Scientia Immortal Dynasty (new chapter 04/10/14)

[Tilia]

Watson is just so incredibly adorable.  Love that picture of him on the bed.  And hey, vampire Hunter Cottoneye isn't necessarily a bad thing.  He makes pretty (buff) babies if you need him later on.  Keep the beard, though.  He looks weird without the facial hair.

[betabee]

Watson is just so incredibly adorable.  Love that picture of him on the bed.  And hey, vampire Hunter Cottoneye isn't necessarily a bad thing.  He makes pretty (buff) babies if you need him later on.  Keep the beard, though.  He looks weird without the facial hair.

The main reason I like him being a vampire at the moment is that he can be a best friend for Darwin at some point. I'll wait see about using him as a spouse though- with the theme I've got running at the moment, most of the immortals will probably be guys.

Nice start Betabee

The house looks great! Jo also looks cool and the dogs are cute

Haha.  I enjoy your sense of humour. It is indeed a very fetching statue.

Thanks!

Chapter 3: Evolution



Betabee: Enjoying your new toy?
Darwin: As a geologist, I think this is a wonderful invention! Reducing the time it takes to cut up gems is amazing! I'll have to investigate its operation further. . .
Betabee: Ok, just remember to sell all the gems once they're cut. Watson didn't dig them all out of the garden for nothing, you know.



Betabee: Why do all kids in buses give the drivers shifty looks?
Jo: I don't know. Maybe to intimidate them into taking us to the right house.
Driver: Or because we need to tell them to be quiet every five minutes so we can focus on driving!
Jo, Betabee: Sorry!



Betabee: Hey, it's my first gnome!



Betabee: Thankyou for the free money, please stop cluttering up my house. (note: my general policy with magic gnomes is to sell them. That was probably the only magic gnome you will see in this dynasty. The way I see it, I sent the gnome on to a better place where it won't get kicked over or trampled on.)



Betabee: Wow, Jo! What happened?
Jo: I got Darwin to buy me a Lean and Mean from the elixir shop. Beats exercise.



Zombie: I'm siinnnnngggging in the rain! Just sssiiiiiinnnnnngggggging in the rain. . .
Betabee: Scenes like this almost make me like zombies.



Betabee: But that thought is eradicated when they start eating the beginning of my orchard.



Jon: I've finished the 25th ice sculpture!
Betabee: Well done!
Jon: Do I get a reward? I really should get a medal. A makeover at least.
Betabee: Next update, Jon, next update. For now, go get some sleep before sculpting Darwin.



Betabee: In quick succession Darwin's portrait. . .



and sculpture were completed. Jo had already taken Darwin's photo. . .



So I now present Darwin's young adult museum pieces!
Darwin: I thought they'd look more impressive.
Betabee: The final result will be suitably awe-inspring, don't worry.



Jon: I slave for weeks on end to make ice sculptures, and this is my reward? Alchemy?!
Betabee: Look on the bright side, at least you're no longer chained to the coffee maker.
Jon: But now I'm getting caffiene withdrawal symptoms!
Betabee: I just can't win . . .



Darwin: What's going on? Why did that statue turn gold?
Betabee: You just chugged a Midas touch elixir so we could get more funds. So get on with some statue touching!



(2^4)-1 gold statues later. . .
Darwin: Right, I'm off to bed.
Betabee: But the elixir lasts another three hours!
Darwin: You've got at least 190 grand in the bank. Surely you can renovate the first floor with that!
Betabee: Fine, I'll do it, but don't call me shirley.



Betabee: So welcome to the second house tour! This is Jo's new room.



Jon now has his own alchemist's lair.



Darwin's room has a leafy theme.



I also added a room for free skills, such as painting, sculpting and logic, which should keep Darwin and co. occupied for a few generations at least.



A zombie-proof fence was installed around the revived trees. . .



And the now redundant art studio bedroom was remodelled into a living room.
This concludes the second house tour. See you next time!

[RainBeau]

Sorry Jon, that's the life you signed up for when you became a Dynasty skill slave helper!

