After my host-Sims met each other, they spent several Sim-days getting to know each other better as well as preparing for the S-GAS. As neither Karen nor Willow had much experience in Live Mode, they wanted to spend much of their time building some skills they thought would be useful for leading their sessions during the SIMposium. For Willow that meant she spent most of those days fishing, weeding and watering the garden, or with her nose in a Herbalism book. |
"How's it goin', Willow?" |
"GGGGREAT!! I never new Live Mode could be so much FUN! I LOVE fishing just as much as I always thought I would. And I can't wait for my garden to put out fruits and veggies. And I really hope I get to try out that herbalism during the camping portion of our event. And... And this place your built... amazing... And..."
"I'm so glad you're enjoying yourself." She's been in a much better mood since that day I told her about the S-GAS. Being a cheerful Sim, she cheered right up as soon as she had the chance to explore her world a little. "Oh, hey! I think you've got a bite on your line." |
"Oooo! You're right!"
"Isn't this little guy sooo cute?"
"Yes he is...but..umm... aren't you practicing your fishing skill so that you and the guests will have food to roast on the campfire?" |
"In a way. Why?"
"Well, I'm just a little concerned that you might be getting too attached to your food." |
"No silly. I won't be eating any of the fish I catch today. They'd spoil before the camping trip. I'm tossing these back. I just want to build up my skill so that I'll be sure to catch lots of fish for the guests when the day of the trip arrives."
"Oh, I see. Well, that sounds like a plan. I'll leave you to it, then." |
My digital counterpart spent her time these past days working on her logic and charisma skills. Logic will logically help her use and teach others to use the science equipment in the game during her session. She wanted to build up her charisma to improve her speaking during her lecture. (But don't tell her I used the word lecture. She thinks that sounds boring.) But when I find her today, she isn't working on skills of any kind. |
"I heard that. And I'll have you know that what I'm doing actually is helping me get ready for the SIMposium. You remember that sitting back and just observing the world is what first drew you, us, to science right? I'm trying to absorb all the inspiring and fascinating things I can see. There are so many things to observe from right here in this soft patch of grass."
"Don't think I was implying you weren't doing anything productive. I'm just a little jealous. There aren't any nice little patches of grass and definitely not any fields of flowers bloomed in my world right now. It's too early in the year and too cold out. "Anyway, I just wanted to check in and ask if you needed anything. Any special requests for the lot where your session will be held? I'm about to go build it now." |
"I can't think of anything. I'm sure you've got some ideas of your own. And if that build turns out anything like this one did, it'll be great."
"Oh, but before you go can you move my plumbob? It's blocking part of my view."
"No problem... Better?" |
"Much. See ya later!"
I waited until I finished with my building efforts for the day before checking in with Ana. After we filled her in on some more details of the SIMposium and G.A.S. in general, she asked that I give her a little space to think things through. And other than checking that all her needs are met, I've let her do anything and everything she wants these past few days. But I didn't follow her every move (that wouldn't be giving her space, now would it?) so she'll have to fill us in on what she's really been up to. "So, Ana, how are you? Have you been enjoyin' this time to yourself?" |
"I suppose so."
"Uh-oh. You aren't still angry with, are you?" |
"No. I just can't stay mad at anyone for very long..."
"...But don't you think I've forgotten about that promise you made. And you had better keep it!"
"No need to worry about that. A promise is a promise. Now, if I'm not responsible for your melancholy mood, what is?" |
"Well, I guess you are responsible for it, in a way."
"What?! But you just said -" |
"It's just this scenic lot you built for us... It's beautiful... But it also makes me think of my family, and our camping trip. I miss them, you know."
"I could bring them here, but you're not sure if you want to share Game-Awareness with them or not, right?" |
"Right. I guess what I learn from the events I attend during the SIMposium might help me decide what to do there. I don't want to rush that decision. I don't know if they'd be happier with Game-Awareness or if they're happier just the way they are now. I don't yet know if I'll be happier or not. What do you think, Care?"
"That's one decision I can't make for you, Ana. But I hope the S-GAS will help you out. I really do." |
"And you did say that they won't ever know I've been gone... unless I decide that I want them to, right?"
"Right. It's basically like time is paused for them right now. So when I send you back to them, no time will have passed. It's some alternate space-time stuff. Don't let me bore you with the specifics of it. Just know that you can go to any of these events. Make sure you enjoy yourself. There's nothing for you to worry about back at home. And try to stay busy; that helps when you start missing them." |
The next morning at breakfast the girls discuss last minute preparations. Because today is the day that guests will start arriving. |
"Sorry if I surprised y'all. I'm just excited to show you somethin'. After you finish breakfast, go ahead and get dressed, then meet me up on top of the tree platform. None of you have been up there yet, and I want you to see the view, before the guests start showing up." |
"So, what do y'all think?" |
"It's gorgeous. I feel like I can see for Sim-miles"
"I'll second the 'It's gorgeous' line. But I'm also thinking, it's a good thing that acrophobia isn't a trait in Sims 4."
*chuckles* "Very true. So what do you think, Ana?" |
"I'm thinking that I LOVE the fact you put an easel up here. I wish there was room for more of them. If the platform was bigger this would be the perfect place for my painting session."
"Ana, you read my mind. Why don't y'all take a closer look at the view to your right." |
"Oh my! Did you build that for us too?!"
"You betcha. I don't know how much you can see from here, but there are a bunch of easels on the top level. And I'm sure you can see the observatory. I think you'll find every thing you need for the science and the painting sessions over there. I hope y'all like it." |
"Like it?! I love it!"
*nods head*
*also nods head*
"Terrific. Now, when you've looked your fill, head back down to the ground level, because our first guests will be arriving shortly." |
"Look at them. They're so excited." |
"They can't keep the smiles off their faces as they glance around for signs of our first guests' arrival." |
"I almost don't have the heart to tell them that the arrival doesn't happen during this chapter." |
"What!? Then what are we waiting out here for."
"I don't know. I never said you had to wait out front for everyone. I've got a lot of Sims to organize here. It'll take a while to get them all from the gallery." |
"Come on, ladies. Let's wait inside until the next chapter."