Sime~Gen Roleplaying: Householding Naros Scenario
Episode #70: Triptych (11/29/98)
Leena Ann (definitely junct and a Tigue) stumbles into the clearing, looking around, trying to find where her brother might be.
Leena Ann is scared and alone unable to speak Simelan and totally lost.
Leena Ann awkwardly slips out her arms, zlinning again.
Fethy is riding back from town to Naros.
Leena Ann chews her lip, scared, alone and ready to cry.
Fethy is riding a brown horse and leading a gray one.
Jasin is out in the barn grooming horses humming happily to himself.
Fethy zlins Leena Ann some distance off the road and stops, curious.
Leena Ann zlins Fethy and turns.
Leena Ann ~~ junct, not in need, frightened ~~
Fethy is a renSime.
Fethy: Hello... [calls out] Do you require any help?
Leena Ann: Hello [English ]
Fethy looks around, then guides his horse into the ditch, then out of the ditch, toward Leena Ann.
Leena Ann zlins him, watching the odd fluctuations of his field.
Leena Ann: Do you... speak English?
Fethy: Oh...
Fethy switches to English.
Fethy: Yes, me speak-um Eeeenglish.
Leena Ann nearly giggles with relief.
Fethy had the obligatory Naros English classes when he was a kid but that was at least 7 decades ago.
Leena Ann: I'm trying to find my brother Jon Drake. I'm Leena Ann Drake, and he's supposed to be in-Territory.
Fethy: Hmm. Me no know-um Jon Drake.
Fethy zlins Leena Ann.
Fethy: Come with me get eat sleep?
Leena Ann ~~ worry ~~~
Leena Ann: They won't... they like Simes there?
Leena Ann looks down and wiggles her tentacles.
Leena Ann: Out-territory Simes?
Fethy: Yes, yes, many like Simes.
Fethy pauses.
Fethy: Like Gen also. Naros very happy place.
Fethy isn't sure 'happy' is the right word, but doesn't know the Genlan for 'incestuous'.
Leena Ann nods and goes forward, wary but willing to risk it after the past few days.
Fethy: How old you? Week old? How come not know Simelan?
Jasin finishes grooming the horses, the feeds and waters them.
Leena Ann points at the horse.
Leena Ann: Out-Territory.
Leena Ann: They don't teach it there.
Fethy: But you think fast now. Learn big many um, words, um,
Leena Ann crawls up onto the extra horse and nods.
Leena Ann: Will they know where Jon Drake is?
Fethy: I not know. ~honest~
Leena Ann doesn't think he is really understanding much of what she says.
Fethy sets his horse to pick its way back over the ditch to the road.
Leena Ann easily follows, having ridden many horses in her days.
Fethy: Where you Jon Drake live?
Leena Ann wonders what Jonnie will say when he finds out she killed their mother.
Fethy zlins the emotions coming from Leena Ann.
Fethy: Sorry... too many question?
Leena Ann: Near....
Leena Ann tries to remember the words Lowren told her.
Leena Ann: ...a Cove.
Leena Ann: Channels.
Leena Ann: Tecton.
Leena Ann: Households.
Leena Ann nods at those odd words.
Fethy recognizes "Channels" and "Tecton", but not "Cove".
Fethy: Oh. Tecton.
Fethy nods in understanding.
Fethy: I take you Naros, they send you Tecton.
Fethy: ~promise~
Leena Ann: North Cove, West Cove, East Cove... I think... something.
Leena Ann nods.
Leena Ann: Thank you.
Leena Ann smiles, as relieved and happy as she can be under the circumstances of being in a foreign country and not knowing the language.
Fethy: You big channel. ~impressed~
Leena Ann isn't sure what the Sime means.
Leena Ann travels alongside the Sime.
Fethy leads Leena Ann to Naros' walls, where they are let in by the gate watch.
Leena Ann: A prison.
Fethy: What?
Fethy dismounts.
Leena Ann: A watchman [points to the gatekeeper as she dismounts]
Leena Ann: Gates, locks....
Fethy: Me not know many English. [confesses]
Leena Ann zlins, her eyes widening as she zlins the Simes and Gens all wandering around.
Leena Ann thinks Lowren was telling the truth when he said Gens and Simes lived together.
Fethy: Come, we put horses down. Away! Put horses away [quickly correct himself]
Jasin finishes cleaning the stable then sets to work on the tackle, oiling the leather and polishing the brass.
Leena Ann nods and follows the Sime.
Leena Ann: I'm Leena Ann.
Jasin hums merrily to himself.
Fethy: Me Fethy.
Leena Ann zlins Jasin.
Leena Ann finds it fascinating to zlin all the different people.
Fethy ties off his horse to a ring and gestures for Leena Ann to do the same.
Fethy: Kids take care of. [explains]
Fethy looks around but sees no kids, only Jasin.
Fethy: Hello! [in Simelan]
Jasin: Hi there. My name is Jasin. [Simelan]
Leena Ann ties up the horse.
Fethy: I'm Fethy. Are you new here? I've been out of town. [explains, in Simelan]
Jasin: Yes I'm a channel just arrived yesterday. It's a pleasure to meet you, Fethy.