[Pyro0001]

Do you have Generations? With it you can have a gnome family! Theres a place on the forum where you can find out more, but I forgot 

Anyway, nice house renovation!

[betabee]

Sorry Jon, that's the life you signed up for when you became a Dynasty skill slave helper!

Jon: Such is the mistreatment of dynasty skill slaves. I'm going along to a counselling group for it with Agnes Crumplebottom and Christopher Steel.

Do you have Generations? With it you can have a gnome family! Theres a place on the forum where you can find out more, but I forgot 

Anyway, nice house renovation!

I like the idea of having a gnome family, but am quite worried it'll slow my game down later, especially near the end of the dynasty when it might get buggy. Maybe I'll try collecting gnomes in another game file.
Glad you like the house!

Now, onto an update!

Chapter 4: All creatures great and small



Watson: Here is where the creature known as Darwin sleeps. It sleeps for about a third of the day, then spends most of its day harvesting berries and mushrooms from caves known to most as 'the scientia house'. The Darwin is a very specialised creature: its opposable thumbs make it easier to pick up the fruits it needs to survive, while its legs are adapted to make the long trek to the grocery store, where the Darwin exchanges its harvested goods for other items it needs to survive.
Darwin: Watson? Who are you talking to? I can hear you, you know!



Watson: And as the Darwin awakes, I know I must make my escape. But come back next week, readers, for more inside information on the habits of that elusive creature, the Darwin.
Darwin: Watson! Come back here!
Betabee: Maybe going into nature documentries isn't the best career plan for Watson.



Darwin: I've maximised my gardening skill. Can I stop now?
Betabee: You've got another skill challenge and several more thousand simoleons of crops to harvest yet.
Darwin: But otherwise Watson will continue to try and make documentries about me!
Betabee: Don't worry about it too much- he hasn't even hired a camera crew to follow you around.



Betabee: Given that Jon has been a very good skill slave Dynasty helper, I thought it was abut time to give him a new wardrobe.



Jon: Well, any good rockstar needs to convince the forum he's cool,



groovy,



absolutely awesome. . .




Betabee: And not 4 days from his elder birthday. In order those were: normal, formal, outerwear, swimwear, sleepwear and athletic.
Jon: Hey!
Betabee: Don't 'Hey' me- your not a lady, so it isn't that rude to tell the good members of the forum your age. And they won't spread it round too much. Right? 



Helix: betabee, why do you insist on showing one of my puppy photos?
Betabee: Because you looked cute back then.
Helix: I'm still cute now!
Betabee: You were cuter then.



Helix: I'm sure the forum are far more interested in the sparklefight I had.



Betabee: And the photo of you as an adult, yes. How do you know so much about the forum?
Helix: Just because I'm a dog doesn't mean I can't read.
Betabee: I should have known- first the dogs can speak, now they can navigate the internet. . .



Jo: I do love multitab.
Betabee: So do I. Now you've maxed fishing, you can move onto cookery.
Jo: When can I go to dad's dynasty helper counselling group?
Jon: I'll take you along next week!



Betabee: Shouldn't you be gardening?
Darwin: Unfortunately, I'm not a fairy, so I can't make plants grow faster.
Betabee: Might as well start blowing things up then.
Darwin: I'm a geologist, not a chemist!



Betabee: The house looks so pretty in snow. . .
Watson: I know you think it's pretty, but you're not the one sitting in it!



Jo: Another day, another easel shot where I max a skill. Only this time I'm actually maximising my painting skill.
Betabee: Well done Jo. Now, off to the sculpting station!
Jo: No such thing as a break . . .



Betabee: I'm so glad Watson saved up for the flea removing machine.
Helix: So are we. And so will the puppies be.
Betabee: What?! Puppies?!
Helix: That is why you got the bigger doghouse, wasn't it? Watson and I are expecting.
Betabee: Well, I'm off to google some suitable names. Suggestions are welcomed!



