serena ends up at the infirmary, and hears Lisa and Pares -- but doesn't dare disturb them.
Pares's field is perfectly professional.
Riyyh: Somewhat, but she really must be seen by a channel more regularly.
Riyyh: The poor dear isn't able to walk the distance, you see.
Alea heads to Rab's office, and signals....
Lisa sits up. "She's outside. Can she come in?
Darrel: Oh. Where does she live?
Pares blinks.
Pares: Of course.
Warrin sees a woman in the hall.
Warrin: Where is the porstan?
Pares: I won't interfere.
Lisa: Come Serena.
Alea turns and sees a thug.
Alea: Excuse me?
Serena walks into the room.
Lisa sits up and pulls Pares' arm around her. "Hold me please."
Warrin: The good porstan.
Serena: I was worried about you.
Riyyh: Could we possibly talk about this on the way to the room I was staying in? [pathetically hopeful]
Serena: Now that I see you'll be fine, I'll be on my way then.
Alea: I'm not sure what you're talking about.....
Lisa: I'm fine. My field got a little out of wack that's all. Pares fixed it.
Pares ~~ worry ~~~ does as he's asked.
Lisa smiles up at her handsome Donor.
Riyyh: I... [gestures at his porstan-dampened self]
Alea: We don't serve drinks here.
Warrin smiles in what would be a happy smile, if his face hadn't run afoul of so many fists.
Darrel: Of course.
Darrel picks up Riyyh's bag and leads the way.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Riyyh follows.
Serena nods.
Warrin frowns.
Lisa: OK, Serena. Thanks for bring me the goodies.
Warrin: The man said there was porstan in the cafeteria.
Serena: Then I'll get back to what I was doing. You're very welcome.
Lisa: You might want to go find Jorgre.
Alea: Well, he was wrong.
Alea: If you'll excuse me....
Alea turns back to signal at Rab's door.
Warrin's battered face turns tragic.
Serena nods and leaves.
Warrin: ~~ heartwringing disappointment ~~
Alea sighs.
Darrel is about to head up the steps when he zlins Serena ahead.
Alea: If you go out the door, turn left and down the street there is a nice bar there.
Rabharm: Come in Alea.
Pares works to soothe his channel. ~~~ calm steady work ~~~
Warrin perks up.
Warrin: Nice lady! Want a drink?
Serena spots Darrel and heads towards him.
Serena: Hi Darrel. What's going on.
Darrel hesitates, but Riyyh's condition speaks for itself.
Riyyh appears to have been roughed up (only a little though) and doused in really bad porstan.
Darrel: Umm, I was just showing Hajene Riyyh to his room, so he could... freshen up.
Riyyh smiles apologetically as he dies of embarrassment.
Serena: Sounds like a good idea. How can I help? I'm looking for Jorgre, but I can take a minute I guess.
Darrel looks at Riyyh.
Darrel: Do you know how to get porstan stains out of clothes?
Riyyh: I will be fine.
Darrel doubts Riyyh has much practical experience at that.
Riyyh: I'm terribly sorry to have caused you trouble.
Serena: Not specifically, but giving them a good washing might help.
Serena doesn't believe a word Riyyh said.
Serena: Me? Trouble? Not at all.
Serena: If you can get his clothes to me, I'd be happy to launder them.
Riyyh: Actually, that's not....
Darrel edges up the stairs, not wanting Lisa, Veraik, or any of the other Big Shot Firsts to catch sight of Riyyh in his current condition.
Riyyh is still hoping to get out of there within hours.
Darrel: Of course.
Riyyh: Well... thank you.
Riyyh smiles at Serena.
Serena didn't think there was any Porstan left in the kitchen.
Serena: Any time.
Darrel: You must have other laundry that could use a wash, as well.
Darrel: Since you've been traveling, and all.
Darrel: ~~ helpful ~~
Riyyh smiles weakly.
Riyyh: Why, yes, actually, I do, but I wouldn't want to be any imposition....
Darrel carries Riyyh's bag up the stairs.
Darrel: It's no trouble at all.
Serena: If you'll excuse me, I must find my channel.
Pares continues to offer support to her channel.
Darrel is glad to help out such a sympathetic First as Riyyh.
Lisa: Go ahead Serena.
