A Scripta

(breaks are so it's a little easier on the eye)

:: [Tell]Operative Pill: (comm-unit rings)
:: [Tell]-->Operative Pill: Hello?
:: [Tell]Operative Pill: Hello, Idaho. (smiles) How are you, child?
:: [Tell]-->Operative Pill: Hi, Pill! Okay, how are you?
:: [Tell]Operative Pill: I'm well, very well. I was wondering if you might be free for dinner tonight.
:: [Tell]-->Operative Pill: Dinner? Sure! Where?
:: [Tell]Operative Pill: Do you know Perez Park? Come there. I'll send you a beacon to the longhouse.
:: [Tell]-->Operative Pill: All right.
:: Idaho: I'm sorry, that base is a maze.
:: Operative Pill: It's alright, child. The salmon isn't ready yet, anyway. You do like salmon, I hope.
:: Idaho: I don't know.
: Operative Pill: (smiles) Of course you don't. I'm sorry. We'll find out, won't we.
: Idaho: Oh, hello!
: Operative Pill: (smiles) Thank you, child. Wretched little creatures, those.
: Idaho: You look outfitted for hunting.
:: Operative Pill: Hm? (looks down and smiles) Not at all, dear. This is as close to formalwear as my people would get.
:: Idaho tilts his head.
:: Idaho: Formal?
:: Idaho: ::looks down::
:: Operative Pill: (laughs, slightly) You're delightful, don't worry. You'd have been very overdressed in a suit.
:: Idaho smiles.
:: Idaho: Okay, then.
:: Operative Pill: Have a seat, I'm just finishing up the potlach.
:: Idaho: Potluck? Isn't that... a whole bunch of food everyone brings?
:: Idaho sniffs.
:: Operative Pill: (goes over to a small cedarwood cairn, poking at it.) Hm. Potlach, child. LACH. It's similar, really. But not the same.
:: Operative Pill: Most of what's left of the ceremonies is this--salmon, fire-cooked over a cedar plank to sear in the scents of wood and the light smoking.
:: Idaho: Cooking is a ceremony?
:: Operative Pill pulls out what appears to be a miniature salmon coffin, eyeing it critically.
:: Operative Pill: Part of one, yes. (looks back, smiling) Really, it was an excuse to join together, get drunk, and give lavish gifts to each other.
:: Operative Pill: But those days are long gone, sadly.
:: Operative Pill sets the salmon down, brushing her hands slightly.

:: Idaho: What tribe did you say you were from?
:: Idaho: Or did you..?
:: Operative Pill: I didn't. (smiles) But it's no secret, really. We were one of the great peoples of the pacific northwest of this country and canada.
:: Idaho: Oh...That's a long stretch of country.
:: Operative Pill: (smiles) Yes, but there were many tribes.
:: Idaho: You must have lived on the coast, if you went whaling.
: Operative Pill: Mn. (smiles) Are you ready for a tongue-twister, child?
-- : Idaho: Other than your name?
: Idaho smiles.
: Operative Pill: Even worse, dear. (smiles) My people were--still are--the Nuu-chah-Nulth.
: Idaho: Nucha-Nulth. Yeah, that's hard.
: Idaho: What's it mean?
: Operative Pill: (smiles) Close enough, yes. What does it mean? (blinks)
:: Idaho: Nevermind, it must mean something like "The People" like other tribes.
:: Idaho: Do you have a reservation and everything?
: Operative Pill: Not at all. It's just been a very long time since I had to think of it. (smiles, quietly) Very long. It means, "to come around". As in, to come around Vancouver Island.
: Operative Pill: And I suppose perhaps we still do. I haven't been welcome there in a very long time.
: Idaho: Because of your job?
: Operative Pill pulls several stakes out of the salmon and slides it onto a plate. "Among other things, yes."
: Operative Pill: Here we go. (sets it in front of Idaho and pulls out a small knife for him)
: Idaho looks down.
: Idaho: It's got eyes.
: Operative Pill: You don't have to eat those, dear. (smiles) Take the flesh from the body, that's where the best meat is.
: Idaho takes the knife and pokes gingerly at it.
: Operative Pill: Watch for small bones, though.
: Idaho tilts his head examining it.
: Operative Pill: (is trying hard to stifle a big smile. Not completely successfully)
: Idaho: It doesn't look like the salmon I see at the store.
: Idaho lifts the skin with the point of the knife.