Jo: I don't need to drink loads of coffee do I?
Betabee: Relax! Your father isn't even an elder yet. Plus, he's also made you a few potent invigorating elixirs to help out!
Jo: Nooo! Not staying up for days on end!
Betabee: I thought you were a teenager and did mad stuff like that anyway . . .


Betabee:Though I said I wouldn't show any more gnomes, I thought a freezer bunny gnome in the snow was too hard to resist!



Betabee: And as this chapter draws to a close, special continued thanks to Jo for aquiring a food replicator for ambrosia-storing efforts.

Next time: puppies, birthdays, and more typical dynasty activities!

[Rhoxi]

Haha, I love Watson giving a nature documentary on "The Darwin." Well Darwin, what comes around, goes around!

[betabee]

Haha, I love Watson giving a nature documentary on "The Darwin." Well Darwin, what comes around, goes around!

Well, we know the Darwin is quite a special and unique creature!

Chapter 5: Climbing Plants



Betabee: I never really noticed how thoughtful sims can look when they're sculpting.
Jo: So should I add a hole here, or will that collapse the structure? Hmmm. . . .



Jo: So that's ambrosia learned. Off I go back to the sculpting station like a good little dynasty skill slave.
Betabee: Oh, don't sound so down. We've just about got everything we need for ambrosia now. Darwin has life fruit growing, you know how to catch Deathfish and make ambrosia. And Darwin isn't even an adult yet!
Jo: So when do I get a break?
Betabee: Once those ice sculptures stop melting.
Jo: Well, at least the end is in sight.



Betabee: The next day was quite eventful. Helix had a puppy, a little boy called Wilkins.
 


Meanwhile in the kitchen. . .
Jon: Now, what do I really want for my birthday. . . I know! A cute little puppy!





Jon: Wow, it worked!
Betabee: But remember kids: A puppy is for life, not just for snowflake day!



Watson: Wow, he looks just like me!
Helix: Not completely, dear, his fur is a bit darker.
Watson: What do you mean, darker?
Helix: Doesn't have the grey flecks that are starting to appear.
Watson: I don't have grey flecks!
Betabee: Let's leave the happy(ish) couple to fawn over their new puppy. . .



Betabee: Here's a better picture to exhibit young Wilkins' cuteness!



Betabee: As you can see, Jon's outfits are still more suited to . . . less mature individuals. And where did that outerwear picture go. . .?
Jon: I burnt it.
Betabee: What?!
Jon: The bobble hat is silly. I didn't want the forum to see.
Jo: But dad, you need to wear it. It's cold out there, we don't want you to catch a chill!
Jon: See how I'm treated? Now I'm old, even my daughter is ganging up on me. . .



Darwin: Hello, random friend of Jo's from school. Have a potent friendship elixir.
Carlotta: Thanks! . . . I think.



Betabee: Since Jon has been doing an exceptional job of sculpting and mixing elixirs, I thought he deserved a trip to the movies.
Jon: Yes, it was a very good movie, I really must attend the pictures more often. . .
Betabee: (whispering) It's also a sneaky chance to see the bobble hat!



Darwin: Watcher. . .
Betabee: Yes?
Darwin: Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't a chemical explosion cause me to have less hair, rather than more?
Betabee: Umm. . . Maybe the ash from the explosion has fertilising qualities? What did you use in that mixture anyway?
Darwin: I can't remember. And the paper I wrote the ingredients on has dissolved in acid.
Betabee: Oh well.



Betabee: Some things never change.
Jon: It's not my fault! I had an unfortunate experience during potty training. I don't want to talk about it. . .



Jo: Show them my prom pics!
Betabee: Ok then. Here's a closeup of her especially picked out hairdo,



And a more general view of her custom-made dress.



Betabee: All of which she didn't wear because of the snow. Oh well.
Jo: At least you took pictures beforehand!
Betabee: True, very true. The forum can appreciate your dress even if your classmates couldn't.



Darwin: Hockey surely has evolved since I last played. Are you sure ice hockey is such a good idea?



