Sing Halleluiah

Have you said your prayers today?

[puphoods]

[a-blinking-red-light]

[anonymous requested: ‘The most recent episode needs to be immortalized somehow in your glorious pixels. Can you maybe do something with: “What is the use of nostalgia for what didn’t happen when we have to live with what did?"’]

i wish things could have gone differently, obviously.  that is, obviously, what i wish.  but they didn’t.

what is the use of nostalgia for what didn’t happen when we have to live with what did?

[guccikaligula]

Desert Bluffs Theme on Xylophone

I found what I’m sure is a haunted, antique xylophone at the thrift store. For some reason, the first song I learned on it was the Desert Bluffs theme. It’s less that I learned it, and more that the xylophone somehow taught me. Strex.

[wtnv-typography]

[sunstrike-deactivated20240127]

The trouble with listening to good podcasts, is that they subvert you to their ways and take over your work day.

Have a Productive day Everyone!

:D

—

Welcome to Nightvale

[themoreyoustrex]

It was Monday morning, just after dawn, and most of the disgruntled, caffeineless churchgoers were filing out of the Church of the Smiling God. As usual, there were four or five people lined up outside the chapel door - sinners seeking repentance, most likely, or concerned devotees - and Diego was forced to wait his turn for his chance to talk to the priest. Normally, he would have pushed past the plebeians, but something about the priest made him… uneasy. Something in their eyes was just a bit too haunting. 

Finally, it was his turn. He wasted no time. “I need to talk to you. Privately.”

@nothingwillsaveyou

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“It’s always a pleasure to see you, Mr. Strex” The priest replied with a cool smile, lines of tension pulling their shoulders taught. “And if you’d like to wait in my office, I can speak about whatever you wish when I’m done with my duties here.” The priest never enjoyed these conversations; Strex kept insisting that they knew the true will of the Creator, and when they went against doctrine there was always a fight.

[themoreyoustrex]

Diego was not a patient man, nor did he like being shunted aside like some pestering child. But there were still two people behind him, and now was not the time to draw his weapon. With a glare, he turned away from the priest and went to go sulk in their office until they deigned to speak with him. Asshole.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

The priest let Diego sit for a good forty-five minutes before entering the office, tea service in hand. “How can I best serve our corporate overlords today?” The priest asked, setting the tray down and settling into the visitors chair. If Diego was going to behave like a child having a power trip by sitting in their chair, the holy priest wasn’t going to protest.

[themoreyoustrex]

The priest may have thought that they were better than he was because of their connection to the Smiling God, but Diego knew better. They were just as greedy, just as power-hungry, just as human as everyone else. And to prove it, Diego sat in their chair. Just because he could.

When the priest sat down in the visitors’ chair, Diego couldn’t help but feel a bit of childish victory. He was CEO. He was the boss. 

“The Night Vale City Council has not been doing an adequate job of encouraging devotion among its citizens, and I’ve heard whispers of complaints among the Strexcorp employees as well. After the disaster in Night Vale last year, we - that is, Strexcorp - cannot afford a reeducation scandal. Therefore, it falls on you to ensure that everyone is obeying their duties to the Smiling God.”

[nothingwillsaveyou]

The priest nodded along, serving Diego before making their own cup of tea. That seemed - shockingly reasonable for a demand from the CEO. “I’m doing all I can, you know. Conversion takes time and patience.” They sat back in the chair and regarded the other man calmly. “A /reeducation/ scandal is hardly my concern, seeing as the Church is only loosely affiliated with Strex Corp, and my only job is to preach the good word.”

[nothingwillsaveyou]

Open

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“Would you like to use the phone to call for a tow truck?” The priest was suspicious of this girl, and didn’t want her staying the night. They would let her, of course, if there was no other option. But only if no one would come get her. “There’s a landline in the kitchen. I doubt that the storm has knocked it out.”