Leena Ann smiles and nods.
Jasin: And who is your friend?
Jasin smiles at Leena Ann.
Leena Ann only understood hi, which she has heard several times, and jaaazeen which she thinks might be the name of the other person.
Jasin says in English, "Hello, my name is Jasin."
Leena Ann smiles and nods at Fethy then at Jasin again.
Jasin: Do you live here too?
Leena Ann can't help but to slip her laterals out and zlin again, curious.
Fethy: This is Leena Ann. [Simelan]
Fethy: I found her wandering around like this... was going to take her to Sectuib.
Fethy indicates her generally road-worn condition.
Jasin: Hello, Leena Ann [English}
Leena Ann is absolutely fascinated the way she feels when she's zlinning the two strangers who aren't angry or trying to murder her.
Leena Ann glances at Jasin, coming duo.
Leena Ann: Hello.
Leena Ann: You speak English?
Leena Ann smiles at Fethy.
Jasin grins and offers Leena Ann a calm welcoming field.
Jasin: Yes, and Simelan [English]
Fethy: You should learn how to speak Simelan as soon as possible. [in Simelan, and then in English:] Maybe you learn Simelan quick quick make good Sime.
Fethy is pretty sure he didn't get that last bit right, but a little creative deciphering should allow her to get the gist of it.
Leena Ann nods.
Fethy turns to Jasin and attempts in English:
Fethy: You take her Sectuib me wash horse?
Fethy: Or you wash me take?
Leena Ann shakes her head.
Jasin glances at Fethy then unobtrusively zlins Leena Ann.
Leena Ann: Not good, Fethy.
Leena Ann: I killed
Leena Ann: I killed....
Leena Ann can't make herself say who.
Leena Ann ~~ junct remorseful ~~~
Jasin: ~soothing~ "It's ok Leena Ann. We can help you to not kill [English]
Jasin: I'm a channel. I can help you, if Sectuib Riyyh will let me.
Leena Ann simply shakes her head.
Fethy waits for Jasin to state a preference.
Leena Ann has never heard the word channel.
Fethy wonders if he garbled it so badly even his fellow Narosian couldn't parse it.
Jasin: Let's go see him shall we?
Leena Ann does know an offer of help when she hears it.
Jasin: [English]
Leena Ann: Thank you.
Fethy: OK, I'll handle these. [Simelan]
Fethy: Good bye, Leena Ann. [English]
Leena Ann ~~ Little control over primary or secondary system allowing it to do as it would ~~
Jasin: Thanks [Simelan]
Jasin thinks Oh shen.
Jasin: Come with me, Leena Ann.
Jasin: I think he will find meeting you very interesting.
Jasin doesn't really want to tell Leena Ann she's a channel.
Leena Ann nods.
Leena Ann: Goodbye.
Leena Ann walks along with Jasin.
Leena Ann: I'm looking for my brother, Jon Drake.
Leena Ann: Do you know if he lives here?
Jasin: No I don't. I just got here myself. You can ask the Sectuib. [English]
Leena Ann: Leader?
Jasin leads Leena Ann to the Riyyh's office and signals at his door for admission.
Leena Ann suddenly realizes she is probably a mess and her mom wouldn't approve of her meeting someone with hay in her hair and her clothes all messy... and... and....
Leena Ann is certain she's going to cry like a baby.
Riyyh: Come in!
Jasin: Yes, he's the leader.
Jasin opens the door and gestures for Leena Ann to precede him into the room.
Riyyh puts aside his paperwork.
Leena Ann walks into the room, trying to unobtrusively pick hay from her long brown hair.
Jasin: Sectuib, we seem to have a visitor. This is Leena Ann [English}
Jasin: She's a junct channel.
Jasin: [Simelan]
Riyyh can zlin that.
Riyyh: Hello, Jasin, Leena Ann. [English]
Riyyh: Please, have a seat, both of you.
Riyyh: ~kindly~
Jasin gestures Leena Ann to a seat then sits beside her.
Leena Ann goes forward and sits down.
Riyyh zlins how miserably embarrassed she is and can't blame her; he'd die rather than go out looking like that.
Riyyh: ~sympathetic~
Jasin: ~neutral~
Jasin offers helpfully in English "Fethy brought her in a few minutes ago."
Riyyh nods.
Riyyh: Leena Ann, have you been running since you changed over?
Riyyh is continuing the conversation in English, which is is quite fluent in.
Leena Ann feels tears fill her eyes.
Leena Ann: Yes, sir.
Riyyh: It's all right, you're safe here. Zlin me?
Riyyh: ~truth/gentleness~
Leena Ann: I... someone told me to come to my brother in-Territory.
Leena Ann: But well, my daddy....
Jasin unobtrusively supports Leena Ann, attempting to calm and reassure her.
Leena Ann does getting caught up in the field once again as she does.
Leena Ann drifts in the field.
Jasin gently draws Leena Ann duo.
Leena Ann: Oh.
Leena Ann: Yes.
Leena Ann: I... yes.
Leena Ann: I... they tried to, well, kill me. I ran, caught a train.