Watson: And so to continue with the next installment of 'Walking with Darwins', we examine the habits of the Darwin in its natural habitat. Surrounded by special containers containing the plants it needs for survival, the Darwin spends most of its day tending these
isolated specimens. Its caves are a very specialised habitat, a niche where life flourishes despite the harsh and hostile conditions outside this set of caves. . .
Darwin: Watson?! What have I told you about entering the plant nursery? You're not going to try and eat the tomatoes again, are you? And haven't I already told you to stop with the nature documentaries?
Watson: (runs away)



Jo: Yay, no more school!
Betabee: You do know it's 3 in the morning on a saturday. . .
Jo: I'm not taking any chances! No school, here I come!




Jo: I aged up in a jumpsuit?! Watcher!



Betabee: A Lean and Mean and dresser trip later, I think she's turned out quite nicely. Don't you?

Next time: As Darwin approaches adulthood, I see nooboos on a distant horizon. . .

Edited: for typos (thanks Eldridge!)

[betabee]

Apologies for a long time between updates, but real life has been hectic. Luckily, I'm now nearly on my easter break from university so updates should be a bit more frequent for the next few weeks.

Chapter 6: The expression of emotion in man and animals, part 1



Betabee: Hi Jo. What are you up to?
Jo: Fishing for deathfish, obviously.
Betabee: That's my girl.



And so, Jo's graduation day arrives, along with the first day of spring. Horray!



If any forum member has an explanation for why the fairies are protesting about unicorns, I'm all ears. Though this did yield a useful bit of information. . .



First reaction of a Watcher to Billy Caspian turning into a fairy? Yay!!!



Betabee: Well done Jo, what did you get?
Jo: Valedictorian and Most Artistic.
Betabee: Well done!



Obviously not everyone was quite as pleased as I was about the fairies protesting.



Darwin: Jon, I need to talk to you about Jo.
Betabee: What about Jo?
Jon: Private conversation, Watcher. Go watch Jo sculpting or something.



That evening, it was Darwin's adult birthday.



Betabee: Are you sure you didn't want to do more experimentation into hair fertiliser?
Darwin: The recipe I found left it all spiky, which is not at all becoming for a victorian gentleman.
Betabee: Ok, if you're sure. . .



Darwin: Jo, we need to talk.
Jo: What about?
Darwin: You. Are you staying or going?
Jo: What do you mean?



Darwin: You're a young adult now, so you don't have to stay if you don't want to. I'd understand. I mean, you've been here since you were a child.
Jo: But if I leave, your dynasty would fail. I can't leave.



Darwin: Maybe what I mean is, you might want a life outside skilling and fulfilling requirements for me or anyone else. Where you could have a job, go to the movies, do what you like. . .
Jo: Darwin, I havve considered this.
Darwin: Really?
Jo: May I tell you why I'm staying?
Darwin: Yes, go on.
Jo: Well, I decided to stay the other day when I went along with Dad to the Dynasty Helper support group. . .



Agnes: Welcome to the 23rd quarterly dynasty helper support group. Now, who are we missing this week? The turnout is quite low, I must say.




Chris: Matt Hamming is at home with the flu. The Knacks are on holiday somewhere in Norway- I can't quite remember the name, it looked like quite a lovely town from the postcard they sent. Jon, doesn't Billy normally take the train with you? Where is he this week?
Jon: He's gone to Moonlight Falls for a month or two- said something about discovering his true fairy nature.
Agnes: And you, young lady, must be Jo, am I correct?
Jo: Yes, I'm Jo. Pleased to meet you, ma'am.
Agnes: Jo, there's no need for formality here. Call me Agnes. We're all friends here.
Jo: That's good to know, m. . . Agnes.



Agnes: As your father may have told you, Jo, the purpose of these meeting is to let loose all the bad feeling you get from being mistreated by dynasty founders. Let the anger go and the wounds heal. So would you like to share your story with the group?