[nightvalesmuggler]

“Uh…thanks.” She said, taking another step inside. “…So why are you being all welcoming after not wanting me here?” She asked, now wondering if this was a trap.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“I don’t want you here.” The priest replied simply. “I don’t trust you or your story, but there’s no point in not helping you get to safety.” They led her to the kitchen, where the pastel yellow wall paper seemed to repel the darkness of the hallway. They gestured to the phone, across the room, and let her see for herself if there was a dial tone that would allow her to call out.  

[nothingwillsaveyou]

Closed

@freakmagician

“I’m afraid I don’t follow.” The priest’s voice was dry as they took in the stranger. This person was neither Night Valian nor Desert Bluffs Citizen. They stood outside the laws that governed the priest and their interactions with the congregation. “I’m unsure what, exactly, you’re seeking from me.”

[freakmagician]

Evan was tired. She was so tired, she missed her dad and her best friend, and this desert scared her. It was so much different from her home. Maybe she might fit in more, but it wasn’t worth it if she didn’t have her family. “I just… I wanted to see if there was a way for me to go home. I just woke up here, and I don’t know how I got here or even where here is..” She sighed desperately, looking at her feet. She hated bothering people, but she didn’t know where to turn at this point. She needed help.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“You’re safe, to start.” The priest replied soothingly, guiding the girl into the kitchen. “But until I know where your ‘home’ is I can’t help you get there.” They pushed her gently into a chair and moved to put the kettle on. “Do you drink green tea? We’re not currently allowed caffeine, so unless you /want/ decaf it’s all I can offer as far as hot beverages go.”

[freakmagician]

Evan bit her lip. “Green tea sounds great,” she said softly, looking into her lap. “I don’t feel safe. I listened to the radio a few times and… It feels like there’s always something here that’s going to be the end of the world..” She looked up, “I feel like.. I feel like I might fit in better than I did at home, with some time, but.. I feel like I could die literally any time here for who knows why. And my dad and my best friend are back where I came from..”

[nothingwillsaveyou]

The priest listened thoughtfully, using the explanation as time to boil the water and add the tea bag. “Until I know where your home is I can’t help you return there.” There was no malice in the priest’s voice, just the gentle compassion of someone stating facts that were inconvenient. They passed her the tea cup and settled at the table, folding their hands neatly in their lap.

“The church is a safe place for any who wish to remain here, and so long as that’s your wish I wont turn you away. But it requires certain - commitments. The type that no one should make lightly.”

[freakmagician]

“I’m from Bar Harbour, Maine,” she explained, cheeks heating a bit and changing to a pinkish color. She had always been known to ramble, especially when she was in a more… Negative mood. “And what kind of commitments? I really appreciate that you’re considering letting me stay…” She kept her eyes down as she took a small sip of the tea. Of course she burned her mouth, but it was a small price to pay for the way it began to calm her down. Tea and other hot drinks always made her feel better, even in the worst of times.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“If you were to stay you would be staying as an acolyte, someone who helps with the service and the keeping of the grounds and the like. There’s already another girl here - Terra - who does much the same thing. With it comes the expectation that you’ll study the religion and live by its tenants, even if you don’t chose to believe.” As the priest spoke a twinkle worked its way into their eye, speech gradually speeding up as they grew excited. 

“In return, I’ll attempt to find out what I can about this Bar Harbour, and how to return you to it.”

[nothingwillsaveyou]

Closed

@freakmagician

“I’m afraid I don’t follow.” The priest’s voice was dry as they took in the stranger. This person was neither Night Valian nor Desert Bluffs Citizen. They stood outside the laws that governed the priest and their interactions with the congregation. “I’m unsure what, exactly, you’re seeking from me.”