: Operative Pill: Would you like a beer with that? Or water? (smiles) What you get at the store has been cut into chunks already. This is very fresh.
: Idaho: What's supposed to go with it? I mean, what would your people drink with it?
: Idaho gently takes out bits of flesh with the knife.
: Operative Pill: These days, probably a light chardonnay. (smiles) But when I was a child, it was beer. Dark, and warm.
: Idaho: Warm beer?!
:: Operative Pill cackles slightly. "Refrigerators weren't common among the Nuu-chah-Nulth, child."
:: Idaho tastes the fish, then eats some.
:: Operative Pill pulls out a side basket of bread, wild mushrooms, and asparagus.
:: Idaho: Hey, this ain't bad.
:: Idaho: I mean... I mean, it's really good.
:: Operative Pill: (smiles)
:: Idaho spits out a bone.
:: Idaho: 'cept for that.
:: Operative Pill: Yes, don't swallow those.
:: Idaho: Can I have a piece of bread?
: Operative Pill pulls out a small knife and cuts off a small piece of salmon, chewing it slowly. "Help yourself, please."
: Idaho takes a piece.

: Idaho: How did you get started working for where you are?
: Operative Pill: Ah, right. Beer? Or water? (smiles) I always was a poor hostess.
: Idaho: I'll try the warm beer.
: Operative Pill: Good. (smiles) I can't get you drunk on water. (cackles)
: Operative Pill: One moment.
: Idaho: You're not a poor hostess at all. This is really good. - Drunk?
: Operative Pill hands Idaho a beer. Warm.
: Operative Pill: It's a joke, child. Maybe.
:: Idaho takes it.
:: Idaho sips it. "Tastes like twigs."
:: Operative Pill pops the cap off of her own beer and takes a healthy swallow.
:: Operative Pill: It's supposed to be horrid. It makes the salmon taste better. (cackles again)
:: Idaho laughs.
:: Operative Pill looks up at the tree and smiles. "So. How are you coming along, child?"
:: Idaho: So how did you end up here? Away from your tribe.
:: Idaho smiles.
:: Operative Pill: (gentle smile) You first. I'm not drunk enough for that.
:: Idaho smiles.
:: Idaho: I didn't think it would be that easy.
:: Idaho: I'm doing okay. That girl Raven, though, I can't get her out of my head.
:: Operative Pill: (smiles) That might be a good thing, yes?
:: Idaho: And I did work with someone else named Twilight Umbra, and she was cute, but she didn't kiss me.
:: Idaho shakes his head.
:: Idaho: Something's wrong with her.
:: Operative Pill: Yes. (simply) She's badly broken. I don't know how, not yet.
:: Operative Pill picks out a mushroom and chews on it thoughtfully.

:: Idaho: Can she be fixed?
:: Idaho studies the asparagus, sipping the beer.
:: Operative Pill: I think the biggest problem is whether she wants to be fixed, child. But someone has hurt her very badly, to make her so angry and so cruel.
:: Operative Pill: (smiles) You just bite into it. The base can be a little woody, but I cut that off for you already.
:: Idaho: Oh, that's how.
:: Idaho: I didn't know if I had to take those little things off or...I haven't had this yet with Darce.
:: Operative Pill: (smiles) I'll warn you before you bite into the things that I laced with broken glass, child.
:: Idaho: I appreciate that. ::laughs::
:: Operative Pill: (smiles slightly)
:: Idaho: I met some more people that know my original.
:: Operative Pill: Oh? And how did they rate you, compared to your first twin?
:: Idaho fishes out more fish.
:: Idaho: I didn't ask.
:: Operative Pill: Mn. (draws from her beer again)
:: Idaho: I wanted them to tell me about him. But one said he obfus..obsu... obsomething stuff.
: Operative Pill: Ohsomething stuff? (tilts her head)
: Operative Pill: Obfuscate?
: Idaho: That's it.
: Idaho: She used lots of big words that I had no idea half of what she was saying.
: Idaho: It had to do with "conditioning". Her hair looked fine.
: Operative Pill: (cackles) Some people do that. They like to use big words to make up for their little brains.
: Operative Pill takes another piece of salmon.
: Idaho: Oh, maybe that's it. She had elf ears, though, and was really self-conscious about it.
: Operative Pill chews quietly on a fishbone.
:: Idaho: Self-conscious, right?
:: Operative Pill: I imagine so, once a gentle Teddy Bear asked her why her ears were so long. (smiles) You did, yes?
:: Idaho: Yeah. She got a little upset.
:: Idaho: Threatened to pull my heart out of my chest.
:: Operative Pill: ... (laughs) That's a little upset, yes.
:: Operative Pill: Oh, my, yes.
:: Idaho: I don't know about her, she scares me too.
:: Idaho: Lots of women around here are scary.
:: Operative Pill: Yes, you're surrounded by dangerous women, child. (cackles) Best give up now.
:: Idaho: Are you serious?
: Operative Pill: Mn. (slowly) Sort of. You ARE surrounded by dangerous women.

