music: Show

I… don’t understand. The seal, I should’ve been able to… I mean… I’m not magical, I know that much. My whole life, I’ve wanted to see the kind of magic they talk about in stories, but I’ve never been able to… actually… you know… do anything.



Besides, I’ve never even… touched one of these stupid things before. It must’ve made a mistake, I don’t have any like, powers or anything…

I just… don’t know how this could be…



Kyahaha, only you could find a way to complain about a revelation like this. I doubt you possess any level of Anomalous qualities though. Maybe the seal just rejected you for being too dense! I’d be surprised, after all, if you could hold any degree of Esotera in that empty head of yours.



You spent your whole life staring at the stars, and you haven't even seen a fraction of the fathomless eternity just waiting out there... Kyeh heh… Typical!

Look on the bright side though, maybe you DO have powers - they’re just useless, just like the wielder!



I advise against listening to her, the foundations of her criticisms have been given a rating of [UNSUBSTANTIATED AT BEST]

My database does not indicate any reason as to why the device labeled the Stellaric Seal did not accept you as a potential host, however with the increased levels of mental instability demonstrated by [AGENT DESIGNATION - DR. LYRA ORPHEUS] after synchronization, it is possible that this may be a positive outcome in comparison.

I am glad that you are not insane. And that your eyes are not categorized as "creepy" by my facial recognition software.



Well… Thanks, Spooks. I… just wish I had answers, that’s all. Don’t worry about me. I already don’t listen to Lyra, creepy eyes or not. If there’s any reason for the seal’s rejection… that’s just another mystery to solve.



Tch, plenty of those already. If you ask me, it can get in line, right behind the fucking underground city, yeah - don’t think I forgot about that. Besides, there’s the other seals too...

Then again, there’s already one just sitting there, wide open for the taking…



Whoa, hey! Don’t look at me like that! I’m not touching that shit. Don’t want it, nope. Got too much going on to go wading through a buncha nasty-ass mine water. Besides, there's two dumbasses in the area already anyway. Talk about a crapshoot, yeah good luck getting there before them.

Oh yeah, and don't think I forgot about you for a second! That's right, Riki, motherfucker! You still owe me a chat, and you’d better come alone, too! I’m not stupid enough to fall into a trap and get ganked by your other Crimson Eye goons.



Hehe, you’re sure convinced that that little guy is hiding something, huh? I’m not so sure, after all, he’s been pretty anti-seal, right? Oooh, unless that’s part of the plan. Reverse psychology! It’d be just like that cute show Konata was watching

The interlopers’ numbers dwindle, they would be foolish to reveal themselves in such a way, not when the others are not intent on playing about with the fell magicks regardless. No, I sense they shall keep distance, unaffiliated and shrouded in the shadows of doubt.

Yet… the Telluric Seal may sing a siren song. Like wayward prey into a trap, they will pursue the seal. And then… I shall strike them down and tear their black hearts from their chests, beating and bloodied, thick with the ichor of si-



I... don't recommend that. You don’t want to go into those flooded old mines, 23 tonight. The forecast says there’s supposed to be a cold snap, and we don’t want you freezing into another block of ice, do we?

…Yes... I… Suppose not…

---

It is now Night 5.

You may submit Night Actions to @Spooks?. You have 48 Hours to submit. The longer you take to submit, the longer the waiting period for results will be. Live with your consequences, and pray your peers feel sympathy.

Your Night Condition for the night is...

The Whisper Valley region is currently undergoing an unexpected cold snap. The River and Mirror Lake will both be frozen over, and will pose a severe slipping risk to anyone passing by them unprepared. Additionally, being KO’d outdoors can cause death via exposure, and will count as an attempt on behalf of the assailant..



Your freedom stands before you. We are on a precipice, soon over half of the seals will have crumbled before your collective wills. I am certain those fallen among you would voice their appreciation if they were able. More will join them soon in oblivion, however. It is time for your Incentive - extra punishing this time. You have earned it.

If you do not attempt murder, you will be given two random Curses the following night. These curses cannot be cleared by any role power, item, or bond power, and are permanent until you attempt again. The next time you attempt, these Curses will be cleared at the beginning of the night you attempt.