[freakmagician]

Evan was tired. She was so tired, she missed her dad and her best friend, and this desert scared her. It was so much different from her home. Maybe she might fit in more, but it wasn’t worth it if she didn’t have her family. “I just… I wanted to see if there was a way for me to go home. I just woke up here, and I don’t know how I got here or even where here is..” She sighed desperately, looking at her feet. She hated bothering people, but she didn’t know where to turn at this point. She needed help.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“You’re safe, to start.” The priest replied soothingly, guiding the girl into the kitchen. “But until I know where your ‘home’ is I can’t help you get there.” They pushed her gently into a chair and moved to put the kettle on. “Do you drink green tea? We’re not currently allowed caffeine, so unless you /want/ decaf it’s all I can offer as far as hot beverages go.”

[freakmagician]

Evan bit her lip. “Green tea sounds great,” she said softly, looking into her lap. “I don’t feel safe. I listened to the radio a few times and… It feels like there’s always something here that’s going to be the end of the world..” She looked up, “I feel like.. I feel like I might fit in better than I did at home, with some time, but.. I feel like I could die literally any time here for who knows why. And my dad and my best friend are back where I came from..”

[nothingwillsaveyou]

The priest listened thoughtfully, using the explanation as time to boil the water and add the tea bag. “Until I know where your home is I can’t help you return there.” There was no malice in the priest’s voice, just the gentle compassion of someone stating facts that were inconvenient. They passed her the tea cup and settled at the table, folding their hands neatly in their lap.

“The church is a safe place for any who wish to remain here, and so long as that’s your wish I wont turn you away. But it requires certain - commitments. The type that no one should make lightly.”

[nothingwillsaveyou]

Open

“You shouldn’t be here.” The priest’s voice was soft, more like a tickle in the back of the mind of the person standing in the back of the darkened cathedral. Lightening flashed, once, illuminating the space before it went crashing back into darkness. Water dripped down the individual’s face, and the priest found they wouldn’t have the heart to send the pilgrim back into the storm.

[voicesofpinecliff]

Eula took a deep breath. She was indeed spoaking wet from the storm raging outside, and this was the nearest structure that she had found, admittedly from the split second of life, it was extremely impressive. “Why not..?” The radio host asked before sneezing into her sleeve.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“You should never go out in a storm, they represent the wrath of the Smiling God.” The answer was simple as the priest crossed the room, concerned look flitting across their face. “And in the morning the sun will burn away the sin that the water has collected, and leave the land purified. But I suppose, if you didn’t know that, you’re not here to discuss the Smiling God.”

[voicesofpinecliff]

“Ohhh…” Eula replied looking towards the source of the voice. “No, I just though that this was the closest shelter.” She explained to them. The host then took a deep breath. “Look, uh, not gonna say anything about that, but uh, can I stay until the storm passes? Just star gazing, the night is beautiful. .. What do you think uh, what do I call you?”

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“Reverend is fine.” They replied, tilting their head in confusion. “You were - star gazing? In cloudy weather? I’m afraid I don’t quiet follow.” The priest stepped to the side to allow Eula to pass, leading her to the room where they kept donated items. Once there they found a pair of soft clothes that looked like they might fit, and passed them off. “There are empty rooms in the attic, you can stay there until the morning and pay for your lodging in chores tomorrow.”

[themoreyoustrex]

It was Monday morning, just after dawn, and most of the disgruntled, caffeineless churchgoers were filing out of the Church of the Smiling God. As usual, there were four or five people lined up outside the chapel door - sinners seeking repentance, most likely, or concerned devotees - and Diego was forced to wait his turn for his chance to talk to the priest. Normally, he would have pushed past the plebeians, but something about the priest made him… uneasy. Something in their eyes was just a bit too haunting. 

Finally, it was his turn. He wasted no time. “I need to talk to you. Privately.”

@nothingwillsaveyou

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“It’s always a pleasure to see you, Mr. Strex” The priest replied with a cool smile, lines of tension pulling their shoulders taught. “And if you’d like to wait in my office, I can speak about whatever you wish when I’m done with my duties here.” The priest never enjoyed these conversations; Strex kept insisting that they knew the true will of the Creator, and when they went against doctrine there was always a fight.