Jo: Ok. Erm. . . hi everyone, I'm Jo, and I'm a dynasty helper. I've been in the scientia household for several years now, since I was a child. Before that I was in an orphanage, but I don't really want to tak about that much. It was hard there. When I first arrived at the scientia household, I was a bit uncertain about helping out a dynasty, but I think it's grown on me since then.
Agnes & Chris: What?!
Jo: I like painting. And sculpting. I certainly wouldn't have learned those skills back in the orphanage.



Jo: I have learnt so much during my stay with Darwin and Jon. My Watcher has been supportive and encouraging, and Darwin has worked just as hard as I have, if not harder, to see this thing through. I don't think I'd want to sit around in the simbin all day with the other orphanage kids after this experience.



Agnes: But you haven't been allowed a normal childhood!
Jo: Try me.
Agnes: Prom?
Jo: Went in Outerwear. Right laugh!
Agnes: Socialising with other children?
Jo: Carlotta came over once or twice to do homework with me.
Agnes:What about your schoolgrades?
Jo: I graduated Valedictorian.



Jo: Look, I know you might see being a dynasty skill slave as a burden, but as an orphanage kid, this is one of the best opportunities out there for skill advancement and a fulfilling life. Sorry dad, but I don't see the point of staying here moaning about my life when I could be doing my bit to letting someone be immortal. Bye.



Jon: I might as well go to make sure she doesn't do anything stupid. See you next time, guys.
Agnes, Chris: Bye.
Chris: I must say, that is one headstrong young woman. . .



Jo: So that's why I'm staying. Because. . . Well, this is my life, and I couldn't imagine another better.
Darwin: Ok, if you're sure, because I have another question . . .



Darwin: Will you go on a date with me? I mean, I know I'm old and you could do so so much better than me, but I love you for making this whole endeavor possible and wondered if you felt the same. And you're beautiful. And Jon said I could court you without him trying to kill me. And. . .
Jo: Clueless man! Of course I'll go out with you!
Darwin: I have some flowers for you. Purple for your beautiful eyes.
Jo: Thanks!



Darwin: And I thought here would be a good place for a first date because it's quiet and it has blue flowers, which I know are your favourite colour. . .
Jo: You sweet sweet man!



Darwin: We can take this as slow or as quick as you like. I mean, I won't try and rush anything. . .
Jo: Shut up! smooch

To be continued. . .

Suggestions comments and other banter are all welcome!

[Trip]

The dynasty helper support group was an excellent idea. I like the thought of dynasties giving sims a better life.

Great chapter!

[RainBeau]

Yes! I love that! I think Argus should be a new member. And we should get some Monte Vista Sims in there! Come to think of it, they should have their own chapter. I think half the town would be members. Can we see more meetings where Billy and Matt show up?

Yay for romance!

[betabee]

The dynasty helper support group was an excellent idea. I like the thought of dynasties giving sims a better life.

Great chapter!

Yes! I love that! I think Argus should be a new member. And we should get some Monte Vista Sims in there! Come to think of it, they should have their own chapter. I think half the town would be members. Can we see more meetings where Billy and Matt show up?

Yay for romance!

Glad you enjoyed the chapter. It was quite fun writing the Dynasty helper support group scene- maybe I'll include it again later on. . .

Chapter 7: The expression of emotion in man and animals, part 2



Darwin: So, after leaving the forum on such a cliff-hanger at the end of last chapter, does this mean I can court you?
Jo:  That’s not really a cliff-hanger. And we can be an item, if that’s what you’re asking.
Darwin: I think so. I’m not up to date with all this slang.



Jo: I’ll just have to enlighten you then, my poor 19th century boyfriend. Shall we go to the spring festival next on our date?
Darwin: Ok, but let’s get one thing straight: I’m not going to carry you there. I may be a gentleman, but I don’t think my back would hold out.
Jo: That’s ok. I wouldn’t expect you to. A taxi is quicker. And comfier.
Darwin: Hey, I didn’t expect an insult!
Jo: You started it with comments about my weight.



