Sime~Gen Roleplaying: Householding Naros Scenario
Episode #134: The Craft (4/3/99)
see note 1
Riyyh stands courteously as Dr. Roosle is ushered into his office.
Riyyh doesn't actually know much about the (presumably) esteemed Dr. Roosle except that he was sent by the Tecton and that he's obviously of OT origins.
Dr Roosle looks Riyyh over with ~~ anticipation ~~
Riyyh smiles. "Dr. Roosle, welcome to Naros."
Riyyh is a rather stunningly handsome, and well dressed, but otherwise unprepossessing channel.
Dr Roosle: Thank you. I must admit that I'm eager to meet you, after the stories I've heard.
Riyyh: Oh...? ~~ oh, dear ~~
Riyyh: Please, please, have a seat.
Dr Roosle's eagerness is actually a bit jarring, since he has not yet had a chance to learn nageric manners, and also never quite got around to donating before his trip.
Dr Roosle sits.
Riyyh: Would you like any tea?
Dr Roosle: Oh, certainly. It was a long ride, and the roads were very bad.
Riyyh: This time of year is always bad for travel, [sympathetically] although at least it is possible.
Riyyh goes to fetch Dr. Roosle some tea.
Riyyh is frantically trying to figure out what Arat has up his sleeve in sending this fellow.
Riyyh had hoped he'd be left alone after the unprecedented sending of the selyn usage form.
Dr Roosle recalls Arat's comments about firestarting.
Dr Roosle: Tell me, how do you usually heat your water?
Dr Roosle is ~~ hopeful ~~ that spontaneous combustion will be featured in the answer.
Riyyh turns from the fireplace to look at Dr. Roosle curiously.
Riyyh: Pardon me?
Dr Roosle: Please, don't be alarmed.
Dr Roosle: I have only the greatest respect for your Craft.
Riyyh pours the boiling water into a cup and replaces the teapot on its hook, a bit absently as he continues to look at Dr. Roosle in confusion and attempts to look sincere and interested rather than bewildered.
Riyyh: ... Thank you.
Riyyh thinks that sounds safe.
Dr Roosle accepts the tea.
Dr Roosle: No, thank you.
Riyyh realizes Dr. Roosle must have been talking about the art of making tea.
Riyyh: I never use steel containers. [adds]
Riyyh: Only ceramic-glazed.
Riyyh: And of course, it is imperative that the water be purified first.
Dr Roosle: Ceramic-glazed? and purified water?
Dr Roosle pulls out a notebook and starts to make notes.
Riyyh returns to his seat.
Riyyh: Yes, [smiles] it would hardly do to ruin decades of botanical research by careless preparation, after all.
Dr Roosle: And do you salute the four Quarters during the water purification?
Dr Roosle: What about mantras?
Riyyh: Oh my, no. Only during planting.
Dr Roosle: Do you find them to be of assistance to reach a higher level of Craft proficiency?
Riyyh: Mantras? Well....
Riyyh is now beside himself with curiosity as to what Arat is up to.
Riyyh: That is more of a matter of individual preference, and not really germane to....
Dr Roosle: ~~ awe ~~
Dr Roosle: I see that I am in the presence of a true Master.
Riyyh has no idea what Dr. Roosle is about, but he does know awe and admiration when he zlins it.
Riyyh preens at the praise.
Dr Roosle: Most are unable to use the Craft without proper preparation.
Dr Roosle: And you, I understand, get perfect results with an ease they can only envy.
Riyyh: It is true that we at Naros have been practicing the same "craft", as you call it, for centuries. [attempt at modesty]
Dr Roosle: Really? A secret Craft school?
Dr Roosle: For I understand that there is hardly a rumor about it, even among those who have a bit of Craft talent themselves.
Dr Roosle: Although, of course, your own talents in that direction are acknowledged.
Riyyh looks a bit uneasy, as something doesn't seem to be quite right about this conversation, or about Dr. Roosle in general.
Riyyh nods, wanting to appear agreeable.
Riyyh for one thing isn't used to hearing the production of gourmet Trin referred to as "the craft".