[themoreyoustrex]

Diego was not a patient man, nor did he like being shunted aside like some pestering child. But there were still two people behind him, and now was not the time to draw his weapon. With a glare, he turned away from the priest and went to go sulk in their office until they deigned to speak with him. Asshole.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

The priest let Diego sit for a good forty-five minutes before entering the office, tea service in hand. “How can I best serve our corporate overlords today?” The priest asked, setting the tray down and settling into the visitors chair. If Diego was going to behave like a child having a power trip by sitting in their chair, the holy priest wasn’t going to protest.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

Open

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“A church.” The priest responded dryly, lowering the lantern they were carrying. “The cathedral, specifically. Always open to pilgrims and those who are without shelter. Which, I suppose you have found yourself to be.” They stopped a few feet from the girl and looked her over.

“What were you doing out in the storm? I can’t imagine that you would have traveled willingly without motive if you knew.”

[nightvalesmuggler]

“I was-” She didn’t want to admit that she had been doing activities of questionable activity, so her mind was racing to make up an excuse. “I was on my way home when my car broke down. Freaking worse time to have it happen.” She hoped that excuse would hold up.

A church, huh? But why was it giving her the creeps?

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“Would you like to use the phone to call for a tow truck?” The priest was suspicious of this girl, and didn’t want her staying the night. They would let her, of course, if there was no other option. But only if no one would come get her. “There’s a landline in the kitchen. I doubt that the storm has knocked it out.”

[nothingwillsaveyou]

Closed

@mistress-strex

The priest was surprised to find Divina in the garden surrounding the cathedral. “Mrs. Free.” The greeted her, not standing from where they were kneeling in the flower beads, pulling weeds. “What brings you to the church today? A desire to donate your time to our beautification project?”

[mistress-strex]

“Actually, I had a question, but I suppose that could be asked while I help,” Divina said politely, carefully kneeling beside the priest. This probably wasn’t the best thing to do in a pencil skirt, but it would have been rude to just stand around and watch.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“What sort of question?” There were many directions this conversation could go. A deep, theological conversation about the foundation of belief (although that is not where they expected it to be heading). A conversation about practice, and the best way to salvation. Or even a conversation about what would be in next weeks sermon. They sat back on their heels and wiped their face, leaving a smudge of dirt trailing down their cheek.

[mistress-strex]

“I feel like this is going to be a silly question,” she admitted, looking away from them for a moment, “But do people like- like me… People artificially grown in a lab- do we have souls? Are people like me still blessed by the Smiling God?” That was more than one question, but it had been something that had bothered Divina for a long time. She genuinely wondered what the Smiling God thought of bioengineered beings.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“It’s not silly at all. I would be more worried if you weren’t concerned about your potential to reach salvation.” The priest looked up at the clear sky with a smile before resuming their work. It was a good day for such conversations - the clear sky meant the Creator was smiling down upon them. “I assume you’re worried because the Church maintains the stance that biomachines can’t contain the blessing of the Smiling God?”

[mistress-strex]

“I’m not a biomachine, though. I’m a genetic clone, but I suppose that could be put into a similar category. Both are artificially created life,” Divina said. Honestly, she was starting to get worried now. Everything about this conversation was starting to rub her the wrong way. “What about my son though? He was conceived by a ah- blessing as a wedding gift… Would he be able to receive salvation. We had him baptized when he was a few weeks old.”

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“Biomachines are unique.” The priest began, pausing a moment while they put their thoughts in order. “That’s not the best way to begin. Something that you, your son, and those who were not created in a test tube share is Free Will. It’s a gift from the Creator unto their creation that is what allows us to choose salvation.” A soft breeze carried through the garden, bending the tops of the flowers.

“A biomachine is nothing more than lines of code. They can never act outside their preexisting parameters, unless they receive an upgrade. Essentially, they have no Free Will. They have something akin to it, yes. But that something is man made and limited. It does not grow organically, unless it has been designed by it’s programmer to do so. And no programmer is the Creator, they cannot bestow gifts that are uniquely the Creator’s to give.