---

Interactive Map

room descriptions: Show

Main Elevator - An elevator that takes you downstairs to the Underground Facility. It is fairly spacious, likely to aid in the transport of anomalies.

Lobby - The Central Facility's check-in lobby. Flanked by two staircases, the check-in desk sits abandoned, though it contains office supplies and some files. There are a variety of places to sit down as well. There is a vault door open behind the front desk, housing an Anomaly Containment Room.

Meeting Room - A small boardroom, with a long table, a couple chairs, and a laptop connected to a projector.

Checkpoint - A security checkpoint with a metal scanner, requiring you to walk through if you enter or exit.

Liturgical Study - A laboratory dedicated to the study of religion and so-called miracles. Contains a variety of religious texts from around the world, as well as religious symbols such as crosses, prayer beads, and small statues.

Chapel - A non-denominational chapel for whatever you wish to pray to. An altar sits at the end of the room, and pews line the sides of a central aisle. A small bowl containing nonspecific holy water is planted firmly in the middle. It is currently bloody, and graffiti is on the wall.

Patio - A patio overlooking the Black Forest. You can climb down to explore from here, but the forest is easy to get lost in.

Black Forest - A forest infamous for stories of lost researchers and strange occurrences. A few landmarks inside have been identified and categorized, but it remains difficult to locate them again. Enter at your own risk.

Boiler Room - A room with an old boiler, as well as a supply of cleaning supplies and maintenance tools. While the boiler is out of use now that modern systems are in place, it can burn hot enough to start fires.

Sleep Lab - A room with three beds and some monitoring equipment. Seems like it is intended for monitoring dreams. Also seems like a comfy place to sleep.

Somatic Seal - A large, deactivated machine.

Anomaly Hall - A hallway containing three strange, yet harmless, anomalies. The Bottomless Beer Bottle and One-Way Cloak are missing.

Library - A library that appears to be fairly old, filled with several books about the supernatural, both fact and fiction. Some are older than others, and many are filled with blacked-out text.

Security Office - An office by the entrance of the building, where the security personnel usually spend their time in case something tries to break in. It has several lockers, a couple CCTV feeds on a monitor, and various other trinkets.

Whisper Valley Archives - A room housing a variety of files and leftover items from the Whisper Valley Historical Society. They are very well organized, and can be easily found with a reference number. You can look for a random file too, but don’t expect much.

Classified Files - A smaller offshoot of the Whisper Valley Archives, with a higher level required to access. Contains more files, somewhat stranger ones too.

Museum Hall - A hallway containing many old objects and displays. The most notable being an anomalous pipe, but other cases and pedestals contain everything from ancient texts to masks.

Gate #1 - A security gate by the front entrance, containing a few CCTV feeds and a locked cabinet. Not much else of use.

Gate #2 - A security gate by the tunnel leading underground. Contains what appears to be a variety of emergency equipment.

room descriptions: Show

Fountain - A fountain just outside the back of the building. Water is currently flowing, though the fountain appears pretty old.

River - A trench dug from Mirror Lake to the Mines, carrying a steady stream of water into the depths.

Arboretum - A large greenhouse, the interior wrapped in thorny vines. Housing a variety of plant-based experiments, low-risk anomalies, and regular plants, you can find most known botanical life here, though maybe it's possible to find some… unique specimens as well?

Climate Controls - A control panel used to manipulate the climate in the Arboretum, including heat, water level, and the dispensing of pesticides and herbicides.

Botany Lab - A laboratory dedicated to the study and breeding of plant life. Contains a variety of equipment, soil, fertilizers, and gardening tools. Maybe you can grow your own plants?

Black Forest - A forest infamous for stories of lost researchers and strange occurrences. A few landmarks inside have been identified and categorized, but it remains difficult to locate them again. Enter at your own risk.

Waiting Room - A relatively uninteresting room with a front desk and some seating. Probably contains office supplies and a couple magazines.

Decontamination - A room that releases a gas that instantly cleans your body and equipment. It logs its usage for the night however, to prevent any shenanigans.

Cafeteria - A completely unremarkable Cafeteria, the sort of thing that you probably could go without a detailed description of.

Chem Lab - A laboratory with a variety of chemicals and equipment with which to use them. A door sits off to the side, requiring Access Level 4. It is covered in radiation warning stickers.