Dr Roosle: In fact, it was in hopes of learning more about your Craft that I journeyed to Capitol, and from there to your home here.
Riyyh hopes Dr. Roosle, being from OT, isn't reading something into the process which isn't actually present.
Riyyh: Really?
Dr Roosle: I'm a psychological researcher, you see.
Riyyh: You are?
Dr Roosle nods ~~ smugly ~~
Riyyh tries not to appear flummoxed at what appears to not be a change in topic.
Dr Roosle: Yes, and quite well regarded, if I do say so myself.
Riyyh: How impressive.
Riyyh: So you research the psychology of the... er....
Dr Roosle: Sometimes success brings its own rewards, and for me, that has meant the freedom to pursue line of research that are considered unorthodox.
Dr Roosle: My current interest lies in the peculiar talents exhibited by those who pursue your Craft.
Dr Roosle: Tell me, do your Narosian adepts use Ancient methods, or have you developed your own School?
Riyyh: For the most part we have developed our own methods, if you are referring to farming that is.
Riyyh is seriously beginning to wonder if they are on the same wavelength.
Dr Roosle: You use farming as an aide?
Dr Roosle: A meditation, as it were?
Riyyh: No... farming is our main aim, actually.
Riyyh: We are primarily an agricultural Householding.
Riyyh: Trin, gourmet food crops, herbs, and some specialty crops.
Dr Roosle is a bit ~~ chagrined ~~ at missing the obvious.
Dr Roosle: Of course, I should have known.
Dr Roosle: It's unethical to use the Craft to make money, after all.
Riyyh looks concerned at the chagrin, as he wouldn't want a guest of his to feel uncomfortable.
Riyyh looks even more concerned as he realizes he understands what they are talking about even less than before.
Riyyh: Oh, dear me. I don't think of it that way.
Riyyh hopes Dr. Roosle won't be offended.
Dr Roosle: You don't?
Dr Roosle: ~~ amazed ~~
Dr Roosle: You really are a most unusual practitioner.
Riyyh: I hope.... [hesitates]
Riyyh: I must confess, I am not really sure what we are talking about. [admits, embarrassed]
Riyyh: It isn't Trin farming, is it?
Dr Roosle: Trin farming? Of course not!
Dr Roosle: Whyever would I want to know about trin farming?
Dr Roosle: ~~ bewildered ~~
Dr Roosle: I'm a psychologist.
Riyyh nods.
Riyyh smiles.
Riyyh nods again to be sure he looks very compliant and helpful.
Riyyh: I hope you will enjoy your stay at Naros. [adds]
Dr Roosle: I study unusual aspects of the mind.
Riyyh: Oh really?
Riyyh: The mind, you say?
Dr Roosle: Yes. The mind is capable of doing some truly remarkable things, if properly trained.
Riyyh feels more comfortable now that he has simply to look attentive and sincere, which he is quite good at.
Dr Roosle: I have some students who have made remarkable progress.
Riyyh: You must be very pleased.
Dr Roosle: Yes. I was told that you, yourself, have exhibited some unusual abilities on occasion.
Dr Roosle: I came with the hope of studying your talent.
Riyyh smiles kindly.
Riyyh: My talent at what?
Dr Roosle leans backwards and surveys Riyyh measuringly.
Riyyh wonders if Arat has sent Dr. Roosle to study his talent for deflecting Tecton busybodies into more pleasurable, and less damaging, activities than inspecting his paperwork.
Dr Roosle: Well, I have heard of a few manifestations, but I much prefer to evaluate talent in my own fashion, without preconceptions.
Riyyh blinks.
Riyyh: As you wish.
Riyyh really has no idea what Dr. Roosle is talking about.
Riyyh smiles.
Dr Roosle: For instance, I have a set of cards in my valise. What can you tell me about them?
Riyyh's eyebrows raise.
Riyyh waits for a moment, and when it's clear Dr. Roosle isn't going to do anything like remove the cards from the valise so Riyyh can have a look at them, looks questioningly in the direction of the valise itself.
Dr Roosle's valise is almost new, made of leather, and muddy in spots.
Riyyh clears his throat, unsure how to proceed without making a serious failure of etiquette.