Riyyh follows Darrel.
Alea shakes her head and then enters Rab's office.
Darrel even debates teaching him how to play pick-up-sticks, if he doesn't know.
Rabharm: What's wrong little one?
Rabharm holds out his arms for Alea.
Alea sighs and then goes over, hugging him.
Alea: Oh, Rab....
Alea: I'm so sorry.
Darrel shows Riyyh into his room.
Rabharm sits down with Alea on his lap. "What is it, little one?"
Pares: I apologize if I ran off your other Donor.
Lisa: She's not my Donor she's just a friend. She belongs to Jorgre this month.
Riyyh: Oh dear.
Darrel: Here. Give me the dirty clothes in your bag, and what you're wearing as well, and I'll see that they get laundered.
Riyyh sighs.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Lisa: I'm trying to get her to spend more time with him.
Alea slips her arms around his neck and buries her face, inhaling the scent so familiar to her all these years and wishing sometimes she could just go back to the days before she Established.
Alea: Last time I was here, I told you about the joy of restoration....
Darrel: Truly, I think the stains will come out.
Rabharm: Yes, you did.
Alea smiles softly remembering, even though her field is in turmoil.
Darrel: ~~ reassuring ~~
Pares: I see.
Riyyh opens his bag and starts pulling things out, thinking it will be very difficult to explain to Mytag that he would have met him hours sooner except he decided to get some laundry done.
Pares doesn't see at all.
Pares: Well, in Gulf Territory things are a bit different.
Alea: However, poor Vivek... well....
Lisa shrugs. "Let's just get back to work. There is some mail from the District Controller's office that I need to read.
Alea squirms, her field going flat.
Pares nods.
Lisa: How so? Channels don't have personal friends in Gulf.
Pares lifts her down off the bed.
Rabharm: Vivek what?
Pares: Well yes, they do.
Pares: But they know better than to step between a Donor and his channel.
Lisa: Serena's a friend.
Alea: He was upset over what happened.
Alea: You know... the night before.
Lisa: Oh well, she's new to the whole concept of channels and Donors.
Alea feels herself growing embarrassed.
Rabharm chuckles. "I can imagine. So what's the point?"
Pares: Yes, but it seemed to greatly offend her when I said that.
Darrel gathers up the dirty clothes.
Pares shakes his head.
Riyyh then undresses and adds the porstanated clothes to the pile.
Riyyh: I really appreciate this, Darrel.
Riyyh covers his internal scream with ~genuine gratefulness... really!~
Alea: Well, [whispers] you see....
Lisa shrugs "She'll survive."
Alea: He wanted me to... do something, and....
Darrel: No problem.
Darrel: It's the least I could do.
Rabharm: And what was that?
Alea swallows.
Alea: I did it.
Darrel: I should have warned you about taking a walk in Bender Cove.
Riyyh nods.
Rabharm: Did what?
Alea: And even though he was certain no one was around, well, Veraik and... and... Sectuib in Chanel evidently saw. 3
Rabharm wonders why he always has to play 20 questions with Alea.
Alea cringes.
Riyyh: I had heard it was the transportation that was dangerous.
Rabharm: Saw what?
Lisa: Let's get back to my office.
Darrel does wonder for a moment why Riyyh took his luggage with him, then decides that walking with baggage is a more harmless eccentricity than many, at least here.
Darrel: Well, it is.
Alea leans up and whispers what she did in his ear.
Riyyh: Oh. ~oh dear~
Rabharm roars.
Pares simply nods and leads Lisa back to her office.
Rabharm: My, he has quite an active imagination doesn't he?
Alea groans.
Alea: But... but... but....
Alea: Oh sheeeeen.
Darrel: There are parts of town which are reasonably safe, but you have to know what they are.
Rabharm: ~finds it humorous~
Alea: I was teasing Aran yesterday and had no idea he had seen....
Alea: And then Veraik saw too, and I was called on the carpet, and now Veraik is going to report it to the Tecton and Zeor....
Rabharm can't stop laughing.
Riyyh thinks all he really wanted to do was to find the train station, and maybe a really nice gourmet restaurant, not necessarily in that order.
Alea: And after Hilo....
Alea: Stop that!
Rabharm: Did he actually say that?
Alea slaps Rab on the arm.