: Idaho: Though I can't think of even... I can't even think of having a relationship.
: Idaho: They're really good fighters. And hunters. ::grins sideways at her::
: Operative Pill: Well, you don't need to marry someone and have children a month after your birth, child. (smiles) And yes, I, too, am dangerous.
:: Idaho: Not to me.
:: Idaho swishes the beer around in the bottle.
:: Operative Pill: No. Not to you. You will always be safe with me, Idaho.
:: Idaho smiles and blushes.
:: Operative Pill looks out onto the lake, squinting briefly.
:: Idaho: But..?
:: Operative Pill: (simply) No but. Always.
:: Idaho: You're thinking about something, though.
:: Operative Pill: Mn. (glances at him) I was thinking that your father was not very responsible.
:: Idaho: For sending me out here?
:: Idaho motions with his arm.
:: Operative Pill: For bringing you into the world without giving you the experience and lessons to help you along the way.
:: Idaho: Out into all this? I guess he figured I can take care of myself somehow.
:: Operative Pill: And you will survive, I've no doubt. You're very fierce, very tough.
:: Idaho: I don't think he meant for the fire to happen.
: Operative Pill: Then that was the gods, laughing at him.
: Operative Pill: They do like to laugh. (quietly)
: Idaho: No, he thinks that there was some remnants of something in the vat he bought.
: Operative Pill: (cackles) Of course he does, child.
: Idaho: He can't tell the Phalanx that...then he'd get in real trouble.
: Operative Pill chews slowly on an asparagus stalk.

: Idaho: What gods?
: Operative Pill: I don't know. (shrugs) I never bothered with the gods of this area. They're too weak.
:: Idaho: You must have known about them when you were a child.
:: Idaho: If you can remember how to make this... ::motions to the dinner::
:: Operative Pill: Ah, those were the gods of my people, not of this area. (smiles)
:: Idaho: There's gods in different places?
:: Operative Pill: Oh, my, yes. (looks at him) Ask people here about Jaguar, they know nothing. Ask the Africans of Thunderbird, they know nothing. Many gods. Different gods.
:: Idaho: I know some people fight over them.
:: Idaho: I don't know why, though.
:: Operative Pill: Bah. (scoffs) They fight over the same god. Silly white men and their fickle god.
:: Idaho: Darcy tried to explain to me the difference between Christians and Muslims and I just got confused.
:: Operative Pill: Yes, it's very simple.
:: Operative Pill: They just don't say so.
:: Idaho: I kinda think that whatever's in your heart is right.
:: Operative Pill: Both sides worship the same god, a petty and jealous fellow with a long beard.
:: Idaho: Oh, yeah, I saw pictures.
:: Idaho: And a tree with an apple and a serpent...
:: Operative Pill: And each thinks that they are the favorite sons of this god, who as far as I can tell, doesn't like either.
:: Operative Pill glances at him and smiles.
:: Operative Pill: And a woman, let's not forget her.
:: Idaho nods.
:: Idaho: Though she fell for it. I bet he would have fallen for it, too.
:: Operative Pill: I've heard otherwise. (smiles) Always from men. (cackles)
:: Idaho chuckles.
:: Idaho: Guess I'm not manly enough.
:: Operative Pill: I think you'll have to ask your woman that, when you have one.
:: Operative Pill finishes her beer and leans back, smiling
:: Idaho: I'm in no hurry.
:: Idaho is still picking out bones.
:: Operative Pill: Indeed. You have time. There's no reason to bond with the first woman who bats her eyes at you, Idaho.
:: Idaho nods.
:: Idaho: I got other stuff to do.

: Operative Pill: ... "Other stuff"... (looks at him) Really?
: Idaho: Yeah...
: Idaho: I need to find Circle of Thorns because they have something to do with some cataclysmic event.
: Idaho: ::airquotes::
: Idaho: Whatever "cataclysmic event" means.
: Operative Pill: ... (cackles) Ah, yes. No time for the snake to find a cave, there is a world to restore.
: Idaho laughs.
: Operative Pill: It means, very very very bad.
:: Idaho: Oh, I'm sure there's time in between.
:: Idaho: Servant doesn't seem to be in all that of a hurry.
:: Operative Pill: There ofter is, yes. Hm? Servant?
:: Idaho: I think it's because he's afraid.
:: Idaho nods.
:: Idaho: His name's Servant-, that's what I know him as.
:: Operative Pill: Wait. (concerned) Who is this?
:: Idaho: There's something called "the Twelve" and--
:: Idaho: He's the leader of the group I'm in, the Paladins.
:: Idaho: He asked me to join up and I figured why not.
:: Operative Pill: Oh. (relaxing slightly) Your employer.
:: Idaho: I guess you could say that.
:: Idaho tilts his head.
:: Idaho: Well, he did pay me last night, now that I think about it.
:: Idaho: I would do it just to help him.
:: Idaho: He seems like an okay guy, but I think he's bothered by something.
:: Operative Pill: (smiles) That's what employers do. (tilts her head, sighing)
:: Idaho: Why, you think you might know him?
:: Operative Pill: Bothered? Many people in a position like that have difficult choices to make. Difficult choices.
:: Operative Pill: And no, I don't. I was just thinking about you.