Riyyh: Right at this moment?
Dr Roosle: No time like the present, I say.
Riyyh nods, and chuckles.
Riyyh notices that Dr. Roosle has still made no move to extract said cards.
Riyyh: Er... while they're still in the valise? [cautiously]
Riyyh means it humorously, but isn't sure how Dr. Roosle will take it.
Dr Roosle is curious to see whether Riyyh's alleged mind-control abilities are supplemented with clairvoyance.
Dr Roosle: Why not? See what you can do.
Riyyh finds this request quite perplexing.
Riyyh: Oh, I see....
Riyyh wonders if Dr. Roosle, being from out-Territory, has no idea that this is not something ordinarily asked of a person you've just met, Sectuib of a Householding or no.
Riyyh however is eager to please Dr. Roosle, and since he's had a hard time figuring out what he good Doctor is after up to this point, and this is a very straightforward request, Riyyh thinks he can do no better than to comply.
Riyyh zlins the valise, although not very well because he also has to zlin through his desk.
Dr Roosle is waiting with ~~ breathtaking anticipation ~~
Riyyh manages, after some hunting, to locate a deck-of-cards shaped block of what is surely either wood or paper.
Riyyh: It's located near the bottom, in the corner nearest you. And held together with, I believe, a steel clip.
Riyyh looks to Dr. Roosle to see if the odd visitor is pleased by the response.
Dr Roosle: ~~ excitement ~~
Dr Roosle: Yes????
Riyyh, noting that Dr. Roosle evidently wants more, says gently, "If you'd like to know more, it would help if the valise were on top of the desk instead of behind it."
Dr Roosle reaches for the valise immediately, and sets it on the desk.
Riyyh is pretty sure that any spies watching them now will have a perfect field day with the news.
Dr Roosle: Of course, of course. All practitioners require good conditions in which to work.
Riyyh: Oh dear. [to himself, in some chagrin]
Dr Roosle leans forward, his unschooled attention focused on Riyyh, through the valise.
Riyyh's hands and tentacles flutter as he reaches toward the bag, fighting the mess Dr. Roosle is making of the zlinning conditions.
Dr Roosle's nerves are at a fever pitch.
Riyyh winces, and zlins.
Riyyh: Yes, it is definitely cards, and there. The paint is oil based, and.... [hesitates, zlinning cadmium]... yellow?
Dr Roosle: Indeed, indeed.
Riyyh decides enough is enough and withdraws his arms to a safer location.
Dr Roosle: ~~ satisfaction ~~
Riyyh: What, if I may ask, was that about?
Dr Roosle: Quite an impressive demonstration.
Riyyh: Of zlinning?
Dr Roosle: You see, the cards have an affinity for certain kinds of talent.
Dr Roosle opens the valise and removes the deck.
Riyyh knows he is more sensitive than one would suspect from his capacity rating, but... talent?
Dr Roosle: And so they can be useful in discovering the extent of it.
Dr Roosle shuffles the cards briskly.
Riyyh tries to moderate his expression of plaintive bewilderment to interested plaintive bewilderment.
Dr Roosle: Let's try a simple exercise, shall we?
Riyyh: Er... if you'd like.
Dr Roosle holds up the top card, back towards Riyyh.
Riyyh: I wouldn't want to put you out...
Riyyh sighs.
Riyyh waits attentively.
Dr Roosle: Not at all, my dear fellow. It's what I came for, after all.
Riyyh: Oh, I see.
Riyyh: Very well, then.
Dr Roosle: Now, these cards have shapes on the faces.
Dr Roosle: I will think very hard about the shape on this card, and you try to tell me what it is.
Riyyh tries to piece together the pieces of the puzzle. Arat has sent somebody to exercise his mind? To study... compliance issues? Or was this some form of subterfuge intended to test his abilities as a channel?
Dr Roosle stares at the card, but in fact is too jittery with excitement to really concentrate properly.
Riyyh's train of thought derails.
Riyyh: I beg your pardon??
Riyyh can't believe what he just heard.
Dr Roosle: Don't worry, just treat it as if it were a game.