Alea: Yes.
Rabharm: I'm sorry, but it's funny.
Serena had slipped into Lisa's office and removed her bag, and goes back to the lobby desk with it.
Alea: Hilo made it clear that I've been accepted, shen it all, and if he finds this out....
Serena: [the rest of the food items are still there, but her bag is gone]
Alea drops her head against his chest and groans.
Rabharm: I think you're overreacting. Hilo will find it amusing.
Alea: Do you think so?
Rabharm: ~soothing~
Alea: Shen it, Rab, I have tried so very hard to improve my image, not to bring disgrace to Zeor.
Alea: And now Veraik is saying for me to think of what I'm doing to Zeor....
Lisa sits down at her desk and begins to read while she munches on the food Pares brought.
Alea: And I can just hear what Hilo might say after the talk we had the other night.
Alea: Although he didn't censure me or anything I mean... just....
Alea groans ~~ acute embarrassment ~~
Alea buries her head again.
Rabharm: I'll talk to Veraik.
Darrel: Tell you what. I'll take you on a tour of the better parts of town, as soon as there's time.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Alea: They saw [whispers]
Riyyh: That is very kind of you, I will look forward to it.
Riyyh gets his kit from the bag.
Alea: How many times have you been caught like that? Shen it all, I want to fall through the floor.
Rabharm: And both have been guilty of worse. Let me handle it, little one.
Darrel smiles.
Alea: I'll never be able to face Aran or Veraik again.
Alea nods.
Darrel: I'll leave you to clean up, then.
Serena heads back to the lobby desk and waits for Jorgre there. (Probably will get hell for the incident with Lisand Pares too)
Lisa reads a letter from the District Controller then bursts into laughter.
Riyyh smiles back, in sort of grateful pain.
Jorgre walks into the lobby.
Riyyh: I'll see you later. Thank you.
Alea: I guess, now that I've made your day, I should leave.
Darrel leaves with the bundle of clothes.
Lisa: Oh wow! This is incredible.
Alea rolls her eyes at Rab's continued chuckling.
Alea: Why is it I always feel like a five year old coming to you and reporting my bad deeds?
Serena sees Jorgre, but is concentrating on her project.
Alea shakes her head and slips off his lap.
Serena: Hello Jorgre.
Jorgre: What are you up to, Serena?
Rabharm: I have no idea but I'm glad you feel you can talk to me.
Alea: Forgive me, hajene[murmurs softly]
Serena: Probably in a lot of trouble. I had a misunderstanding with Pares, and caused Lisa some upset.
Serena ~~contrite~~
Alea goes over to the door and opens it.
Serena turns back to her needlework.
Lisa gets up and, telling Pares she'll be back in a few minutes, runs down the hall to Veraik's office signalling for admission.
Alea nods to Rab, feeling bad now after his comment, and slips out the door.
Riyyh gets in the shower with great relief.
Rabharm shakes his head and goes back to work.
Jorgre: Ah... I see.
Jorgre looks oddly at Serena.
Jorgre: And what are you working on now?
Lisa signals for admission to Veraik's office.
Veraik tucks another file away then goes to answer the door. "Lisa. Come in. We have to talk."
Serena smiles. "I don't want to tell you."
Lisa enters the office. "Hi Veraik, something funny happened."
Serena ~~surprise~~ So don't ask.
Lisa: The District Controller is playing games.
Lisa doesn't notice the frown on Veraik's face.
Veraik: Funny?
Alea goes down the hall and to her room.
Veraik closes the door and indicates a chair with the snap of a tentacle.
Lisa: Sectuib Naros is here. He said he was just visiting but we got transfer papers.
Lisa: He said it was a mistake so I wrote and asked Sunlan's office.
Lisa sits down, giggling.
Veraik: ~stern~
Riyyh thinks if he stays in the shower long enough they will think he's still missing and nobody will look for him.
Lisa zlins Veraik and instantly settles down.
Lisa: Something is bugging you. What?
Veraik: How come I never saw this letter before now?
Lisa: It just arrived today.
Lisa: Riyyh's folder is on your desk somewhere.
Veraik: Oh. I see.
Lisa: ~not my fault you've been too post to work~
Veraik nudges the letter.
Veraik: And how come the letter started out in your office and not in this one?