Leena Ann: I hid until I was certain I was in Sime Territory.
Leena Ann feels fresh tears.
Leena Ann: My brother is here.
Jasin: ~sympathy understanding~
Riyyh: I see.
Riyyh: Well, you are definitely in Sime Territory.
Leena Ann: You're the leader.
Leena Ann: Do you know my brother?
Riyyh: Of Naros. [qualifies] Where did you say your brother lives?
Leena Ann twists her tentacles into knots in worry.
Leena Ann: In Sime Territory.
Leena Ann: In a Cove.
Jasin: He's called Sectuib.
Leena Ann listens carefully to the word and tries to pronounce it.
Leena Ann: I'm sorry.
Jasin: Bender Cove?
Leena Ann looks embarrassedly at Riyyh.
Leena Ann: No.
Leena Ann: I think it was... a direction or something.
Leena Ann: I don't quite remember.
Riyyh: There are a lot of coves in Sime Territory.
Riyyh: ~apologetic~
Riyyh: It's a very large place. Did you know, you have travelled 500 miles into the Territory?
Leena Ann is shocked.
Leena Ann: I don't know.
Leena Ann: I was so upset and scared. I didn't get off the train, even when it stopped, until I was finally spotted.
Leena Ann: I think though... where I was suppose to be was right over the border.
Leena Ann: The man told me Gens lived on one side and Simes on the other.
Riyyh: I see. Leena Ann, there is something else that you should know. [gently]
Leena Ann: Yes?
Riyyh feels uncomfortable saying this sort of thing across a desk.
Riyyh gets up and moves around to sit near Leena Ann, and reaches gently for her hands.
Riyyh: ~concern/gentleness~
Leena Ann looks at Riyyh with wide eyed innocence.
Leena Ann wraps her tentacles around his hands anchoring the touch.
Jasin increases his nageric support knowing where the Sectuib is heading.
Riyyh: When you changed over, there was an... an accident, wasn't there? [softly]
Leena Ann is really scared now.
Jasin: ~reassuring~
Leena Ann: I killed my moma.
Leena Ann: How'd you know?
Riyyh: I'm sorry.
Jasin murmurs in English "it's OK, he understands".
Riyyh: ~gentle/kind~
Leena Ann: I didn't mean to.
Leena Ann: I thought....
Riyyh: I know, Leena Ann, I know you didn't mean to.
Leena Ann wonders if she should tell them what else happened but doesn't think so. She doesn't want to get her younger brother in trouble.
Jasin: Its not your fault, Leena Ann.
Leena Ann: I didn't mean to. [whispers]
Jasin: We know. ~understanding~
Leena Ann looks back up at Riyyh.
Riyyh: Because that happened, you are going to have do do something very special before you can travel in Sime Territory.
Leena Ann: You gonna turn me in?
Leena Ann trembles, tears running down her face.
Riyyh: No, I won't. But you see, the fact that you killed... even accidentally... makes you different from other Simes.
Leena Ann can imagine all sorts of torture to repay for killing her mother.
Riyyh: ~~reassurance~~
Leena Ann: Yes, sir.
Riyyh: We can help you.
Jasin slides his chair over and puts a comforting arm around Leena Ann's shoulders.
Jasin: ~comfort~
Leena Ann isn't used to being touched by Simes and having two of them touching her and being nice is starting to worry her. just what kind of freak has she become?
Leena Ann: Okay.
Leena Ann doesn't object, though, because the field feels so good.
Riyyh: Before you can travel, you will have to learn how to not-kill.
Leena Ann smiles shyly at Jasin, then hears Riyyh's words.
Riyyh: That's probably going to take you about... [hesitates]
Riyyh: Well, anywhere from six months to two years.
Leena Ann: But I didn't kill the second time.
Leena Ann's eyes widen in dismay and she jerks away, covering her mouth.
Leena Ann knows she's in trouble now.
Leena Ann thinks of they find out what Timmy did....
Riyyh, startled by her jerking away, massages his wrist.
Riyyh: It's all right. ~soothing~
Riyyh thinks the gossips will love to speak to this girl.
Riyyh: It's good that you didn't kill twice.
Leena Ann goes hyper, zlinning his wrists.
Jasin smiles back and squeezes her shoulders gently.
Leena Ann rubs her own wrists as she zlins.
Jasin: Don't do that, honey. You'll hurt yourself.
Jasin takes her hands.
Jasin draws her back duo.
Leena Ann: I...
Leena Ann: Huh.
Leena Ann wonders how she's going to hurt herself.
Jasin: You drifted again.
Leena Ann glances back at Riyyh.
Leena Ann: How'd I hurt you?
Leena Ann: I'm sorry.
Jasin: You can't hurt us but you are going to hurt your tentacles if you're not careful.
Riyyh: It's all right.
Riyyh wasn't hurt so much as surprised; he's a wussy boy.
Leena Ann looks down at her tentacles, those things that held her mother in a such a death grip and wonders how she's going to hurt them.
Leena Ann would actually like to chop them off at the moment.
Leena Ann thinks that would be a really nice thing, not to have tentacles anymore.