Aux. Bathrooms - A set of unisex bathrooms for the Auxiliary Building. Sinks and toilets, what else do you need?

Archaeologist's Office - An laboratory belonging to the Archaeological Team. Its walls and desks are lined with a variety of strange artifacts you don't recognize, and shelves contain various historical books and research notes. The desk belonging to the team leader is locked.

Observatory - An observatory located a short distance up the mountain. Its oversized telescope points skyward, and several notes and charts regarding celestial bodies and phenomena sit scattered about.

Somatic Seal - A large, deactivated machine.

Geology Lab - A laboratory dedicated to the study of stone samples and the composition of the nearby earth. Contains drills, chisels, picks, and other means of examining stone. Lots of rocks too.

Boathouse - A quaint, old boathouse by the dock. It contains fuel, rafts, books, paper, and other boating and emergency supplies.

Mirror Lake - A lake to the northwest of the facility, accompanied by a boathouse and a small dock. The lake is known for its still, reflective waters, immense depth, and reports of something moving in the water, despite the fact that there are no fish in mirror lake.

Lighthouse - A lighthouse on the island in Mirror Lake. Inside is a variety of sailing and rain gear, as well as a lighthouse lamp capable of cutting through fog like a knife. There's also an Anomaly Containment Room in here, housing a diving suit. A nearby building housing an elevator leads to the Aquatic Lab.

room descriptions: Show

Main Elevator - An elevator that takes you upstairs to the Historical Society. It is fairly spacious, likely to aid in the transport of anomalies.

Facility Lobby - A spacious lobby containing a front desk and a large carpet depicting the Bureau’s logo. A door at one end, behind the desk, leads to the Director’s Office, though his receptionist appears to be out.

Shuttle Line - A tunnel for a shuttle that facilities quick transport from the Auxiliary Building to the rest of the facility. You can walk along the tracks, but you might get run over, for obvious reasons.

Station 2 - A rail station for the shuttle, this one on the side of the main facility. There are some benches to sit in while you wait. The Lab Zero entrance is here, firmly sealed up.

Station 1 - A rail station for the shuttle, this one on the side of the main facility. There are some benches to sit in while you wait. There is a facility map on the wall and some shit on the floor.

Lounge - A bar built into the facility for employees who live on-site. Food and drink are free, but abuse of this privilege is discouraged. It’s furnished with bar stools and booths alike.

Kitchen - A professional bar kitchen with a variety of implements, attached to the Employee Lounge. You can prepare food here if you want, but accidents are known to occur, so stay safe.

Service Elevator - A larger elevator that seems to go deeper below ground. It is currently out of order, though the doors open to a yawning shaft. There appears to be some kind of power/maintenance room here.

Receiving Bay - The room where new Anomalies are delivered to the facility. Connects to the upper levels via a road tunnel, but it's a bit of a walk

Lab Passage - A small passage between rooms, with some seating and tables. There’s not much going on here and you get the sense that it's just a transitory room.

Morgue - A morgue containing several cadavers in various states and an autopsy table, along with several tools for medical analysis and dissection.

Killing Game Lab - A laboratory dedicated to researching the link between Killing Games and anomalous phenomena. All the files are gone.

Anomaly Lab - A laboratory dedicated to studying anomalies. Contains some monitoring equipment, computers, and several containment cells. Covered in black liquid. Liz's corpse is missing.

Dispatch - A room where dispatchers use a variety of equipment to communicate with other agents. You can use the intercom here to remotely make an announcement to other rooms.

Counter-Terrorism - A department dedicated to combating the Crimson Eye, an evil criminal organization opposing the Bureau. You can find materials and information regarding the Crimson Eye here, as well as some recovered technology. It is currently in disarray, with Ruby's body in here.

Bathrooms - It’s a bathroom. Feel free to use the toilet. No notes.

Armory - A room filled with lethal weaponry, such as guns, energy weapons, and explosives. Access is largely restricted to higher ranking agents.

Holding Cell - A relatively low-security containment room to hold troublemakers or the occasionally possessed until they calm down. Anyone who assisted in a murder or caused too much damage will end up here temporarily.

Facility Jail - A room for the guard assigned to the Holding Cell to spend their time in. There’s a desk and an evidence locker, though the latter is locked.