You and your son are organic. You are not programmed by another person, you were simply - conceived a bit differently. You still have Free Will, and thus can choose, or not choose, salvation. You can still be saved because it is a choice you can make, not one that is dictated to you by programming.”

[walkingfashiondisaster]

Smiling angels for A Smiling God

I know I said this wasn’t going to be posted for awhile, but I blew off my homework to finish it.

[themoreyoustrex]

It was Monday morning, just after dawn, and most of the disgruntled, caffeineless churchgoers were filing out of the Church of the Smiling God. As usual, there were four or five people lined up outside the chapel door - sinners seeking repentance, most likely, or concerned devotees - and Diego was forced to wait his turn for his chance to talk to the priest. Normally, he would have pushed past the plebeians, but something about the priest made him… uneasy. Something in their eyes was just a bit too haunting. 

Finally, it was his turn. He wasted no time. “I need to talk to you. Privately.”

@nothingwillsaveyou

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“It’s always a pleasure to see you, Mr. Strex” The priest replied with a cool smile, lines of tension pulling their shoulders taught. “And if you’d like to wait in my office, I can speak about whatever you wish when I’m done with my duties here.” The priest never enjoyed these conversations; Strex kept insisting that they knew the true will of the Creator, and when they went against doctrine there was always a fight.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

Closed

@mistress-strex

The priest was surprised to find Divina in the garden surrounding the cathedral. “Mrs. Free.” The greeted her, not standing from where they were kneeling in the flower beads, pulling weeds. “What brings you to the church today? A desire to donate your time to our beautification project?”

[mistress-strex]

“Actually, I had a question, but I suppose that could be asked while I help,” Divina said politely, carefully kneeling beside the priest. This probably wasn’t the best thing to do in a pencil skirt, but it would have been rude to just stand around and watch.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“What sort of question?” There were many directions this conversation could go. A deep, theological conversation about the foundation of belief (although that is not where they expected it to be heading). A conversation about practice, and the best way to salvation. Or even a conversation about what would be in next weeks sermon. They sat back on their heels and wiped their face, leaving a smudge of dirt trailing down their cheek.

[mistress-strex]

“I feel like this is going to be a silly question,” she admitted, looking away from them for a moment, “But do people like- like me… People artificially grown in a lab- do we have souls? Are people like me still blessed by the Smiling God?” That was more than one question, but it had been something that had bothered Divina for a long time. She genuinely wondered what the Smiling God thought of bioengineered beings.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“It’s not silly at all. I would be more worried if you weren’t concerned about your potential to reach salvation.” The priest looked up at the clear sky with a smile before resuming their work. It was a good day for such conversations - the clear sky meant the Creator was smiling down upon them. “I assume you’re worried because the Church maintains the stance that biomachines can’t contain the blessing of the Smiling God?”

[nothingwillsaveyou]

Closed

@freakmagician

“I’m afraid I don’t follow.” The priest’s voice was dry as they took in the stranger. This person was neither Night Valian nor Desert Bluffs Citizen. They stood outside the laws that governed the priest and their interactions with the congregation. “I’m unsure what, exactly, you’re seeking from me.”

[freakmagician]

Evan was tired. She was so tired, she missed her dad and her best friend, and this desert scared her. It was so much different from her home. Maybe she might fit in more, but it wasn’t worth it if she didn’t have her family. “I just… I wanted to see if there was a way for me to go home. I just woke up here, and I don’t know how I got here or even where here is..” She sighed desperately, looking at her feet. She hated bothering people, but she didn’t know where to turn at this point. She needed help.

[nothingwillsaveyou]

“You’re safe, to start.” The priest replied soothingly, guiding the girl into the kitchen. “But until I know where your ‘home’ is I can’t help you get there.” They pushed her gently into a chair and moved to put the kettle on. “Do you drink green tea? We’re not currently allowed caffeine, so unless you /want/ decaf it’s all I can offer as far as hot beverages go.”