Jasin looks at Riyyh for permission for a short lesson.
Riyyh signals at Jasin to hold off.
Jasin nods and releases LeenA Ann but holds her field steady.
Riyyh: I'm sorry, Leena Ann, but I want to make sure you understand what I'm telling you. [gently]
Leena Ann looks closer at his wrists, wondering just how badly she hurt him.
Leena Ann: Yes?
Riyyh: We can try to find your brother, but you must disjunct - learn not to kill - before you can travel.
Leena Ann chews her lip again.
Leena Ann: But....
Leena Ann hesitates.
Riyyh: Unless your brother lives somewhere you can be disjuncted... but there aren't that many facilities for that so the chances are slim.
Leena Ann: I didn't....
Leena Ann drops her gaze.
Leena Ann: My brother didn't die.
Riyyh: ~kind/gentle~
Leena Ann: My brother, he lives out-territory. 1
Leena Ann: So I didn't kill.
Leena Ann: So I'm not going to kill again.
Riyyh: Leena Ann, disjunction is a very long process.
Riyyh: I know you feel right now like you will never kill again, but it isn't that simple. I'm sorry.
Riyyh: ~truth/sympathy~
Leena Ann: But... I didn't kill him... so I just won't do it again, right?
Leena Ann is really worried that she's going to kill.
Leena Ann: But... but....
Leena Ann: I don't want to kill.
Riyyh: We will not allow you to kill again, but you must also learn it yourself.
Riyyh: ~support/gentleness~
Leena Ann shrugs.
Leena Ann: I can do it.
Leena Ann: I didn't want to kill my brother and I didn't.
Leena Ann: Timmy is still alive.
Jasin: ~ a natural Donor?~
Leena Ann: And hopefully no one knows what happened or they might not like him too much after what I did to our mom.
Riyyh allows her to zlin his ~regret and knowledge that he is right~
Leena Ann sticks her nose up stubbornly, certain he is trying to scare her, but knowing somehow he isn't.
Riyyh: Your unwillingness to kill again will certainly help you in your disjunction process.
Leena Ann: I just wish I could find Jonnie.
Leena Ann: He is suppose to be here somewhere. He'd make sure I was okay.
Leena Ann nods.
Leena Ann zlins him again, thinking his field is really fascinating.
Leena Ann: Why do you zlin different than the other Sime did?
Riyyh: Well, there are a lot of reasons why people zlin the way they do. A person's mood, physical condition, and where they are in their selyn cycle can all affect it.
Riyyh: ~kindly~
Riyyh: You will learn all of that, and more, as you get more experience at being a Sime.
Riyyh: You will be learning very quickly during your First Year.
Leena Ann thinks his field is much brighter and different than the other person... and even different than Jasin.
Leena Ann: How do I zlin?
Leena Ann lays her laterals on herself and starts zlinning and gets caught up in it.
Riyyh zlins Leena Ann, visibly.
Leena Ann feels it, goes duo and watches amazed.
Leena Ann: Is that what I look like when I zlin?
Jasin sighs and pulling Leena Ann's hands away pulls her duo once again.
Leena Ann glances at Jasin.
Jasin: Stay duo for now. This talk with Sectuib is very important. We'll teach you about zlinning later.
Leena Ann looks down guiltily and wonders how to stay 'duo' as he says.
Leena Ann: Yes sir.
Riyyh: Since you are very young - barely a week old - you will find many things quite fascinating to zlin. It's expected of youngsters.
Riyyh: ~amusement~
Leena Ann: I'll try to be an adult.
Leena Ann works really hard not to zlin his amusement, even though it feels absolutely fascinating.
Jasin smothers a grin. He can still remember the fun he had learning to be a channel.
Leena Ann thinks Jasin's instruction does too, but knows not to dare zlin him.
Jasin murmurs "Good girl."
Leena Ann feels like she is going to burst as she works not to zlin.
Riyyh: Now, there is something else you should know.
Riyyh: ~more serious now~
Leena Ann: So what am I going to do if I can't go find Jon!
Leena Ann is suddenly shocked and afraid.
Leena Ann: I mean....
Riyyh listens patiently.
Leena Ann: You're not going to, well.... I don't know the language, or even have a job.
Leena Ann is back to worrying again.
Leena Ann sees the look, feels the serious tone, and thinks now the other shoe is going to fall.
Rachel walks up to the Sectuib's office and knocks on the door.
Jasin: ~reassuring~
Riyyh: While you are disjuncting, you will stay here at Naros... come in! [to the door]
Riyyh: Please excuse me. [to Leena Ann, apologetically]
Leena Ann nods.
Jasin says softly, "it's OK to zlin, Leena Ann. But don't just zlin. Do both like I am."
Jasin: Zlin me.
Leena Ann looks at Jasin.
Riyyh gets up and goes to the door when nobody enters.
Jasin: Its called duoconsciousness.
Riyyh opens it.
Riyyh: Hello? Oh, hello Rachel.
Leena Ann zlins him carefully, thoroughly and then attempts to do what he's doing.
Jasin: Good, good. I think you've got it.
Leena Ann works to hold steady both zlinning and watching him.