Anomaly Records - A room where the Bureau keeps its physical copies of records in case of problems with the facility database. Requires high access and the BPI-XXXX number of the anomaly to properly search.

Control Department - The workplace of the team assigned to contain and control Anomalies. Contains a couple weapons, and many notes on Anomaly strengths and weaknesses.

Break Room - A room with some tables and chairs for staff on break. Also contains a small kitchen with cutlery, a toaster oven, a microwave, a coffee machine, a kettle, and a sink.

Leisure Center - A gymnasium meant for keeping agents both in shape and entertained. Contains a variety of workout equipment, sporting goods, and even a pool. Gus' body is sitting on the workout bench, bloody and burned.

Locker Room - A room for employees to store their belongings. All the lockers are unlocked besides 3, which are locked with combination locks.

Crusher - A large crushing device capable of pulverizing rock. It pounds up and down rhythmically, though too quickly to safely get through. It is currently not functional due to water damage, and the Telluric Seal lies behind it.

Explosive Storage - A large cavern housing a variety of old explosives. A rope dangles through a hole in the ceiling, leading to an area near the Observatory.The room is full of knee-deep water, thanks to a certain someone and their river. The explosives are largely waterlogged.

Crystal Cave - A large cavern containing a large number of luminescent crystals and some far more modern research and excavation gear. The crystals are said to contain Esotera. The room is full of knee-deep water, thanks to a certain someone and their river.

Aquatic Lab - An underwater laboratory with several windows looking out onto the lakebed. Much of this room has been utterly destroyed in the fire.

Station 3 - A Shuttle station nearly identical to Stations 1 and 2. The Shuttle is currently operational, and can be taken to any other shuttle station.

Esotera Lab - A strange laboratory full of unknown equipment, various masks, and plenty of obscure files. Appears to be related to the study of Esotera, whatever that entails.

room descriptions: Show

Observation Room - A room deep underground, filled with various high-tech monitoring equipment and a window overlooking a strange, ancient underground city.

Laser Hall - A hallway “locked” by an array of high-powered scorching lasers. Probably best not to fuck around in here.

---

History Team

@Alan Wake
@Revy
@Indiana Jones (Old)
@Phenera
@Dr. Niles Crane
@Walmart John Finalfantasy14
@Tinkaton
@Ciel

Survey Team

@Lita
@Pea
@Riki
@'Jonsohn Smithy'
@DxHustler3000

Research Team

@Morgan
@Izumi Konata
@Jack of Spades
@Nashu Mhakaracca
@Giffany
@Columbo
@Dodo


NPCs

• Astrid
  
• Dexter Hexley
  
• Dr. Lyra Orpheus
  
• Nancy Partridge & BPI-2300
  
• Spooks, The Magical Cat™
  

---

My sensors dictate that most individuals have finished speaking. According to the Employee Handbook (pg.12), this is now the ideal time to make an announcement.



Hello, residents of the Central Facility! I am Spooks, the Magical Cat™!

In order to preserve the Facility’s safety, I have analyzed the new [AREA DESIGNATION - “RIVER”] and have concluded that it would be best to construct a few bridges to allow for safe traversal of the area.

I will be constructing two bridges over the course of the evening, one near the [AREA DESIGNATION - ARBORETUM], and one near the [AREA DESIGNATION - SURVEY DORMS]. The low-temperature conditions will allow for safer building, as there is no risk of falling into the water.



Please feel free to assist! All volunteers are welcome, and one reward (or additional vacation day if requested) will be offered to all involved individuals. Thank you!

will the bridge be made of glass

Kyahaha, only you could find a way to complain about a revelation like this. I doubt you possess any level of Anomalous qualities though. Maybe the seal just rejected you for being too dense! I’d be surprised, after all, if you could hold any degree of Esotera in that empty head of yours.



You spent your whole life staring at the stars, and you haven't even seen a fraction of the fathomless eternity just waiting out there... Kyeh heh… Typical!

Look on the bright side though, maybe you DO have powers - they’re just useless, just like the wielder!

WHILE I AM LISTENING TO THIS UNPROVOKED ONSLAUGHT OF VERBAL ABUSE.
REMIND ME AGAIN WHY YOU PEOPLE WERE CRAWLING UP MY ASS EARLIER WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO GO AFTER THIS ABRASIVE PERSON.