:: Idaho: I'm okay...
:: Operative Pill: You and your gentle, giant heart. (shakes her head slightly) You are, yes. I hope you will remain so.
:: Idaho: The scribe didn't even mention me.
:: Operative Pill: The... scribe? (has her full attention now) What is going on, Idaho.
:: Idaho: Oh....um...
:: Operative Pill: ... (gently) Is it a secret? I understand.
:: Idaho: Well Servant- found a book on a Thorn and brought it back.
:: Idaho: No, no...
:: Idaho: He studied it and it had a list of names.
:: Operative Pill nods.
:: Idaho: Some of the names he touched, they glowed.
:: Idaho: His name was in it, and so was mine - er, my original's.
:: Operative Pill: ... (slowly thinking) And this Servant-. He--is one of ? A good copy, like yourself?
:: Idaho: It was written by Doyst.. Doyses... some Russian guy - and he was keeping records...
:: Idaho: Yes, he's one of the Twelve, he thinks.
:: Idaho: The names that glow are potential candidates of being the Twelve.
: Idaho: Thing is, these twelve exist, "for good or ill" ::airquotes::
: Idaho: So I told him that he just needed to follow what his heart said.
: Operative Pill: (smiles) And what did he say to that?
: Idaho: He didn't look very comfortable.
: Operative Pill: No, one's heart often takes one to uncomfortable places, yes.
: Idaho: He doesn't know if what his heart says is right, I think.
:: Operative Pill: Yes, I can understand. Sometimes the heart is like Coyote. Tricky, and wily.
:: Operative Pill: It knows the truth, but it does not tell it to you directly. At times.
:: Idaho: But we found Doy--Dys - the Russian guy, and but he escaped. Before that though he picked out each member of the team and told them something that would happen to them.
:: Idaho: Except me.
:: Operative Pill: ... (concerned again) Not you? Why not?
:: Idaho: I don't know.
:: Idaho: I didn't ask anyone, I figured he just didn't see me - though I was standing right against the wall...
:: Idaho: Right in his line of sight.
:: Operative Pill: ...
:: Idaho: What?
:: Operative Pill: Perhaps it is hard, to see a good copy with the Second Sight. (musing slowly) Or perhaps he had nothing to warn you about.

:: Idaho: That's good, right?
:: Idaho: If nobody can see me or my future.
:: Operative Pill: Perhaps. Perhaps he saw that you had no future, which would not be good.
:: Operative Pill: Or perhaps he ignored you because he was jealous of your biceps. (sighs) Time will tell.
:: Idaho looks at the now empty bottle of beer.
:: Idaho smiles a little.
:: Operative Pill watches the sunset, smiling.
:: Idaho sets down the remains of his dinner.
:: Idaho: This was really good.
:: Idaho takes a mushroom out of the basket.
:: Idaho: My compliments to the chef.
:: Operative Pill: (smiles) Yes, it was. It is nice, to be a person as well as a hunter. Once in a while, anyway. (smiles)
:: Operative Pill: Take the rest, Idaho. It's too much for one small old crone.
:: Idaho: But that's what you are, a person...
:: Idaho: A person first.
:: Operative Pill: ... (smiles quietly) Yes, you're right. You're very wise, for someone so naive.
:: Idaho: Nah.
:: Idaho: I don't know a lot.
: Operative Pill: Knowing isn't wisdom.
: Operative Pill: Wisdom is understanding.
: Idaho: I don't understand a lot, either.
: Idaho: It comes with time, though.
: Operative Pill: (laughs) Yes, I'm sorry to say that it does, yes.
: Idaho smiles.
: Operative Pill starts collecting the dishes.
: Idaho: Let me help.
: Operative Pill: Down to the water, it'll wash easily.
:: Idaho: Did you do this too when you were a kid?
:: Operative Pill starts washing dishes in the water, glancing at the Hydra.
:: Operative Pill: Mn. My Father would never be seen doing something so mundane.
:: Operative Pill: He had loftier matters to attend to.
:: Idaho: Like what?