Riyyh thinks about that.
Dr Roosle: ~~ not a game ~~
Riyyh feels somewhat more lighthearted at the suggestion, although Dr. Roosle's nageric negation of his own words kind of puts a damper on it.
Riyyh: All right.
Riyyh: You are going to concentrate on the image, you say?
Dr Roosle: Yes. You just let your mind go blank, and tell me whatever shape comes into your mind.
Dr Roosle: Don't worry about whether it's right or wrong, to start with.
Riyyh: You don't want me to zlin your field?
Riyyh is still a little fuzzy on the rules that go with Dr. Roosle's odd games.
Dr Roosle wonders why his Sime subjects always ask about zlinning.
Dr Roosle: Just let your mind go black, so you can "hear" my thoughts.
Riyyh thinks about it for a long moment, and then decides Dr. Roosle must be talking about zlinning, and just not be expressing himself properly.
Riyyh does know that the Simelan can be a bit awkward for those raised out-Territory.
Riyyh: [and that Genlan is even less helpful in discussing these matters]
Riyyh: Very well.
Riyyh zlins Dr. Roosle's field, and pauses thoughtfully.
Riyyh: Do you think you could concentrate just a little bit more? [apologetically]
Dr Roosle: Oh, of course. I usually manage a bit better, but this has been a very exciting session.
Dr Roosle stares at the card with renewed vigor.
Riyyh zlins him again.
Riyyh sighs.
Riyyh: I'm terribly sorry, this isn't actually my area of expertise [admits].
Dr Roosle: Really?
Riyyh: I am rather narrowly specialized in transfer pathologies and disjunction.
Riyyh: All I can make out is that it might be a rather wavy shape.
Dr Roosle turns the card around.
Riyyh is basing this guess upon the wavy sort of motions Dr. Roosle's eye muscles were making while he stared at it.
Dr Roosle: You are trying to mock me.
Dr Roosle: ~~ reproach ~!~
Dr Roosle: You're very good at this indeed.
Riyyh is taken aback by the response.
Riyyh: I intend no disrespect. [worried]
Riyyh: And... I see, it is a wavy line.
Riyyh had thought the "image" would be of something more complex.
Dr Roosle: Yes. It's hard to transmit and receive a complex image.
Riyyh thinks he is finally starting to get the gist of what Dr. Roosle is after.
Riyyh: Ah!
Riyyh: So you are researching nageric communication?
Riyyh: ~~ interested ~~
Dr Roosle: Is that what it's called here?
Riyyh: I have recently re-read the work of Hamm Kammerstin on "Reflexive Symbology".
Dr Roosle: In Gen Territory, practitioners often claim to simply have an unusual sensitivity to emotions.
Riyyh: Ah, yes, among Gens I am not surprised if that would be the case.
Dr Roosle: The trick is to distinguish those who have a genuine talent from those who are merely pretending, for the excitement and attention such talents generate.
Dr Roosle: I'm still trying to work out a reliable method.
Riyyh: I am sure that having a high order channel available to zlin would be a great help.
Riyyh: Is Arat Farris involved in this?
Dr Roosle: I spoke with him, but it was rather disappointing.
Riyyh looks sympathetic.
Riyyh knows that Arat is very busy, and not inclined to suffer fools gladly.
Dr Roosle: He didn't seem to care. When I think about the untapped potential of the mind....
Dr Roosle: Well, it's a terrible thing to waste through disinterest.
Riyyh nods.
Riyyh thinks Dr. Roosle will probably have a thing or two to say about the fact that most Narosians go through life in a slacker mode that has little to do with pushing for one's full potential.
Dr Roosle: Still, at least he had the grace to send me to you.
Riyyh: Ah, yes.
Dr Roosle wonders when Riyyh will demonstrate his infamous mind-control ability.
Riyyh nods, glad to have received verification at last that Arat is indeed behind this.
Dr Roosle: Tell me, have you ever been able to cause objects to move without touching them?
Riyyh keeps nodding, and nodding, as he tries to think of a sane answer to that question.
Dr Roosle: For instance...
Dr Roosle pulls a small glass tube with a paper clip inside out of his valise.