Lisa: It seems the transfer is legitimate.
Veraik nods.
Jorgre shrugs.
Jorgre: Very well.
Jorgre: I won't ask.
Lisa: You've been, er, um, not around the last 2 days. Since your party and transfer.
Jorgre: I have some work to do in my office and then have to take donations.
Serena folds up her project and places it back in the bag.
Serena: Do you want me to come with you?
Veraik blushes. "Oh. Well. I guess...."
Lisa: If I've overstepped my bounds I apologize. But you've said more than once I'm supposed to cover for you.
Veraik: And speaking of post, you seemed to be enjoying posts in the strangest places these days.
Jorgre: Yes, please.
Jorgre: You can bring your work with you.
Lisa blushes.
Serena nods and rises.
Veraik: Yes but a letter from the DC is a matter that I should see first.
Lisa: I know what you're going to say. And you're right.
Veraik: Yes, I am.
Veraik: Just see that it doesn't happen again.
Jorgre: When I hit turnover, I'd appreciate you with me as much as possible.
Veraik: From the Center gossip, I wasn't the only one to zlin your playtime in the hallways of a Tecton Center.
Serena: Whatever you want, Jorgre.
Lisa: ~embarrassed contrite~
Jorgre chuckles.
Lisa: I know. I'm sorry, Controller.
Jorgre: And don't worry about the Lisa/Pares thing.
Serena ~~gentle support~~
Jorgre: It's probably jitters... it's hard on a channel to get used to a new Donor.
Jorgre sighs.
Jorgre: That feels great Serena.
Serena: I don't know if I can face either of them again.
Jorgre: Thank you.
Jorgre: But why?
Lisa: As to the letter, what was I supposed to do? Just sit on the matter until you came back to the office?
Serena: Everyone just got so upset. And I didn't want that to happen.
Veraik: OK. Enough said.
Jorgre winks at Serena.
Jorgre: If Lisa gives you any problems, I'll handle her.
Veraik: I won't mention it again, if you won't. Deal?
Jorgre: And if Pares gives you any problems, I'll have Lisa handle him...or I'll handle Lisa for not handling pares.
Serena: I think it was more Pares than Lisa.
Lisa: Read the letter. Sectuib Naros is going to be a little unhappy I think.
Veraik: Yes. Unfortunately the answer is yes. That is, if the letter is addressed to me personally.
Jorgre nods.
Lisa: It addressed to me. Controller.
Riyyh gets out of the shower and dresses, then settles in to fiddle with his hair until somebody comes and grabs him or he gets up the nerve to try to sneak out again, whichever comes first.
Jorgre: Things are different in Gulf Territory I'd imagine.
Veraik: There are a few things that the DC says to me which are for my ears only.
Jorgre: Those Householders were always wandering around acting really possessive of their Gens.
Serena: Maybe I did over-step my place as well....
Jorgre: You?
Jorgre shakes his head.
Jorgre: I doubt it.
Serena nods.
Lisa: Shen Veraik, that letter is an answer to one I wrote him while you were preoccupied.
Jorgre: I'll talk to Lisa and she can handle it.
Riyyh is beginning to suspect that Mytag isn't going to rescue him, out of fear of becoming ensnared himself.
Serena: Then you talk to Lisa about her opinion on it, and I'll do whatever you both decide.
Jorgre: You do what you want, Serena.
Jorgre: We don't own Gens here.
Jorgre: I'll talk to Lisa to find out what's going on there.
Jorgre: It'll be fine.
Jorgre pushes open the door to his office.
Serena: I know that. But I've seemed to cause too much trouble lately.
Jorgre: If you have, I certainly haven't heard about it.
Serena: You probably will this time.
Jorgre: Now please, Serena, don't worry. You're like family to me, it bothers me to see you hurting.
Serena: I'm not hurting, just being honest with you.
Jorgre: Come on, then, let's go get to work.
Jorgre goes into his office.
Serena: I won't mention it any further. Now what can I do to help?
Jorgre: Just support me.
Jorgre sits down and works.
Serena takes a seat and ~~surrounds Jorgre in comfort~~
Serena picks up her project and continues to work on it.
Veraik: Oh I, see then.
Lisa: Read it. He's assigned Riyyh here for six months.