Leena Ann: It's... disconcerting.
Leena Ann: To hold like that.
Jasin smiles at Leena Ann.
Jasin: It takes some getting used to.
Jasin: In time it will become as easy as walking or talking and as natural.
Leena Ann: If you say so.
Jasin smiles encouragingly.
Rachel: Sorry to interrupt you, Sectuib.
Riyyh: No, not at all, it is a pleasure to see you again.
Riyyh: ~kind~
Riyyh: What can I help you with?
Rachel: I have an idea which could make Naros a lot of money.
Rachel has a sheaf of papers in her hand.
Riyyh: Oh?
Jasin studies the Gen with interest.
Riyyh: Er... [glances back into his office]
Rachel: If this is not a convenient time....
Jasin: Sectuib, suppose I take Leena Ann to wash up and eat? I can bring her back later.
Leena Ann's tummy rumbles.
Leena Ann suddenly realizes she is hungry when she hadn't thought of food the entire time she's been gone.
Jasin chuckles.
Riyyh: Of course. [switches to Simelan] Don't say anything to her about being a channel. I don't want her hopes raised and then dashed.
Riyyh keeps his voice low just in case.
Jasin: Yes, Sectuib [Simelan]
Jasin: Come with me Leena Ann. We'll come back and finish this later.
Jasin: [English]
Jasin rises.
Leena Ann nods and stands.
Leena Ann: Thank you, Sektuub.
Leena Ann says this with as much sincerity as possible when she's not sure about what she just said.
Riyyh: You're very welcome, Leena Ann, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Jasin: Later Sectuib. [Simelan]
Jasin leads Leena Ann out of the office.
Leena Ann slips out the door with Jasin.
Riyyh gestures to Rachel to come in.
Rachel walks further into the office.
Riyyh closes the door behind them and returns to his desk.
Leena Ann: Jasin, before we eat could I... well...?
Leena Ann looks at herself.
Leena Ann: Can I take a bath?
Jasin: Sure, let's go to my house. It's just over there.
Rachel: Sectuib. Did you ever think to use your new stock as breeders for others' animals?
Leena Ann: Thank you.
Rachel: To earn stud fees for Naros?
Jasin: You can clean up while I fix you something to eat.
Jasin leads Leena Ann to his new home.
Riyyh: Er, well,
Riyyh: It's been done before, but mostly on a favor basis. [explains]
Rachel: If your bloodstock is of good lineage, others will pay handsomely to breed their horses to yours.
Leena Ann goes into the house and glances around, though she keeps it to a minimum since she is a guest in the house.
Leena Ann hasn't learned zlinning as she has been can be considered rude yet.
Rachel: You wanted a solution to the price of keeping the new stock, and this is one such idea.
Leena Ann goes down the hall to the bathroom Jasin shows her and for the first time in over a week, bathes.
Rachel offers Riyyh the sheaf of papers.
Rachel: I've worked up the idea on paper for you.
Riyyh accepts the papers.
Jasin goes to the kitchen and prepares some fruit and cereal.
Riyyh wonders if Rachel had this scheme in mind before she bought the extra stallion, or came up with the idea as a way to help make up the extra expense.
Riyyh decides probably the former.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Rachel: The responsibility for the mare falls on the owner. Once the mare is bred with Naros stock, it goes back home, and you have no further responsibility for it.
Rachel: Yet you have the income from the breeding.
Riyyh nods.
Jasin suddenly thinks of something and runs out of the house and down to stores where he gets some clothes for his guest, hoping Riyyh doesn't mind.
Leena Ann is standing in the bathroom, no water, a towel around her trying to wash her clothes out int he sink, embarrassed that she didn't think about the problem.
Jasin signals at the door. "Leena Ann, here's some clothes and I have hot water for you."
Leena Ann: Thank you, Jasin.
Leena Ann reaches out the door and accepts the clothes.
Leena Ann slips on the pants, shivering from the cold shower.
Jasin slides the jugs of hot water inside the room and returns to the kitchen.
Leena Ann then slips on the top and realizes it's a tad too big.
Leena Ann sighs, combs her hair and then braids it and pins it on top of her head, thinking she had been told when she was 17 her mom would let her wear her hair like this, promising to help her pin it up the first time.
Leena Ann is three months short of 17 and pinning her hair up in an adult style for the first time by herself.
Riyyh: Well, this hasn't been done in the past, but I think the reason for that is a bit out of date now.
Riyyh: You see, the reason for breeding our own horses dates back pre-Unity when it was never certain whether our money would be welcome elsewhere.
Rachel: ~~interested~~
Rachel: Why is that? Did the experiment in breeding fail?
Riyyh: ~bafflement~
Riyyh: Pardon me?
Rachel: I'm confused myself. I thought the income the House could earn from breeding would be helpful.
Riyyh sighs.
Riyyh: Yes, it will.
Rachel: Then what is it I do not understand?
Riyyh: I... I don't know. [confesses]
Rachel: I thought a plan like this one would pay for the upkeep of the horses themselves. It would also create a reputation of fine horses coming from Naros, and earn money for us as well.