Dr Roosle: Could you straighten out the paper clip?
Riyyh: Not without touching it. [cautiously]
Dr Roosle: Are you sure? Have you ever tried such an exercise?
Riyyh: No. [admits]
Dr Roosle pushes the tube towards Riyyh.
Dr Roosle: Try.
Riyyh: Very well.
Riyyh: Is there any particular method I am supposed to use?
Riyyh feels he requires a little bit more than "try" to go on.
Dr Roosle: Different people use different methods.
Riyyh: Oh?
Dr Roosle: Some look at the paper clip, others like to hold the tube.
Riyyh: Could you perhaps demonstrate?
Dr Roosle chuckles self-consciously.
Dr Roosle: I'm afraid that I lack such a talent, myself.
Riyyh: Ah, I see.
Riyyh nods.
Riyyh doesn't actually see at all.
Riyyh: Very well, I will attempt it, but I cannot promise anything at all in the way of results.
Riyyh thinks the idea is perfectly potty, actually, but he wouldn't want to be rude to his guest, and after all the little games seem fairly harmless.
Dr Roosle: Of course. If the outcome were known, it wouldn't be an experiment, would it?
Riyyh pauses, starts to say something in answer, then thinks the better of it.
Riyyh: Of course.
Riyyh laces his fingers and tentacles together and looks at the paper clip.
Riyyh ponders the difficulty involved in attempting that which A) disobeys every rule of physics one has been hitherto familiar with, and B) one has no instructions for how to proceed with.
Riyyh decides at length to take the approach he is most familiar with.
Riyyh closes his eyes and tries to put himself in the paperclip's place.
Riyyh tries to imagine what a paperclip's mindset would be. [this is a considerably difficult first step, but after a few moments he thinks he has it: Paperclips must be very patient]
Dr Roosle stares at the paperclip, willing it to move so he has a positive result to report.
Riyyh centers his thoughts upon the paperclip, willing himself to be the paperclip, to see from its point of view and feel what it feels.
Riyyh feels himself relaxing completely as the exercise becomes more comfortable to him.
Riyyh can now see himself and Dr. Roosle sitting on opposite sides, facing each other and him/paperclip.
Riyyh thinks that is a good start.
Dr Roosle is starting to fidget with suspense, although he is careful not to let out a peep.
Riyyh after studying the paperclip's feelings, or what he imagines to be its feelings, at length, opens his eyes.
Riyyh: I believe the paper clip is perfectly satisfied to remain where it is.
Riyyh: [mildly]
Dr Roosle: ~~ disbelief ~~
Dr Roosle stares at Riyyh, and finally begins to chuckle.
Dr Roosle: That's a good one, that is.
Dr Roosle: "satisfied to remain where it is"....
Riyyh looks fairly innocent.
Dr Roosle laughs harder.
Riyyh doesn't see what Dr. Roosle thinks is so funny; after all, if he'd wanted Riyyh to go about it in a certain way, he should have said so.
Dr Roosle is struck with a sudden ~~ inspiration ~~
Dr Roosle: You mean, you actually perceived impressions from the paperclip?
Dr Roosle: Psychometry?
Riyyh: I tried to. [cautiously]
Dr Roosle: Do you get feelings from other objects?
Dr Roosle: Feelings related to their history and purpose?
Riyyh: This is the first time I have ever attempted such a thing.
Riyyh: No, nothing like that.
Dr Roosle picks up a crude paperweight from the desk.
Dr Roosle: Here, try it again with this?
Dr Roosle: What did its maker think about when it was being created?
Riyyh looks at the paperweight, which had been made this last month by a child learning (slowly) pottery.
Riyyh had promised to use it on his desk, knowing the child would be embarrassed by it in a few months and make him remove it.
Riyyh: Its maker?
Dr Roosle: Yes.
Riyyh: Its maker told me he was thinking about Naros when he made it.
Dr Roosle: About Naros?
Riyyh had been forewarned by the teacher to not comment on the "paperweight's" similarity to a walled ashtray.
Riyyh: Yes, see the little wall, and the houses?