They did use the love indicator. Unfortunately due to Watcher memory errors, I cannot tell you the result. I think it was reasonably optimistic though.



Betabee: Hi Jon!
Jon: (startled) Why aren’t you watching what my daughter’s up to? I’m sure she’s doing more interesting things.
Betabee: Wanted to see what you were up to. Feeling lonely?
Jon: No. I’m taking advantage of being a super-famous dynasty helper to get admiration and attention.
Betabee: You’re using a kissing booth.
Jon: So what? I’ve been getting a bit lonely, yes. But I won’t let you rope in any other unsuspecting townies just so I can have company in my old age. This and support group are enough.
Betabee: If you’re sure, Jon. You don’t mind being lonesome? If you really wanted a girlfriend, I’m sure it could be arranged.
Jon: Nope. I’ll survive without. I have friends and family to keep me company in my last years.



Darwin: Jon, please can I have your blessing to marry your daughter?
Jon: You promise she will be treated well after I’m gone? No coffee-driven skilling, no endless nights of elixir making or sculpting?
Darwin: I promise. She will be treated with the utmost delicacy and reverence.
Jon: Ok then, get to it. I want grandkids before I die.
Darwin: Thank you so much Jon. You are a brilliant friend!



Jo: Darwin, will you marry me?
Darwin: B-But I was going to ask you?!
Jo: So what?
Darwin: . . . Ok, I’ll marry you. This is highly strange and not at all how I imagined things though. . .



Jo: Don’t worry about it too much Darwin. I’m sure you will encounter much more unconventional things on your journey through this Dynasty.
Darwin: . . . I had it all planned out . . .
And so the day ends at the spring festival.



The two new lovebirds dreamed of each other that night, and life continued on as normal . . .



. . . with some serious sculpting in pyjamas.



The next major event in the Science Lab (Scientia house didn’t sound quite right) Was Wilkins’ birthday.




Watson: He looks just like me!
Helix: Not for long dear.
Watson: Why?
Helix: It’s your elder birthday tomorrow. You will have some grey in that fur of yours!
Wilkins: So what if dad’s getting old? Long live the beagles!



Darwin: Since your father wants grandchildren sooner rather than later, how about we get married today?
Jo: Good idea. Watcher, build us a wedding area!
Betabee: Magic words?
Jo: If you please?
Betabee: Better.



This wedding area will be used for the entire dynasty hopefully. Maybe with slight flower changes according to the colour preferences of the bride and groom.



But before the ceremony could be performed, it was interrupted by Watson’s elder birthday.


Betabee: Why the frown Watson? Not happy with grey?
Watson: (grumbles)
Wilkins: I think he’s upset that age shows up more on him than it will on mum.



And so, without further ado, the wedding!
Betabee: Do you, Charles Darwin Scientia, take this woman to be your wife?
Darwin: I do.



Betabee: Do you, Josephine Moira Lessen, take this man to be your husband?
Jo: I do.



Betabee: Then I pronounce you Dynasty founder and Dynasty spouse. You may kiss the bride.



Darwin and Jo have moved into Jo’s room for the time being, partly for sleeping in the same bed and also . . .



. . . so Darwin’s room can be converted into a nursery.
Darwin: So when do I get my own room back?
Betabee: When we need Jo’s room for another immortal later on. Or earlier should you feel like it. I’ve stored all your furniture.



Betabee: Well done for Supermaxing Gardening, Darwin!
Darwin: Can I stop gardening yet?
Betabee: You still have a few more levels of the gardening career to go.
Darwin: Should have known.



Betabee: How’s Darwin’s adult portrait coming along?
Jo: It’s going fine. I’m just having a healthy snack break.
Betabee: I didn’t remember introducing healthy snack breaks into the painting routine?
Jo: Oh yeah, on a related note. . .



Jo: Last chapter wasn’t a cliffhanger. This one is!

So, now is a good time to post your guesses as to the name of the next generation! It will be named after a scientist, with the clues Watson, Helix and Wilkins. Good luck!

