maskormenace | second level; video

[ Merle's gotten a bit better at using the video function on his device by now. He knows enough to use video on purpose, rather than thinking he's using voice and accidentally recording a close up view of his mouth and beard. In any case, today he's set up the video to record himself sitting on his back deck, surrounded by potted plants of all varieties, holding a very important book. ]

Alright, imPorts. What I'm here to talk to ya about today can be considered a touchy subject in some circles, but I promise I just mean to have an open and honest discussion about it.

I mean Religion. Faith. Belief-- in whatever deity or deities or higher powers you choose to believe in. I've been thinkin' about it a lot lately, and I think just because my god is cut off from this world, an' I can't talk to him while I'm here, I don't think that oughta stop me from practicing my faith. I don't think it should stop any of us!

Now, I've heard some not-so-great things about the calibre of the native churches on this world. Far be it for me to condemn the way anyone worships, but I get the feeling that we imPorts who hold faith in other gods besides that one guy who sent his son down to Earth or whatever he did or didn't do... I get the feeling we wouldn't be so welcome at those native churches.

So that's why I'm thinkin' o' putting my own place together. A sort of church where anyone'd be welcome, where you could come an' practice whatever faith you want. --Except, maybe not the kind of faith that involves ritual murder... [ He's looking at you, Dark Brotherhood. ] But for all those other kinda faiths that need a place to go to pray, or meditate, or do whatever. Whaddaya think? Good idea? What sorta things would you need to practice your religion on this world? How could I make that easier for you?

[ He places his hand over his Extreme Teen Bible and closes his eyes briefly. ]

As our Pan-enly Father said, "You’re not from this world. And, so, technically speaking, that means I’m not your Pan. But you will always be my Merle."

...Okay, maybe that was a little thing he said specifically to me, but... The message is still the same! Okay, bye!

[ Embarrassed by his snafu, he hastily ends the recording. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Ah, then I suppose I could tell you about the Bureau. You seem trustworthy enough.

[ Make better choices, Merle. ]

It doesn't need to be too big. Just big enough to hold a few altars and some worshippers. Maybe some pews, I dunno.

That's what I thought, too, that it could be useful for people to have a place to come to worship.

While I do hope that I am trustworthy, I would caution against finding someone trustworthy simply for privating a conversation.

[ A small word of advice?? ]

If we can acquire enough funding to have places for several different altars or perhaps side rooms for some religions, that would be I think a very good thing for many people in the community.

I'll talk to some people and see what I can do, and you continue to do what you can on your end. I'm sure we can find a way to make this a reality.

[ He just shrugs but she can't tell because it's voice. ]

Thanks, madame Ambassador! I promise, I'll run a clean ship, worthy of your contributions!

I'll speak to some of my own people, but if you find yourself running into any specific problems please, feel free to let me know.

second level; video

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