Riyyh: It's a bit distorted, and the colors all ran together, but....
Dr Roosle has already forgotten the "told me" in Riyyh's statement.
Dr Roosle is not a parent, and thus lacks the talent of interpreting childish "artwork".
Riyyh of course has no lack in either area.
Dr Roosle: I can see that the piece is speaking to you about its meaning.
Riyyh: Yes, I suppose you could say that, although of course not in the sense that you meant earlier.
Dr Roosle: This is really quite exciting.
Riyyh is now developing a hazy picture of what Dr. Roosle is studying, although he still thinks that it's zlinning and sympathy instead of clairvoyance, telekinesis and psychometry.
Riyyh: Yes, it was his first piece. I think he shows great potential. [fondly]
Dr Roosle: Tell me, what methods are used here at Naros to develop these talents?
Dr Roosle: How do you train them for best effect?
Riyyh traces a tentacle over a small, olive-green splotched hill, then replaces the paperweight in a prominent location on his desk.
Riyyh: Which talents do you mean, specifically?
Riyyh is learning to be careful in this area.
Dr Roosle is still convinced that Riyyh is the head of a secret enclave of psychic practitioners.
Dr Roosle waves an expansive hand.
Riyyh is pretty sure Dr. Roosle doesn't mean pottery.
Dr Roosle: The things we've discussed today.
Riyyh's mind runs back over a dizzying array of topics, some of which he was never 100% sure they were really talking about.
Dr Roosle: Not just the spectacular things, but also the more common talents of understanding feelings, and persuasion, and so on.
Riyyh: Er... well, ceramics is something that the children learn when very young. Usually by the time they are old enough to help with the work around the Householding, their interests turn to.... oh, I see. [nods]
Riyyh: Those things are learned at a young age, they are a central part of our culture.
Dr Roosle: They would have to be, of course.
Riyyh: There is also some genetic basis to the tendency of Naros toward empathy and, er, persuasiveness....
Dr Roosle: There is?
Riyyh tends to be a little vague when forced into conversation on that particular topic.
Dr Roosle: ~~ keen interest ~~
Riyyh: However, I am sure the social factor is much more prevalent.
Riyyh is in fact sure of no such thing, but it sounds good.
Dr Roosle: And how do you nurture such talent?
Riyyh: I suppose simply by virtue of being surrounded by kindness and social interest, it comes to children naturally.
Dr Roosle thinks that sounds too easy.
Riyyh hopes that doesn't sound too vague.
Dr Roosle: There are no specific lessons you teach?
Dr Roosle: No exercises to practice?
Riyyh: Well, there are the traditional games.
Riyyh is sure that's not what Dr. Roosle is asking about.
Dr Roosle: Games to teach Talent?
Riyyh: Games to teach children to love, respect and empathize with others.
Riyyh: Are they not common in every culture?
Dr Roosle: Of course. I meant no disrespect of your traditions, I assure you.
Riyyh: Oh dear. [to himself]
Dr Roosle: You must excuse me for my academic enthusiasm.
Riyyh is once again not real clear on what they're talking about.
Riyyh: Of course.
Riyyh: Might I inquire...? [hesitantly]
Dr Roosle: Yes?
Riyyh: Of course you are welcome, all travelers are welcome at Naros. But... what brings you here, specifically? You said Controller Arat sent you. Might I inquire as to your goals, your estimated length of stay, your... intentions?
Riyyh is apologetic for being so rude as to ask, but has been honestly baffled by the conversation thus far and is hoping to get a handle on the situation if possible.
Riyyh wrings his hands to demonstrate this.
Dr Roosle: Oh, of course. I forgot that you wouldn't have been briefed like all the others.
Dr Roosle: I'm with a small group of psychological researchers who are participating in a diplomatic exchange.
Dr Roosle: My colleagues are still busy in Capitol, but when I heard of your talents, I came here at once.
Dr Roosle doesn't think it's worth getting into the details, like how he slipped away from the Escort who was supposed to keep him out of trouble with Simes.
Riyyh: And which talents exactly are you referring to? Surely not the bending of paper clips and such. [attempt at humor to cover distress]
Dr Roosle: Don't belittle your talents.