:: Idaho is looking at the dishes but listening intently.
: Operative Pill: He was a leader of our people. He would have to keep the hunters, and the shamans, and the warriors, from killing each other.
: Operative Pill: He was very good at it.
: Idaho: Oh, a mediator?
: Idaho: I think that's what it's called...
: Operative Pill: A chief is always a mediator, Idaho. The good ones, anyway.
: Idaho looks sideways at her.
: Idaho: You were a chief's daughter?
: Operative Pill: The last time I checked, I still am. (smiles)
: Idaho: You were - am, right... are... sorry.
: Operative Pill dries a plate with the hem of her dress.
: Idaho: Is this fireproof?
: Idaho holds up the plate.
: Operative Pill: (laughs) No. Don't burn up my dishes, please.
: Idaho: It would dry faster.
: Operative Pill: They'll be dry by morning. I'm patient.
: Idaho stacks them next to him.
: Operative Pill: (smiles quietly) You will be too, in time. You're young, still.
: Idaho: So you can go back, then.
: Idaho laughs.
: Operative Pill: ... (smiles gently) No, Idaho. I thought that perhaps I could, perhaps forty years ago.
: Idaho: But why not now?
: Operative Pill: Because I tried, back then. (smiles, standing) And I was wrong.
:: Operative Pill collects the dishes.
:: Idaho: Let me get that.

:: Operative Pill: (stands aside) Such a young gentleman.
:: Idaho cradles the dishes in his arms.
:: Idaho: I guess it's supposed to be this way, right?
:: Idaho: Why shouldn't I help?
:: Operative Pill: Because dishes, child, are women's work. Like listening to the snake, and biting the apple, yes?
:: Operative Pill: But you may feel free to free me from oppression. (smiles) I don't like dishes, truth be told.
: Idaho: It should be shared.
: Idaho: I don't care much for dishes either. Darcy's got a dishwasher.
: Operative Pill: (cackles) He'll regret THAT.
: Operative Pill: (opens a small locker and places the dishes inside.)
: Operative Pill: Just don't expect me to share shoveling snow. (smiles) I have fire arrows for that.
: Idaho: Oh, even better...
:: Idaho: Just walk through.
:: Operative Pill: (cackles) Yes, you will save your household on heating costs, mn.
:: Idaho: Though it's getting harder to keep the fire going...
:: Operative Pill: It is? (blinks)
:: Idaho: This is what I am naturally.
:: Operative Pill: (gently) Watch the leaves, Idaho.
:: Operative Pill: Thank you.
:: Idaho: I have to concentrate to keep it down.
:: Operative Pill: (impishly) That is the curse of being so very hot, yes.
:: Idaho laughs.
:: Idaho: Is not!
:: Idaho: When I have to make it even hotter, though, that's where it's tough.
:: Operative Pill: (smiles, fanning herself idly with her hand) Yes, you don't need to tell ME that.
:: Idaho: All you need to do is put new arrow tips.
:: Idaho smiles.
:: Operative Pill: They're expensive, child. (smiles) That's why I work for the government.
:: Operative Pill: They can buy them. I'll enjoy using them.
:: Idaho: What do I do, Pill, that... how come... I'm not *that* good-looking...
:: Operative Pill: Hm? (looks at him) That makes women swoon for you?
:: Idaho: There's lots of other heroes that're better than me.
:: Idaho: Yeah, that.
:: Operative Pill: There's lots of heroes that are stronger, perhaps.
:: Operative Pill: But it's very simple Idaho. And there are two answers. The easy one, you get for free.

:: Idaho: Okay.
:: Operative Pill: They swoon, because they can see that you CARE. People who care--are not common.
:: Idaho tilts his head confusedly.
:: Idaho: But we're heroes.
:: Idaho: It's what we do.
:: Operative Pill: "Hero" is a name, Idaho. Names can be accurate, or they can be false, or--like yours--they can be tricky.
:: Idaho: It's something I should try to be, though.
:: Operative Pill: Yes, you should. (smiles) And you're very good at it, too.
:: Idaho: And you too, or you wouldn't be doing this.
: Operative Pill: ... (blinks, then starts laughing)
: Idaho: What's so funny?
: Operative Pill: Oh, child. No. Pill is no heroine. No, no, no.
: Idaho: We save people and we protect banks and we do stuff like that and--why not?
: Operative Pill: I enjoy fine things, and good hunting, and if I may save people along the way, then so much the better.
: Idaho blinks.
: Operative Pill: But make no mistake. I am huntress first, child, and hero second.
: Idaho smiles a little.
:: Idaho: No, huntress first, a person second. A hero if it's on the way.
:: Operative Pill cackles.
:: Idaho smiles.
:: Operative Pill: You see? You're going to make me swoon.
:: Idaho laughs.