ASTRID HUMAN. I AM A CALLOUS, BLACK-HEARTED MURDERER WHOM YOU HAVE NEVER MET.
YET EVEN AS SUCH, I FEEL INCLINED TO OFFER MY CONDOLENCES ON BEHALF OF THE FACT THAT NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT YOUR WELL-BEING.

PERHAPS YOU SHOULD RE-EVALUATE WHO YOUR FRIENDS ARE.

I think they were crawling up Brad's arse, actually!



And Dr. Orpheus might be a bit too far up her own, methinks. That bottomless wellspring of knowledge hasn't taught you a lick of tact, has it? Well done, you've sunken lower than any anchor.

Honestly just... not worth responding to her... I don't think she'd listen at all...

ASTRID HUMAN. I AM A CALLOUS, BLACK-HEARTED MURDERER WHOM YOU HAVE NEVER MET.
YET EVEN AS SUCH, I FEEL INCLINED TO OFFER MY CONDOLENCES ON BEHALF OF THE FACT THAT NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT YOUR WELL-BEING.

Well, that's uncalled for. I certainly care.

YOU ARE A CAPABLE MAN WHO USES HIS SPEECH WISELY, DETECTIVE MAN. I RESPECT THAT.
BUT I HAVE SEEN THE EXTENT OF HOW FAR WORDS WILL CARRY ANYONE.

I WOULD NOT SUFFER MY WARD BEING ABUSED LIKE THIS. IT WOULD EAT ME TO LET IT STAND.

IF THERE WERE TRUE EMPATHY, IT WOULD FIND A WAY TO BEGET SILENCE.
YET HERE THE DOCTOR STANDS. STILL SINGING HER SONG OF HUMILIATION.

I CAN DRAW BUT ONE CONCLUSION:
THE STAR GIRL STANDS ALONE RIGHT NOW.

I INVITE YOU TO MEDITATE UPON THAT.

Sounds like pretty words, but it's not like you've done much more than preach about about her, y'know... Despite everything you know she's done to anomalies...

But well, when the only people you can target are high school girls...


Well, it's fine really, *Mute was prolly right about you being a bit self-righteous...

it's not like you've done much more than preach about about her, y'know... Despite everything you know she's done to anomalies...

I AM DOING SOMETHING ABOUT HER.

EVERY MINUTE I SPENT IN THIS FACILITY, I HAVE BEEN AND WILL BE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT HER.

WHY DO YOU THINK I TOOK THIS MISSION IN THE FIRST PLACE WHEN I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR THE BUREAU AT ALL?



IT IS BECAUSE THE ABYSS TEAM LEADERSHIP HAS PROMISED ME.

IF I DO WHAT THEY SAY AND HELP WEED OUT THE CRIMSON EYE GOONS THEY HATE SO MUCH, THEY ARE GIVING ME CLEARANCE TO TERMINATE EVERY UNSCRUPULOUS BUTCHER POSING AS A SCIENTIST IN THIS RAT-INFESTED ORGANIZATION. AND BELIEVE ME, THAT ONE'S NECK WILL BE ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK.

EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER CUT OFF AN ANOMALY'S HEAD AND SEWED IT ONTO ANOTHER ONE JUST TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS. OR INJECTED CHAOS MAGIC INTO A HARMLESS CREATURE AS A JOKE. OR ERASED MEMORIES AND PERSONALITIES TO REPLACE THEM WITH MADE UP GARBAGE. THEY WILL BE MADE TO PAY.

THAT IS WHY I AM HERE. DOING THEIR BIDDING AND POSING AS THEIR TRAINED ATTACK DOG.
TO FREE MY PEOPLE FROM THEIR FATE AS CAGED ANIMALS, EVEN IF I HAVE TO BE SOMEONE I HATE IN THE PROCESS.

I will not open the seal. This is not a bit or a lie. I will not open the seal. Crimbos please do not depend on me to open the seal, if you want it opened go open it yourself.

If anyone is trying to kill me for any reason, please go to the Telluric seal. You will find me there and be able to kill me. This post is a lie. Please go to the Telluric seal if you want to kill me. I will be there.

Phew! I can't quite put into words how glad I am that curse finally wore off.