Riyyh wonders if this fellow has any idea the place is full of OT kids who have come here to disjunct.
Riyyh: No, I am asking because I honestly don't know what you meant.
Riyyh: ~~ sincere ~~
Dr Roosle: The grant runs another three weeks or so, but I took a longer leave, just in case there were interesting leads to chase down.
Riyyh: But... [helplessly]
Riyyh: I see.
Riyyh gives up on trying to understand, trusting that it will become clear in time.
Riyyh thinks Dr. Roosle appears harmless enough in any case.
Dr Roosle: So I assure you, I can remain as long as it takes to evaluate your methods.
Dr Roosle: Have I your permission to speak with others here?
Riyyh: Yes, of course.
Riyyh: [kindly]
Riyyh wishes Mytag were present to advise him on whether this is a good idea or not.
Riyyh is sure Mytag will let him know later, of course.
Dr Roosle: Thank you so much.
Dr Roosle is chock full of ~~ academic zeal ~~
Riyyh: I trust you will allow me to take down your field first?
Dr Roosle: Errr....
Riyyh suspects this will adversely affect Dr. Roosle's test results, particularly those involving people zlinning his nager through a desk, but there really isn't any way around it.
Dr Roosle has the grace to be a bit embarrassed.
Dr Roosle: I know they said I ought to before coming here, but there simply wasn't time.
Dr Roosle knows this is a weak excuse, but it's the best he can come up with on short notice.
Riyyh: Well, I would be pleased to take it down for you now. [smiles]
Dr Roosle: Oh, I wouldn't want to trouble you with such a minor detail.
Dr Roosle shifts nervously in his chair.
Riyyh: Nonsense, it is nothing.
Riyyh gets up and moves around his desk, to take a chair near Dr. Roosle.
Riyyh: Have you ever had your field taken down before?
Dr Roosle: Well, no, not really.
Riyyh: Well, there is simply nothing to be nervous about. [smiles]
Dr Roosle: It's not that I'm opposed to it or anything, at least not in theory.
Dr Roosle finds quite a gap between theory and practice, however.
Dr Roosle: It's just that, well, it never really came up.
Dr Roosle blinks, wondering how Riyyh ended up on this side of the desk without him noticing it.
Riyyh smiles reassuringly.
Riyyh: It will only take a moment.
Dr Roosle's hands flutter aimlessly, making vague pushing motions.
Riyyh looks concerned.
Riyyh: If you do not wish to, of course, then I cannot force you to.
Riyyh: However, your work....
Dr Roosle: Yes, I must complete my study.
Dr Roosle is ~~ firmly convinced ~~ of this.
Dr Roosle: Is it really necessary?
Riyyh: It really is, in Sime Territory. [gently] Because people can detect nagers, they must be managed just as noise, for example, must be managed in any community.
Dr Roosle was told so by the Diplomatic people, but until now has managed to wiggle out of it.
Dr Roosle: I see.
Dr Roosle: Well, I suppose you'd better do it, then.
Dr Roosle: Err, I guess I should roll up my sleeves?
Riyyh: Yes, that would be very helpful, thank you. Would you like to do it here, or would you prefer a transfer room in the medical center?
Riyyh: [kindly]
Dr Roosle: Medical center?
Dr Roosle finds the thought that medical care might be required a bit alarming.
Riyyh zlins his alarm with some consternation.
Riyyh: Are you all right?
Dr Roosle: I thought that donating was safe?
Riyyh: Why yes, it is. [concerned]
Dr Roosle: Then why is it done in the medical center?
Riyyh looks rather surprised.
Riyyh has never thought about it before, because in all his 55 years, nobody has ever asked such a thing.
Riyyh: I imagine it's just... tradition.
Riyyh: I personally use my bedroom.
Dr Roosle: I see. I think.
Dr Roosle's alarm is fading with the reassurance.
Riyyh: I have to confess I do not often encounter Gens who are afraid to donate.
Dr Roosle: You don't?
Riyyh: Living as far in-Territory as I do. Here, it is considered the usual thing to do.
Dr Roosle: I know it's expected of Gens, here.