[ladyaya]

And female...Or will the name be converted to feminine form? *grins*

[betabee]

I think the watermelons are pretty obvious   

[RainBeau]

Ah! A clue! *runs off to research*

My guess is Rosalind. Bonus of being a really pretty name. Thank you Physical Anthropology class!

[betabee]

Chapter 8: Inheritance



And so Darwin's adult pieces get underway.
Darwin: Thanks for sculpting me Jon.
Jon: That's ok. By the way, did you hear that Jo's pregnant?
Darwin: It's hard not to know. She's behind you doing my adult portrait.



Jo: And Dad, you don't need to announce it to everyone. I'm sure everyone in Riverview knows by now.
Jon: But I'm excited! My daughter's having a baby! An old man needs to be at least a bit excited about grandkids. And I'm really excited that I might meet mine!



Betabee: Darwin's adult pieces have now all been finished, and he has all the Blackops done, so all we're waiting on is his gardening career (currently level 8 ) and making some more best friends. And of course his elder pieces.



And so it's ambrosia storage time! The replicator isn't upgraded so we only have 30 plates, but that should be plenty for the time being. Generation 2 will be doing fishing so we should have the ingredients in plenty of time.



Jo: Speaking of generation 2, by Watcher that hurts!
Betabee: Don't worry Jo, it'll be over soon.



A sim-hour or two later . . .



We are pleased to announce the birth of Franklin Scientia, named after Rosalind Franklin, whose work with X-ray crystallography was vital to the discovery of the structure of DNA. Well done ombradellarosa!



Jon: My beautiful granddaughter. I hope I live long enough to see you grow up, even if just to a toddler. . .



Darwin: So I've got to spend eternity with this small wriggly thing? Can I call you Frankie? I think that's a nicer shortening.



Jo: My lovely Frankie. . . I will teach you everything I can. I will hug you and love you as long as I can. If I can leave you with anything for your long long life it would be a happy childhood with your mum always there.



Betabee: It's always a bit scary the first time Grim shows up. Luckily it wasn't for Jon (who is in his 80s) but for a stray cat.



Jon: You aren't here for me yet?
Grim: Not yet.
Jon: I guess I don't have long. Right?
Grim: I don't know the exact date for your collection. I think it's on Bob's list. I just do cats.
Jon: That's ok then. Tell me, what's it like on the other side?
Grim: To be honest . . .
Jon: Yes?
Grim: . . . It's hard to explain in simlish. You'll know soon enough anyway.
Jon: True. Well, say hi to Bob for me.
Grim: Sure. See you on the other side.



Darwin: Who is this?
Betabee: This is Swan. Isn't she cute?
Darwin: Yes, but I don't see what Swan has to do with Franklin.
Betabee: She doesn't. You don't need more clues for generation 2, so this is the first for generation 3.
Darwin: Okay. I'll take your word for it.



Betabee: As Darwin has one level in cooking already, It occured to me that fences might be wise until a generation supermaxes cooking. The family can live on quick meals in the meantime. Afterwards they can live on leftovers.



Since the next few days were quite dull, we shall skip forward to Frankie's toddler birthday.




Franklin: Ooh! Sparkly!



She certainly has her parent's hair colour. It's hard to tell who whe resembles best at this stage, but I have no idea where the grey eyes come from.



Jo: She certainly likes pink.



Darwin: I hope she grows out of it.



Jo: Why? I think it's sweet.



Darwin: It's not really. . . Sciency, is it?
Franklin: So? Dada, I want pink. Pretty pretty pink!
Darwin: I just can't win.



Jon: Come on, Frankie. Please it still for Grandpa.
Franklin: Okay. Love you Grandpa.



Betabee: When I saw this, I knew where Franklin got her eye colour from. Her Grandpa of course!



And so Jon starts sculpting Franklin's toddler sculpture. He's 88 days old at this point, so he's pretty much living on borrowed time at this point. Will he live to see Frankie's next birthday? Tune in next time to find out!