Rachel: But if I am incorrect, I'm more than willing to learn what plan you have as an alternative.
Riyyh, who thus far hasn't spoken a single word in discouragement of the plan, is quite perplexed as to the cause of her protestations.
Riyyh: Well, that is very flexible of you....
Riyyh: ~nervous~
Rachel: ~~calm~~
Riyyh: However, I think, under the circumstances...
Rachel listens.
Riyyh doesn't know where to go from there, since his attempt at explaining why he thought it was a good idea failed so miserably the first time around.
Riyyh: Well. Allow me to look this over, then.
Riyyh taps on the sheaf of papers Rachel had brought.
Rachel nods.
Rachel: I will abide by your decision.
Rachel: Meanwhile, I am working on training and schooling the horses to make them better animals.
Riyyh: Thank you for bringing this up with me. I will be sure to get back to you on it as... you are?
Riyyh hadn't been aware that the horses were in lack of training and/or schooling.
Riyyh: Well, that sounds very good.
Riyyh: There can never be too much of that.
Rachel: Yes. The better schooled the animals are, the more likely someone would want them.
Rachel: To keep them tractable, you need to keep both their mind and body occupied with work.
Riyyh: Which animals were you referring to? ~cautiously~
Riyyh hopes she doesn't mean the animals used in actual work around the Householding.
Riyyh was not under the impression they wanted to sell those.
Rachel: The ones I brought more than any other.
Riyyh: Oh... I see.
Riyyh nods.
Riyyh is glad the extra animals will be doing at least something towards earning their keep.
Rachel: But any animal needs work from trained dog, to horse.
Riyyh: Of course.
Rachel: I'll be waiting to hear from you then?
Riyyh's tentacles wave nervously.
Riyyh: Yes, I will be sure to get back to you on this as soon as possible.
Riyyh: Thank you.
Rachel ~~calm~~
Rachel: Thank you, Sectuib.
Rachel heads back out the door.
Riyyh has never had quite this bad a communications problem with someone before and hopes it is going to improve as they get to know each other better.
Riyyh puts Rachel's documents in his in box and goes back to his other work.
see note 2
Jasin shuts the bedroom door gently. He had put Leena Ann to bed after she fell asleep while eating.
Jasin washes his dishes then returns to Riyyh's office.
Jasin signals for admission.
Riyyh: Come in!
Riyyh hastily puts aside some paperwork he really didn't want to do anyway.
Jasin enters the office. "She's asleep. The poor thing was exhausted.
Riyyh nods.
Riyyh: She's been through a lot.
Riyyh: Do you have somebody watching her?
Jasin: Yes. I borrowed one of your Donors. She shouldn't be alone right now.
Riyyh: Good.
Jasin hesitates, then sits down uninvited.
Jasin: Can Naros handle her? She zlins like a Tigue.
Riyyh: We can handle her disjunction, but she can't be trained as a channel. Not unless she is... [hesitates] sent to Keon.
Riyyh: However, I would rather not do that without first finding out about her brother. Both her brothers.
Jasin: I'm not sure even Keon will let her work. It's just too dangerous.
Riyyh spreads his hands and tentacles.
Riyyh: Perhaps not.
Jasin: Good idea. how can I help Sectuib?
Riyyh: We have many specialists in disjunction. I would rather that you acted as her friend, rather than in a treatment role. Would you be all right with that?
Riyyh: She will, after all, require a good friend who is not also her therapist.
Jasin: Of course. I haven't had much training in that area.
Jasin wonders if this would be a good time to bring up the fact that he's well past turnover but hasn't been assigned a Donor yet.
Jasin: I relate better to older people.
Leena Ann finally feels refreshed and returns to the other building searching for the office she was at earlier.
Riyyh: Yes, that is why Naros chose you. [smiles]
Riyyh is ~pleased~ to have found Jasin.
Jasin smiles back. he's starting to enjoy being in Naros.
Riyyh: My apologies for the change of subject, but, I saw on your records that you have twice qualified 3rd order Donors.
Riyyh: Do you feel fairly comfortable with performing qualifications?
Jasin: Well yes I have.
Jasin: Why?
Riyyh blinks.
Jasin: Oh sure.
Jasin: It's kind of fun, actually.
Jasin smiles as he remembers the last time he qualified a Donor.
Leena Ann finds the door and reaches up to knock, wincing when it hurts her hand and laterals.
Riyyh nods.
Riyyh: I have a woman who... excuse me.
Riyyh: Come in!
Leena Ann peeks in, much cleaner, healthier looking and with a full tummy.
Leena Ann is also rubbing her wrist.
Leena Ann: Hello.
Leena Ann: They told me you were in here, Jasin.
Jasin: Hi, Leena Ann.
Leena Ann: Hello, sek tubb.
Riyyh smiles kindly at Leena Ann.
Jasin: Yes I've been talking to the Sectuib. Come on in.
Leena Ann moves in and quietly moves over and seats herself in a chair.
Riyyh: You zlin much better now, Leena Ann.
Riyyh: How are you feeling?
Leena Ann: I feel much better.
Leena Ann smiles shyly.
Riyyh always automatically asks this even though he can zlin.