Dr Roosle: I've often wondered about the psychology involved.
Riyyh: Oh, there's not much to it, actually.
Riyyh: When a Gen has first Established, of course, they are very excited about donating.
Riyyh: But after they've done it a few times, the novelty fades.
Dr Roosle nods.
Riyyh smiles fondly, thinking about the short attention spans and fickle passions of young kids.
Riyyh: Will you allow me?
Dr Roosle: Well, I suppose if kids can do it, I should be able to manage.
Riyyh eases forward and reaches for Dr. Roosle's hands, his handling tentacles extending to work the buttons at the sleeves.
Riyyh smiles. "Yes, I think so."
Riyyh actually finds the experience of handling an OT donor intriguing, like handling a very young or virgin lover.
Riyyh's smile is therefore a tender one.
Dr Roosle watches the tentacles with some interest.
Dr Roosle: They're very flexible, aren't they?
Riyyh: Yes, they are, aren't they?
Riyyh's fingers and tentacles gently unbutton, then push up, the sleeves.
Dr Roosle: And soft.
Riyyh: Would you like to touch them? You may, if you wish.
Dr Roosle tentatively extends one finger.
Dr Roosle lets the finger rest on one handling tentacle.
Riyyh waits for a moment, then curls the tentacle around the finger.
Riyyh cannot help but make it a sensuous movement.
Dr Roosle gradually gains enough confidence to stroke the tentacle.
Riyyh delights in the Gen's raw new experiences.
Riyyh allows him to do it, as his other tentacles softly caress the Gen's arms.
Dr Roosle realizes vaguely that the tentacles are wrapping around his arms, but it somehow doesn't seems as important as he'd expected.
Riyyh teases Dr. Roosle's arms, experimenting, not sure whether an inexperienced OT Gen can be nagerically aroused by such touches or not.
Dr Roosle is responding, although he is confused at least as much as aroused.
Dr Roosle has, after all, never been told that such a response was possible.
Riyyh, encouraged, slips his hands and tentacles into place when he judges Dr. Roosle is ready.
Dr Roosle looks down at their joined arms.
Dr Roosle: Very flexible.
Riyyh smiles.
Riyyh: Are you ready? [whispers]
Dr Roosle nods.
Dr Roosle: Yes.
Riyyh leans in and places his lips on Dr. Roosle's.
Dr Roosle is a bit ~~ nervous ~~ as Riyyh completes the contact, but much less so than a few minutes before.
Riyyh draws selyn in what is for him, a sweet, lingering experience.
Dr Roosle relaxes when nothing terrible happens.
Dr Roosle even finds himself vaguely enjoying the closeness.
Riyyh brings the donation to a close, and releases Dr. Roosle in an equally lingering fashion.
Dr Roosle stares at Riyyh.
Dr Roosle: That's it?
Riyyh: Would you like more?
Riyyh is more than willing to continue the... experiment.
Dr Roosle: More? I thought you did it?
Riyyh: I did. [reassures him]
Riyyh backs off, reluctantly.
Riyyh: You are now low-field. [smiles]
Dr Roosle: Somehow, that wasn't like what was described in my Simelan classes.
Dr Roosle is inclined to consider the differences in a positive light, however.
Riyyh: Oh? ~ curiously ~
Dr Roosle: Yes. They made it seem so--clinical.
Dr Roosle: Sort of like getting a tooth pulled.
Riyyh: I have always found transfer and donation to be very... personal... experiences, myself. [explains]
Dr Roosle: Hmm, I can see why.
Dr Roosle: I should have guessed, actually.
Dr Roosle: Now that I think of it, my school approached the more interesting portions of the Family Life curriculum in much the same manner.
Riyyh smiles.
Riyyh: I think you'll find Naros is a good deal less... clinical... than that, all around.
Dr Roosle: Is that because of your talents?
Riyyh: I do not know.
Riyyh thinks that is a safe answer given that he still isn't sure which talents are which at any given time.
Notes:
1) For the story behind Dr. Roosle's appearance at Naros, see DCO #14 and all previous episodes containing Ekwoo Domle. [return]