:: Idaho: So what's the second answer and what do I need to do to pay for it?
:: Operative Pill: (sighs gently) I'm going to skip the first several things that come to mind as payment, and ask for this, instead:
:: Operative Pill: When I tell it to you, you will keep firmly in mind that you hear from an old woman who has seen--too many things, really. Too, too many.
:: Idaho: If you understand them, you have wisdom.
:: Idaho: That's good, right?
: Operative Pill: (gently) Not always, child.
: Operative Pill: Sometimes, you understand so much that you stop understanding the things that matter most.
: Operative Pill: BUT.
: Operative Pill: We were talking about you, and women. A MOST important topic.
:: Idaho: Okay, okay.
:: Idaho smiles.
:: Operative Pill: Do you know that many men, they prefer to be with women who--have not yet been entered by the snake?
:: Idaho: I don't know what the difference is, but yeah.
:: Operative Pill: The difference is that--if a man is very worried that his snake is weak, the woman will know it if she has had a stronger and better snake. (scoffs)
:: Idaho looks thoughtful.
:: Operative Pill: So he wants a cave for his snake that doesn't know any better.
:: Idaho: Oh, nothing to compare it to.
:: Operative Pill: Exactly. There are some women who are the same way. About hearts, rather than about caves and snakes.
:: Operative Pill: They want a heart that does not know what it deserves, so that they can decide for it what it should have.
:: Idaho: And I know men need to be a certain size or something.
:: Operative Pill: ... What?! (cackles wildly)
:: Idaho nods.
:: Operative Pill: Who told you that?
:: Idaho: I saw it on TV.
: Idaho: And I guess it needs to stay up for a long time.
: Operative Pill: (scoffs)
: Idaho: But not more than four hours.
: Operative Pill: Child, stop. Stop! This will take more time to explain than I have, unless you are going to stay here tonight.
: Operative Pill: And we would both regret that in the morning.
: Idaho smiles gently.
: Operative Pill: Suffice it to say. It is FAR more important how the snake coils than how large it is.
: Operative Pill: And it will stay up for twenty minutes, perhaps, or less, or more.
: Idaho: I... haven't timed it. ::blushes::
:: Operative Pill: And there are many, many things to do before the snake spits its medicine, and after it is spent. (smiles)
:: Operative Pill: And don't trust your TV. It is a very poor god.
:: Idaho: That's what Derick said.
:: Operative Pill: And he was right.

:: Idaho: How do I find out about stuff in the world, especially fast?
:: Operative Pill: ... Can you read?
:: Idaho nods.
:: Idaho: And work a computer. Darce showed me.
:: Operative Pill: Alright, then. I have a book for you. One moment.
:: Operative Pill: Come here, child. (triumphantly)
:: Operative Pill: This is for you. (hands him a copy of the 1958 edition of Ann Landers' Guide to Life for Young People.)
:: Idaho opens the cover.
:: Idaho: Who's this Ann Landers?
:: Idaho: And this is old.
:: Operative Pill: A woman with a mouth as wide as the ocean. (smiles) And it IS old.
:: Idaho: Is the stuff in here still good?
:: Operative Pill: Well, you tell me. Are there still women and men?
:: Idaho: Yes.
:: Idaho: It's all in here?
:: Operative Pill: Do men still wish to rut? Even when there are other things to worry about?
:: Idaho: I...guess.
:: Operative Pill: And do women still want to rut with them, when they know they shouldn't?
:: Idaho: I guess so, too.
:: Operative Pill: (triumphantly) Then I suppose it's still good, what's in there.
:: Operative Pill: (cackles) You had me worried for a moment.
:: Idaho tucks it in his coat.
:: Idaho: Is there a test on it? ::winks and blushes::
:: Operative Pill: (laughs) Not from me, no. But you may find the truth about handling your snake to be quite a relief. She was exceptionally honest, for years ago. (impish again)
:: Idaho: Okay.
: Operative Pill: Read it. (nods)
: Operative Pill: And Idaho?
: Idaho: I'll get it back to you in a couple of days.
: Idaho: Yeah?
: Operative Pill: (quietly) I meant what I said to you. This place will always be a place of safety for you, while Pill is still alive.
: Operative Pill: Always. You understand? If you need a safe place, you come here.
: Idaho nods.
: Idaho: I understand.
: Idaho: I wish I could do the same for you. I don't have anyplace.
:: Idaho: But I can protect you with this...
:: Operative Pill: Good. (smiles) Idaho, you've done more good for me than you know.
:: Idaho points to his chest.
:: Idaho: It's all I have.
:: Operative Pill: ... (quietly smiles) Thank you, young man. I will treasure that.
:: Idaho smiles.
:: Operative Pill: (drily) I may need to run my hands over it once in a while, to make sure I still believe it. (half-wink)
:: Idaho: I'm glad I made you happy. - ::grins::
:: Idaho thrusts out his chest.
:: Idaho inclines his head.
:: Idaho: G'head.
:: Operative Pill: ... (laughs) No, no. Don't tempt the old crone, Idaho. I've been doing very well, not taking advantage of you.
:: Operative Pill pats his chest maternally.
:: Idaho smiles.
:: Idaho: Good enough.
:: Operative Pill: Let me continue to be proud of myself, eh?
:: Idaho: You know, that Sapphire Knight...
:: Idaho: Maybe the two of you...
:: Operative Pill: Mn. What about him?
:: Idaho intertwines his fingers.
:: Operative Pill: ... (laughs) He's too young, too, child.
:: Idaho: Oh, but I bet he's got a lot in him.
:: Idaho: And he's probably lonely.
:: Operative Pill: (smiles) I would not cure him of that, child.
:: Idaho: Okay, so matchmaking is out as a side job...
:: Operative Pill: (laughs quietly) Perhaps not. I am a difficult woman to match with, just ask my husband.
:: Idaho: I think if I asked him he'd punch me or something.
:: Operative Pill: Unlikely. (smiles, slightly rueful this time) He has been dead for some time.
:: Idaho: Ah..uh - but you talk about him like he's still around.
:: Operative Pill: He is. (smiles again) And my father. And I will be too, when I have left this body and rejoined with them.
:: Idaho: I...I don't get it.
:: Operative Pill: (smiles) Look around you, Idaho. Everywhere you look, there is life, and there is death.
:: Idaho nods.
: Operative Pill: (motions to the pier) Those are trees. But dead.
: Operative Pill: Leaves, but dead. (at his feet)
: Operative Pill: (pats her belly) Fish, but dead. (smiles)
: Idaho: And really good fish, too!
: Operative Pill: (smiles) Perhaps better to us, dead, than to the minnow, alive. You see?
: Operative Pill: You do not-- (stops, surprised)