Veraik takes the letter and reads.
Lisa: Wants him to work with Aran in the disjunction ward.
Veraik: Good. We could use someone else in the disjunction ward.
Lisa: Shall I send someone for him? Then you can meet him and we can tell him together.
Lisa knows Sectuib Naros is not going to be happy.
Veraik: All right.
Lisa goes to the door and sends a messenger to Riyyh's room.
RenSime goes upstairs and signals for admission at Riyyh's door.
Riyyh sighs as only minutes later, they come after him.
Riyyh: Oh, dear.
Riyyh puts everything back in his bag and goes to the door.
Riyyh: Hello?
RenSime: Sectuib Naros?
Riyyh: ~politely~
Riyyh: Yes, that is me.
RenSime: Controller Veraik and Controller Lisa would like to see you in his office as soon as possible. Please.
Riyyh: Thank you.
RenSime nods politely and leaves.
Riyyh goes back to the mirror and double-checks that he no longer looks like a porstan-soaked mugging victim.
Riyyh fights off ~~nervous dread~~ without much success and leaves the room.
Riyyh has no idea where Controller Veraik's office is.
Veraik finishes another file and shoves it into the Out box.
Riyyh has to ask various people which takes a few minutes.
Lisa curls up in a corner of Veraik's sofa and chews on the apple she brought with her.
Riyyh finally locates the correct office and signals.
Lisa: There he is, Veraik.
Riyyh schools his showfield to avoid displaying any ~nervous dread and despair~ that he doesn't have to.
Veraik flicks a tentacle. "Can you answer that while I can complete this last file?"
Lisa: Sure.
Lisa rises and opens the door.
Lisa: Come in, Sectuib.
Lisa stands aside so Riyyh can enter.
Veraik throws the file into the box and rises.
Riyyh: Hello, Controller Lisa. [subdued]
Riyyh enters.
Lisa: Hi.
Veraik: Sectuib Naros. The House of Zeor welcomes you.
Lisa: Veraik, may I present Sectuib Naros?
Riyyh: Naros salutes your recent acceptance into Zeor. Congratulations.
Veraik: Won't you sit down?
Riyyh sits.
Veraik bows. "Thank you, Sectuib."
Veraik: I understand you are joining us at Bender Cove.
Riyyh pales.
Veraik: Your services will be most welcome.
Lisa returns to her corner seat and nibbles on her apple.
Riyyh: No, actually I came specifically to attend your ceremony, but there was a delay with the trains.
Riyyh: ~nervous~
Veraik zlins.
Riyyh: ~~OK, really really nervous and scared too~~
Veraik: Then your delay is this Center's gain.
Veraik frowns. "Is there a problem?"
Riyyh: I have never worked for the Tecton [explains]
Veraik: Oh really.
Riyyh: Nor have I had any intention of doing so.
Lisa: We received a letter from the District Controller's office today, Sectuib.
Lisa nudges Veraik with her field.
Riyyh: As I explained to Controller Lisa, this... this false pledge to the Tecton was perpetrated by a criminal who I was misfortunate enough to have crossed paths with a short time ago.
Riyyh looks at Lisa.
Lisa: The DC's office seems to think you work for them.
Riyyh: Well, yes, but they think I signed myself into the Tecton's service.
Riyyh: That is the document that was forged.
Riyyh is starting to get really worried here.
Lisa: I see.
Lisa: Hum....
Lisa looks at Veraik for guidance.
Veraik frowns.
Riyyh: I have responsibilities, I can't just disappear from my House for weeks on end....
Devida paces the floor in Veraik's room wondering what is keeping him.
Veraik: So you are not a Tecton channel and you don't want to be one? ~ confused ~
Riyyh: No, I'm not, the document was forged by Wise Snake Farris to get me out of the way! [pleading]
Veraik picks up the letter, zlinning it.
Riyyh: Not that letter, the original.
Riyyh: The one pledging my [almost can't get the words out] undying service to the Tecton.
Lisa: Why would she do that? ~curious~
Riyyh's tentacles flutter nervously.
Riyyh: Well, she is... how can I put this delicately....
Veraik: If this is Wise Snake's, then she has improved in her skills even more than when I knew her.
Veraik looks at Sectuib Naros.