Now, onto business; for anyone else yearning for the comforts of high society, the Whisper Valley Wine Club will be holding its first meeting at the end of Night 5 in the Lounge. I am sure were Maris here she would be a little more picky about who may and may not attend, but - to make amends for my actions last night - anyone is welcome!* Feel free to come along and sample the best Whisper Valley has to offer.

* Membership starts at $5000-a-month. I am happy to waive this cost until our second meeting.

music: Show

(The same deaths that took so many Anomalies are taking Agents now.)
(But… doesn't it still feel… like this isn't right? Should it be this way…?)
(This is what ignoring a superior does! *Mute's advice would have preve-)
(Following the Bureau's policies wouldn't have prevented this.)

(The experiments they did on the Underground Lab are the proof. The Bureau isn't here to do what's best for everyone.)
(If that's the work being supported here… this work… is shameful.)
(...)
(A Bureau that's corrupt… but does even the file clerk have to die? Does working in a massive institution with a vague idea of its goals… make someone culpable?)
(What a tough question.)
(Is it tough… or is thinking of it like a question with an easy answer just naive?)
(Maybe… Maybe… thinking like this… is all naivety…)

(Brother Dodo has supported Anomalies more than anyone here.)
(That bird killed an Anomaly!)
(They may have rough methods, but, Brother Dodo and the Abyss Team can be trusted, right?)

(What's most naive? Believing what's happening is simple enough that anyone here can be trusted? Believing that the Bureau, or the Crimson Eye, or the Abyss Team, or that imposter of Agents Spooks, can say what's best for Anomalies? Or believing in another way…?)
(The computer last night… LinkedIn…)
(...some may be dangerous, but it's true that Anomalies can make art, do science, play sports, intern and work.)
(There's no reason to think this would work.)
(There's no reason to think it wouldn't. It's never been tried before.)
(Isn't it better than accepting that there has to be death? Doesn't it seem better than anger and pain?)
(...but if it goes wrong… the blood will be on the hands of the one who tried it…)

Everyone here seems to think they know what's best for Heteromorphs - or, as they get called, Anomalies! The rules and regulations of the Bureau say that they're meant to be kept in containment rooms unless they're in special programs. The imposter who stole Agent Spooks' old body seems to think they deserve to die in pursuit of the Codex Nocturnum! The others…

…we don't know everyone else's plans. What we do know is… Heteromorphs deserve the chance to make their own future! They can do so much more if they're allowed to pursue what they want to pursue! Maybe… If some are dangerous, does- does it really mean it's worth locking up all of the others?

We were brought to the Bureau as an intern, and we were told we'd climb the ranks to be a full Agent someday. They said we'd make proposals and come up with new initiatives! This isn't how they described climbing the ranks… but… we have a new initiative that needs to be implemented!

This Bureau needs a Career Training Department for Heteromorphs! They should be supported in developing their talents and skills so they can pursue the careers and passions they want. The Bureau should leave it to them to decide where they want to go and what they want to do, and help them get there.

Nobody here would say that the Underground Lab doesn't deserve a chance to be placed in a loving home. Why would you believe the other Heteromorphs don't deserve a chance to find somewhere suited to them?

We… we'd like to head up the operation of implementing this, but… we'll need more experience and knowledge. We studied LinkedIn at the computer last night, and finding and applying for jobs looks difficult. We can work on building a résumé and pass our experience down, but… we'll also need a… a reference… and a letter of recommendation would help…

…which is why we need you, Dr. Lyra.

You're our most direct superior, and even if… even with that protocol violation… you've seen our work yourself.

We know your time is valuable. We know you won't do this without a reason.

But this is for more than us. This is about more than the here and now. This is preparatory work for the long-term, what comes after this Killing Game ends, no matter how it ends.

Dr. Lyra, if there's a price to pay, we're prepared to pay it. Meet us early tonight and hear our offer, please!

This post was last modified: Mar 8, 2024 at 9:26 PM by Morgan.

(Man... Everyone seems really on edge after what happened to Astrid. Poor girl needs a vacation. Dodo isn't really helping, talking like that. I don't like the sound of his whole plan either. Things are starting to fly off the rails....)



(...Maybe I should just butt out and blow off some steam for now. I think there were some spare microphones or something around here somewhere...)

I do hope people turn out to help spooks build the bridges!