: Operative Pill glances at Raven and smiles.
: Idaho: Huh?
: Idaho: Uh...oh.
: Idaho: Hi.
: Operative Pill: Hello, Broken Child.
: Idaho: Hi.
:: Street Raven: yo
:: Street Raven: ho
:: [Tell]Operative Pill: I think you have a stalker, child. (cackles lightly)
:: Street Raven: ho
:: Street Raven has joined the team
:: [Tell]-->Operative Pill: That's not good.
:: Operative Pill: How are you, dear?
:: [Tell]Operative Pill: Perhaps not. It's hard to say.
:: Idaho: How... how have you been?
:: Street Raven: shhhh... be vewy vewy qwiiet, I'm hunting wabbits... heh
:: Idaho: They're that way.
:: Idaho: points East.
:: Operative Pill: They're awfully easy to hunt. (smiles) You should aim for something more challenging.
:: Street Raven: heh
:: Idaho: ::hisses:: Don't!
:: Operative Pill glances at Idaho and smiles quietly.

:: Idaho: So... you need anything? Or can I help with anything?
:: Street Raven: Just what is help anyway?
:: Idaho looks confusedly at her.
:: Operative Pill: It's that thing that you do, to make someone else's life better.
:: Street Raven looks at Pill
:: Operative Pill: Perhaps it's been too long since you've thought of it? But at some point, you must've.
:: Street Raven: a trite answer, and untrue
:: Operative Pill: Ah. Correct a foolish old woman, then.
:: Street Raven: platitudes to hide meaning
:: Street Raven: beatitudes to self worth
:: Idaho: So what's wrong with that?
:: Operative Pill: As opposed to attitudes to self destruction.
:: Idaho: What's wrong with making yourself feel better and making another person feel better?
:: Street Raven: my my such language
: Street Raven: :: laughs wildly ::
: Operative Pill 's eye narrows slightly.
: Operative Pill: Child, you are unwell. Come, let me help you.
: Street Raven: certain pathways are paved with such, and I see many many roads all parallel
: Street Raven: :: Laughs again ::
: Street Raven: why oh why do you assume it is I who must fly, and be the one with the bug that needs a mother ly hug?
: Operative Pill: ... (smiles, a very different kind of smile)
: Operative Pill: You are no Coyote, child. You are all tricks, but there is no joy in it.

Idaho: She's right.
Street Raven: Coyotes run around, on the ground and their tricks are just the chasing of sticks, and into thorns that prick
Street Raven: :: laughs ::
Idaho: Listen...you sure you're okay?
Operative Pill: (gently) Of course she isn't, Idaho. Step back, please. She's heavy with Shadows, I think.
Idaho: We do want to help.
Idaho: Shadows?
Street Raven: oh the places you'll go when the innocence is lost as the requisite cost
Operative Pill: The tricksters who seek to destroy, rather than enlighten.
Street Raven: truth always shows free, though those who speak it decide waht it should be
Idaho: Do you like to destroy things?
Idaho: Because if you do, it's like death...
Operative Pill: Idaho. She may not control her own mind, be gentle.
Operative Pill: You know your spirit. Let it guide you.
Street Raven: to toy is not to detroy, little boy
Idaho: Death is part of life, so is destruction.
Operative Pill: ...
: Operative Pill: Be very careful with her, Idaho.
: Idaho: But she's hurting.
: Operative Pill: Yes, and we must do what we can.
: Street Raven: Do your eyes deceive you, or is the deception the deception?