Lisa: That letter is legit, Veraik, it's his pledge records that are in dispute.
Veraik: I've never known a Sectuib who was not part of the Tecton.
Riyyh: I am sure there is no reason the rest of the letters couldn't be perfectly legitimate.
Lisa: Sectuib I took the liberty of contacting some people I know in Capitol to do a little investigating.
Riyyh knows the controller of Naros' district would have probably gotten a copy of the pledge framed out of glee.
Veraik: And?
Veraik zlins the truth in Riyyh's word and is amazed.
Riyyh: Naros is a member of the Tecton, we just....
Veraik: Just what?
Riyyh knows from past experience that there is no graceful way to say Naros was part of the Tecton in name but hadn't lifted a finger to contribute or participate in about 40 years... the length of time Riyyh has been Sectuib.
Riyyh: We're very isolated. [explains at last]
Veraik: I see.
Veraik zlins.
Riyyh has actually become infamous in that district for promising to deliver Naros-trained Donors and channels but then weaseling out of it somehow.
Riyyh: ~~sheepish defiance added to the previous fear, worry, nervousness, etc.~~
Riyyh knows Veraik can zlin through his showfield but does the best he can for dignity's sake.
Veraik frowns in remembrance of Naros and the news pertaining to it.
Veraik: Well.
Riyyh thinks that worked for 40 years but now that people are figuring out how many people had a 1st Order Channel for a father there, it's going to get a lot tougher.
Riyyh really wishes he was there to perform damage control himself.
Riyyh: I - I confess it is probable that any Tecton administrators who suspect foul play may not be willing to act on that suspicion.
Veraik: At this time, since all the paperwork is in order, you will have to learn to be a Tecton Channel until the paperwork has be cleared up.
Riyyh: But perhaps with your protests in addition to mine...
Riyyh winces.
Lisa starts to speak, then thinks better of it.
Riyyh's inner core wavers between worry and disbelief.
Riyyh: But... who will take care of Naros?
Veraik: I'm sure you have a second in command.
Riyyh: She can't stand up to Snake!
Riyyh can't himself, either, but that's not the point.
Veraik: We have Sectuib ambrov Chanel here as well, and he is able to handle his affairs.
Riyyh is reasonably sure that Sectuib Chanel is not being forced to deal with a Farris lunatic trying to stage a coup at his Householding.
Riyyh: ~despair and frustration~
Riyyh: But....
Riyyh's shoulders wilt.
Riyyh: Well, how long do you think it will be?
Veraik: Come now, Riyyh. You will be fine.
Devida redoes her nails for the 3rd time.
Veraik: I zlinned that you are nervous, but I'm sure you can handle the duties in the disjunction ward.
Riyyh wonders what the use of being fine is if everything he knows and loves is getting ripped apart by an unwashed child with a vendetta against father-figures.
Riyyh stares at Veraik in astonishment.
Veraik: The Tecton is slow, but I can't really give you an estimate.
Riyyh can't tell by zlinning him whether Veraik knows of Naros' long tradition of disjunction treatment and is just yanking his chain, or if he just doesn't know.
Veraik: I understand you have quarters at this time?
Riyyh: Yes....
Lisa decides that Veraik's wrath might be easier to bear than Riyyh's dejection and says softly, "Sectuib Naros, I've put something in motion that might speed things up."
Veraik: Good, Lisa.
Riyyh: What is it?
Veraik: I know you have a few contacts that I know nothing about.
Lisa: Sectuib, I'm Sectuib Chanel's daughter. Our House has a few, er, contacts is a good word I guess.
Riyyh thinks, Zeor primary among them.
Lisa: In Capitol and in the DC's office.
Veraik smiles at Lisa.
Lisa: I've contacted them. If that document is a forgery they might be able to prove it.
Veraik: And if it isn't?
Riyyh wonders how they can prove it.
Lisa: If it's not, we'll know that too.
Lisa: Don't ask questions either one of you please.
Riyyh might have felt anger at their not believing his word, if he were anybody but Riyyh.
Lisa wonders why Veraik isn't upset to discover she has questionable contacts of her own.
Riyyh feels instead very depressed.
Riyyh: Thank you for your efforts on my behalf.
Veraik: You're welcome Sectuib.