Jasin works the fields for Leena Ann as he did before.
Leena Ann: Thank you for asking.
Riyyh: That's wonderful.
Riyyh: Ready to talk some more?
Riyyh: ~light friendly somewhat cajoling nager~
Leena Ann nods.
Leena Ann glances at Jasin to make sure she's doing her field right.
Jasin gives her an encouraging smile.
Leena Ann: Okay.
Riyyh: I wanted to talk to you a little bit more about disjunction and other training.
Riyyh: You're also special in another way, that we haven't discussed yet.
Leena Ann is certain she isn't going to have problems disjunction so she is more interested in training.
Leena Ann: Special?
Leena Ann doesn't zlin wariness in him this time or anything to set off alarm bells.
Riyyh: Because you are junct - because you have killed - you can't be trained for a channel's work. However, physically you are a channel. Like Jasin and me.
Riyyh: That means you have two selyn fields, not just one.
Leena Ann: Oh... the ones... the Simes that give transfer to Simes.
Riyyh: Yes, that's what they do for work.
Leena Ann didn't know the word that went with them.
Leena Ann: Why can't I be a channel?
Leena Ann: If I am a channel?
Leena Ann doesn't understand.
Riyyh: It's against the law to work as a channel if you've killed.
Riyyh thinks that is a bit oversimplified but that's basically the truth.
Leena Ann: But I'm not going to kill again.
Riyyh: I know, Leena Ann.
Riyyh: But that's the law.
Leena Ann shakes her head not sure what he means.
Riyyh zlins her uncertainty.
Riyyh: I'm sorry. You will understand in time. For now, though, what you must know is that your body is physically different from that of regular Simes.
Leena Ann: Okay.
Leena Ann nods.
see note 3
Mostan walks across to the Administrative Building.
Mostan plods up the steps.
Mostan signals at Riyyh's door.
Riyyh: Come!
Mostan comes in and looks for a chair.
Jasin runs down the hall to Riyyh's office and signals for admission.
Riyyh: Please, take any one you like.
Mostan sits down.
Riyyh jumps up to get Mostan some tea and opens the door on his way.
Riyyh: Hello, Jasin! You're just in time.
Mostan is just a few days before transfer and it shows in his nager.
Jasin: I was showing Leena Ann around. Sorry I'm late.
Jasin zlins Mostan with interest as he takes his seat.
Riyyh: Mostan, Jasin, have you met?
Riyyh wouldn't normally ask this, but both men are relatively new to Naros and not likely to take offense at a slight of their detail-knowledge.
Mostan: No, not that I recall.
Mostan makes a polite greeting gesture with his tentacles.
Riyyh: Jasin is new to Naros. He, like yourself, was previously employed by the Tecton.
Jasin returns Mostan's greeting.
Riyyh: He specializes in transfer to the elderly.
Riyyh smiles.
Riyyh: We were very lucky to get him.
Jasin: ~pleased embarrassment~
Mostan: That sounds like an interesting specialty. Haven't heard of that one before.
Mostan's nager does not reflect with the alleged interest.
Jasin: It's interesting.
Riyyh: Jasin, Mostan was assigned to us in trade and he has recently pledged Naros.
Riyyh: He has been invaluable as a matchmaker for our renSimes and general class Gens.
Mostan: Thank you, Sectuib. It is something I'm talented at.
Jasin: Congratulations, Mostan. It must be wonderful being a member.
Mostan: Thank you, hajene Jasin.
Jasin studies Riyyh, wondering where this conversation is going.
Riyyh appears calm, relaxed, fatherly, and Sectuibly.
Riyyh is smooth and kind, his usual mode when he is not scared as a rabbit.
Riyyh: I asked you both here because I've been considering the qualification of Linn Haskins.
Jasin: ~curious~ Who is Linn Haskins?
Riyyh: Linn is a woman who came here as a traveller. She has been trained as a Donor but never actually qualified.
Jasin: I see.
Riyyh: Her... well, her travelling companions do not include a 3rd anymore, and she has expressed some interest in being initiated to transfer with a channel.
Mostan nods, while feeling a surge of quickly muffled resentment at the renSime who stole her from him last month.
Riyyh: Last month I arranged for Mostan here to do it, but before the time arrived Linn accidentally stumbled upon a renSime's disjunction crisis and ended up serving her instead.
Riyyh: ~sheepish apology~
Jasin: So this month you want one of us to qualify her?
Riyyh: I'd like to discuss it with the both of you. And yes, I would like one of you to do it if Linn is still interested.
Jasin nods and glances at Mostan.
Mostan: She stayed steady under the renSime transfer, then?
Riyyh: Yes, she did.
Riyyh's nager quirks in minute amusement as he recalls Wise Snake's estimation of the transfer: 'She forgot to be scared.'
Riyyh: However, she still must be handled carefully.
Riyyh: Jasin, Linn has had problems with fear of Simes in the past.
Jasin: Oh dear that's not good.
Riyyh: She was born and raised in Gen Territory and worked as a teacher in a high school for years.
Jasin: Hum.
Riyyh: Hajene Wise Snake, who she is travelling with, has worked with her on it for over a year now.