: Operative Pill: But there are many ways to lose your innocence. And the worst of them have nothing to do with snakes and caves.
: Idaho: How can we help someone if they don't want to be helped?
: Operative Pill: No.
: Street Raven has quit the team
: Operative Pill: Very slowly, very firmly, and very--very--carefully. Do not lower your guard.
Idaho: I don't want to be the one to hurt her more, either, though.
Operative Pill sighs. "I wish I'd paid more attention to our shamans."
Operative Pill: No, you're right. First things, first. You know the shamans of your own people, yes?
Idaho: I can go read up about it - yeah.
Operative Pill: Perhaps if we can catch her, they can see what there is to see.
Operative Pill: She is either mad, like a rabid dog, or possessed.
: Idaho: Rabid dogs are put to sleep.
: Operative Pill: Rabid people are not, though. (glances at him and smiles)
: Idaho: Oh, well that's good.
: Idaho: How to catch her, though... I can't run up to her and grab her.
: Operative Pill: First things first. If she is mad, she needs medicine. If she is steeped with shadows, she needs magic.
: Operative Pill: We will have to trick the trickster, I suppose. (smiles)
: Idaho: I don't have the smarts for that.
: Operative Pill: No, but you are clearly the bait for the trap. (smiles again)
: Idaho blinks.
: Idaho: Oh... me. Great.
: Idaho: Don't tell me I have to kiss her.
: Operative Pill: (smiles) No. But she must believe that you might.
: Idaho swallows and looks uncomfortable.

: Operative Pill: That will bring her into the net, seeking the destruction of your innocence.
: Idaho: Is that what she's after? But why?
: Idaho: There's plenty of other people out there...
: Operative Pill: I don't know, child. (gently) If she is mad, then she is mad and in love.
: Operative Pill: Idaho, innocence makes women swoon, but it also makes the shadows hungry.
: Idaho: Do I have something missing?
: Idaho: Or something more?
: Operative Pill: ... (smiles) Would you like for me to check for you? (cackles)
: Idaho glances down.
: Idaho: Nope, still there.
: Idaho grins.
: Operative Pill: (more seriously) You have something more, child. Much more. They will never have it, and it drives them mad.
: Operative Pill: They are cold, and cruel, the shadows.
: Idaho: She used them... to wake me up.
Operative Pill: ... Wait. (alertly) Explain yourself.
Idaho: I got hit and went down. She used shadows to...
Idaho: It was like ... oily... ropes.
Idaho: Or snakes.
Operative Pill: (slowly) So, then. It is the darkness, after all. (nods) Alright.
Operative Pill looks out over the lake.
Idaho: But if she used it to get me up, it shouldn't be that bad. They're tamed?
: Operative Pill: Shadows are tricky things, Idaho. They let you believe that you control them, while they strangle you.
: Operative Pill: She is in serious danger--worse, if she does not see it herself.
: Operative Pill looks at him, fiercely.
: Idaho sighs.
: Idaho notes Pill's looking at him.
: Operative Pill: You must consult with your magicians. And we will find a way to trap her, and tame her shadows, before she hurts you, or someone else.
: Idaho: I can do that.
: Operative Pill grins, very much like a lioness might.
: Operative Pill: I know you can.
: Idaho: And if you need me to be bait...
Operative Pill: It is time to hunt, now. And consult with them on that, see if they can keep you safe. If not, there are other baits we can use.
Idaho: Okay.
: Idaho: I'd better head home.
: Operative Pill: (smiles and nods) Yes, you'd better. Thank you for dinner, Idaho.
: Idaho: I'll go down to MAGI in the morning.
: Idaho: But you made dinner for me.
: Operative Pill reaches for his hands, gently.
: Idaho: I should be thanking you.
: Idaho lets her take them.
: Operative Pill: Yes. But you made it worth making. (smiles) So we can thank each other and be done with it, yes?
: Idaho smiles.
: Idaho: Next time, though I'll bring a lavish present like you said.
: Operative Pill: ... (smiles) You brought one already, Idaho. You brought that giant, gentle heart of yours.
: Idaho kisses her gently on the cheek.
: Operative Pill: (smiles, letting him kiss her. Gently) Go on, then. Good night, young man.
: Idaho pats the book in his coat.
: Idaho: Thanks for this. Good night.
: Operative Pill smiles and nods.