Lisa smiles. "No problem, Sectuib. I want to know the truth too."
Veraik: As do I.
Veraik zlins. "Bender Cove isn't that bad. We are a friendly bunch here."
Veraik: Perhaps you will come to like it eventually.
Riyyh tries to rally his composure.
Riyyh: I assure you, I have nothing against your city. It is simply that Naros is all that I have ever known or loved.
Riyyh: I have been its Sectuib for forty years, since before Unity.
Riyyh: I am taken from it during a time of great crisis for the House.
Veraik: I can understand that.
Riyyh: It might be destroyed while I am away. How can I see anything for the good in it, knowing that?
Riyyh realizes they are trying to be as nice as possible, even if they are Tecton bureaucrats.
Riyyh just wishes they could see his point of view.
Riyyh sighs.
Riyyh: Well, then somebody will give me some orientation, and a schedule?
Lisa: Come see me in the morning. We can go over all that.
Riyyh thought it was very kind of Darrel to share his lobby duty with Riyyh earlier, but would really prefer something a little more structured.
Veraik: Yes and Sectuib, I am sorry but the Tecton has declared you one of our own.
Lisa suppresses the urge to giggle.
Veraik: Well, Sectuib. I think we have it settled for now.
Devida decides she's waited long enough and goes to Veraik's office to wait outside the door.
Riyyh: What do you wish me to do for the rest of the day and tonight?
Lisa: Whatever you want. Its been a slow day today.
Riyyh nods, sadly.
Lisa yawns.
Veraik: You may rest unless you feel the need to stretch your systems. In that case, you are welcome to give transfers or to take donations.
Veraik rises and pulls a map from a filing cabinet.
Lisa rises. "Controller, may I be excused? I have some paperwork that requires doing."
Veraik: We may wish to see the map of the Center.
Riyyh: I will be fine, I had some work earlier. Thank you.
Veraik zlins and nods, "Of course, Lisa."
Lisa: Thank you.
Lisa: Night, Controller.
Lisa: Sectuib.
Veraik: Good. Then your schedule will be ready for you in the morning.
Lisa nods to each man and leaves the room.
Riyyh had actually had a bizarre assortment of work, starting with all the stuff that Darrel didn't want that had come into the lobby, and then all the people who accosted him on the street when he was trying to escape.
Riyyh takes the map.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Riyyh leaves the office.
Riyyh tries to smile at Devida on the way past.
Riyyh would hate to ruin somebody else's day just because his is the worst, or maybe 2nd worse of his entire life.
Devida smiles curiously at the new channel.
Devida slips quietly into the office.
Devida: Who was that?
Veraik goes to Devida to hug her.
Veraik: Strange. I've never known any Sectuib who isn't a part of the Tecton but he zlinned like he really was telling the truth."
Veraik nods. "Yes."
Devida: I know. That sounds rather bizarre.
Veraik takes her hands with his tentacles.
Veraik: No more work. You zlin tired.
Devida smiles.
Devida: I am a little.
Devida: But I bet you are too.
Veraik: Let me take you to bed.
Veraik: My turn.
Devida smiles.
Veraik looks deeply into her eyes.
Devida: OK.
Veraik gently kisses her then opens the door.
Devida smiles tenderly at Veraik.
Veraik leads to down the hall and into his room, locking the door then zlinning to make sure that Reena is no where in sight.
Devida turns to Veraik and gently touches his cheek.
Veraik: ~ content, happy, love ~
Lisa: ~love tenderness~
see note 4
Notes:
1) Naros Episode #53 began play in #naros but was shifted into #simegen when Riyyh and his "escort" arrived at the Sime Center. A Bender Cove episode (#???) set in the Sime Center was already in progress in #simegen, and is shown in part here. [return]
2) Not clear whether this line is correct or not. Veraik's player originally typed "And as far as I zlinned, I was the one one in the garden besides you." Much later, a change was posted which read === I was the only - I was the only one besides Aran. ====. However, the line marked as Note 3, later, implies that Vivek was there as well. Since the Bender Cove episode containing the described events has yet to be posted, the line was edited as directed and the exact occupancy of the garden remains a mystery. [return]
3) See Note 2, above. [return]
4) The Bender Cove episode may have continued onward from here, however there is no more Naros related material contained, if so. [return]