Riyyh: Snake believes that she is not actually a Simephobe, as originally diagnosed.
Jasin: Is she still afraid?
Riyyh: Not that I have ever zlinned.
Riyyh: Mostan? You worked with her a little.
Mostan: She does show a desire to relieve need, at least in palliative fashion.
Mostan: No, I haven't zlinned her being afraid.
Mostan: She's not as unaffected by tentacles as an in-T Gen, but she isn't frightened by them, just more conscious of them.
Riyyh: Linn is a very caring, eager-to-please individual.
Riyyh: She is also very analytical-minded and has worked very hard to develop control of her nager.
Riyyh: As I say, care must be taken. However, I believe her qualification would be well within the capabilities of either of you.
Mostan nods. "Is she the one who has been checking out all those selyn mechanics books from the library?"
Mostan noted that she may have been the only person to read some of them.
Riyyh: I don't know. [admits thoughtfully]
Riyyh is embarrassed to have been found remiss in keeping up on who is checking out which books.
Riyyh intends to rectify that as soon as he has a moment alone.
Mostan: Her nager feels a little different than most Donors of her level. I think she's running it more with her conscious mind than by instinct.
Riyyh: I noticed that too.
Riyyh: Wise Snake says she had been working with Linn on reducing that effect somewhat without removing it entirely.
Riyyh: Apparently she learned the transfer mechanics math before she learned how to manipulate her nager. [explains]
Mostan: That would explain it.
Mostan zlins over at Jasin.
Mostan: Have you worked with out-T raised Donors before, Jasin?
Jasin: No, I haven't.
Mostan: Actually they are in some ways often better than in-T raised Gens, because they don't get into Donating unless they feel an urge strong enough to drive them across the border.
Riyyh suspects Linn may have felt such an urge; at least, just from reading Linn's Bender Cove file she certainly came across the border with regularity considering her terror of Simes.
Riyyh: Jasin has, however, qualified 3rds twice now.
Mostan purses his lips. "You may be better for this than me, then. I haven't formally qualified anyone, as yet."
Mostan is not happy to suggest that Linn go to someone else.
Riyyh: Not formally, no. But your experience previous to the Tecton....
Mostan: Yes, that does have relevance, I must admit.
Jasin: Well, it's not a decision I can make. Sectuib, I'm willing to work with her if you wish.
Riyyh: Hmmm... I see.
Riyyh nods.
Riyyh: Well, you are at least open to the idea?
Jasin: I would like to do it actually.
Riyyh: And Mostan?
Mostan: I'm willing to try again with her, if you want me to Sectuib. ~~ eager ~~
Riyyh nods, satisfied by their responses.
Riyyh: Very well then. I'll have a talk with her and ask if she'd like to try Mostan again this month, or whether she'd like to meet you, Jasin.
Riyyh: Thank you both for your cooperation.
Jasin: Sounds good to me Sectuib.
Jasin: I'm due in 10 days though.
Jasin thinks Riyyh needs to know that.
Riyyh could zlin that.
Riyyh: Thank you, Jasin.
Riyyh: I will be sure to speak to Linn at the earliest opportunity.
Riyyh: ~kind~
Jasin smiles wanly.
Jasin: Thank you, Sectuib.
Jasin: May I go? I need to get back to the horses.
Mostan keeps his nager under careful control.
Riyyh: Yes, of course.
Jasin: Thanks.
Riyyh: Thank you for coming.
Jasin rises and, with a friendly nod to Mostan, leaves the room.
Riyyh: What did you think of Jasin, Mostan?
Riyyh: ~curious~
Mostan: He seems pleasant enough.
Mostan: Doesn't say too much.
Riyyh nods.
Mostan: He might be a better choice than me ~~ reluctant admission ~~ if he has been more, err, formally trained.
Riyyh: Well, yes, perhaps. Although, Linn herself did not receive precisely formal training. [points out]
Riyyh: Also, Linn may feel more comfortable working with you because she knows you already.
Riyyh: We will have to see.
Mostan: Of course, Sectuib.
Riyyh smiles at Mostan.
Mostan: Familiarity is useful, I've found.
Riyyh: I will let you know as soon as I've spoken to her and had a little time to think about it.
Mostan: Certainly, Sectuib.
Riyyh: By the way, I have been meaning to thank you for all the work you've done on arranging for the renSimes and Gens.
Riyyh: It's sort of an unsung hero position, and... well.
Mostan: Thank you Sectuib. Matching is how I got started, after all.
Mostan: [embarrassed smile]
Mostan: Is there anything else we have to cover, Sectuib?
Riyyh: No, I believe that is all. Thank you very much for your time. ~sincere~
Mostan gets up and gestures politely.
Mostan: Good day, then.
Riyyh smiles. "Good bye."
Mostan goes out the door.
Notes:
1) Riyyh was referring to Jon Drake, Leena Ann's older brother; Leena Ann is referring to her younger brother Timmy. [return]
2) Some time passes between these two scenes, probably around an hour. [return]
3) This scene was never finished. The next scene, with Mostan, occurs later or maybe even on another day. [return]