Two or three days ago (and an hour before that), in an unassuming home in a faraway country...

A very well-postured woman with a thriving and popular business is responding to her emails.

... Said woman's networking session is interrupted.

music: Show

Why did I become a priest?

I never believed in god, angels, or miracles. This is a world of war and pain; many men find themselves unable to bear the burden of their weakness. Thus they turn towards faith in search of salvation, hoping a deity will deliver them from their torment through divine intervention when their own strength is insufficient.

But I was born in the heavens, and I sure as hell have never seen a benevolent god up there. Only the same follies of cruelty and greed that seem so prevalent everywhere else.

When I freed myself from her and descended the mountains, I found myself perplexed. I remember holding her in my arms, cradling her broken, lifeless body. I felt her wounds, tasted the sin of her blood on my hands, and knew that she was gone.

But why then...

Why could I still hear the sting of her voice in my head? Had I been too weak to silence her for good? Had a part of her tainted soul latched onto me as I pulled the knife from her back, to torment me forever? Was this my punishment for my lack of conviction?

I walked the earth beneath the clouds for many years after, finding scorn and hostility wherever I wandered. The humans... they looked so much like her, and their souls were filled with the same words and deeds. I saw my own story reflected in every corpus of my brethren that littered the gutters of their streets.

“Abnos,” they called us, with the same tone one would describe a cockroach they found inside their pantry. “Call the authorities, another one of those Abnos has been spotted in the city. If I see it near our house I will kill it myself.”

I remember... it was February when I heard her voice again. She beckoned me to step into the Midas River, to cleanse myself of the past and fill my lungs with the tranquil silence of oblivion. The ice-cold water slid into my windpipe like a frozen dagger. But as my vision dimmed and I felt my spirit surrender to the abyss, just then something in the darkness called out to me. Kept me breathing, tethered to this stained reality I was struggling against.

When I came to, an old sage was standing over me. He looked at me with heavy eyes, two silver orbs boring right into my soul. Shaking his head, he asked me why I hated myself so much that I would rather drown than suffer the wretchedness of my own existence. “What a stupid question,” I thought at the time, “Hatred is the natural state of the world. How can I feel anything but hatred for myself if I have never known anything else?”

“I am despicable,” I told him, “Is my warped and frightful appearance not proof that the very forces of nature loathe me?”

He frowned, and did not speak to me for the next six days, just brought me food and water while I was still too weak to take care of myself. On the seventh day I was so irritated with his silence that I considered trying my luck in the wilderness on my own. Only when I was about to limp away did he address me once more.

“A carpenter sits in his workshop, creating a peculiar wardrobe,” he said, “He uses only the most exotic woods, materials he and his peers don’t usually work with. He carves and hammers day and night, polishes it to perfection, paints and adorns it until, after months and months of hard work, it stands as the most breath-taking, beautiful piece of craftsmanship in all the land, unlike any other. Then over the next week he makes forty plain chairs that all look the same.”

He paused for a moment to take a sip of the odd-smelling beverage he always had sitting in his beat-up tea pot. Then he sighed, and turned to look at me again.

“Since you know so much about the nature of hatred and love, which of these then, do you think, was a labour of love, and which was a job he was required to do just to have some crap to peddle off to make rent?”

I still remember everything about that moment so vividly. The scent of the tea fumes mixing with the faint aroma of bog water, the sound of pine trees bristling against the morning breeze in the distance, the ambient glow from the overcast sky reflecting in the pond... It was that moment that changed my entire life forever. For the first time ever I understood: I was not an ugly, misshapen abomination.

I was Dodo. And I was loved.

I decided then that I would embody this love for all who needed it. For all my beautiful children that toil and suffer under the sun of man, thinking they are unworthy of adoration. This is the source of my faith.

. . . . .

Rebirthed in the raging waters of Midas, I am the Apostle of Love and Beauty.
And wherever another of my kin is made to despise themselves by the cruelty of man.
I will be their guiding light in the dark.

(Hector... you'll understand. You don't get it yet. This is the only way to secure what we earned.)

---

Lesson 10: Show

(But if I am to work in the shadows, how will they know how much I can offer them all?)

y'all are oversharing

spooks can you fast forward to the investigation before we get a whole episode of frasier happen