Episode 33 - Temples

## Temples

An image of a scroll with text on it. A red car key is sitting on the scroll. The text underneath says "33 • Temples".

### Author

William A. Wellman

Polly reunites with an old acquaintance, Jonah gets to know his hitchhiker, and Solomon meets with the Vicar. The theme of tonight's episode is Temples.

***Content Warnings:** Abuse, violence, kidnapping and abduction, death + injury, blood, hateful language directed at the Scoutpost, Solomon Reed in general, birds, static (including sfx), emotional manipulation, body horror, electrocution*

## Intro - Sunday Service

We are in Sunday service for the Church of the Hallowed Name, responding to the Vicar. You welcome a void, pitch darkness, as it embraces you.

Nikignik is sitting on Mort's shoulder.

## Story One - How's Retirement?

Polly approaches his target as he fights the urge to stay with his new-found 'family'. Then, Yaretzi hears something. Then, a car comes flying out from over the trees. Barb, The Countess, and The Quilt are inside.

Polly and Barb talk, Polly trying to be polite and failing while Barb acts jovial. Mort is happy to meet new people, and Yaretzi is suspicious.

Barb asks why they're here, and Mort responds. Polly tells him that it's confidential.

Barb asks Polly to walk with him. On the walk, he broaches the subject of continuing to have Mort and Yaretzi with him, and Polly's purpose. Things come to a head, with Polly threatening Barb and Barb telling him that Barb is free.

Barb, the Countess, and the Quilt leave- with Mort being friends with the Quilt- and Yaretzi asks Polly if he's ok. Polly tells her that he's fine, and reflects on why he feels bad, before returning to his job.

### Interlude One - Felt Different

Nikignik asks if the listener has ever felt different, and offers them an invite to the Church of the Hallowed Name.

## Story Two - The Precipice

Jonah thinks about so many things, and reflects on the last day.

When he asks Zelda who Solomon is, she begins to cry. When Jonah asks Olivier if they know anything about this, they lie to him. Olivier calls Zelda crazy, and Jonah tells Olivier that they should talk outside.

Once outside, Jonah questions them. Olivier continues to lie to Jonah, and Zelda comes out from the car, telling Jonah that they need to get out of here without Olivier.

Olivier apologizes, telling Jonah that they need to take Zelda back, and summons a rainstorm.

### Marking - The New Church

Lady Ethel Mallory talks about churches and how BotCo, and in turn, the Dreaming Boxes, are the new church of America.

### Story Two, Continued - The Precipice

Nikignik talks about temples, and how they believe them to be "flattering but misguided".

Jonah stands up to Olivier, telling them no. Olivier runs, and Jonah helps Zelda back into the car, heading for the Scoutpost.

### Interlude Two - Distant Kazanth

Nikignik tells the dreamers about places in the universe that are must-sees.

## Story Three - The Organ

Solomon meets with the Vicar.

Solomon talks of his plans for the church. He talks of his plans to create and apocalyptic instrument, and to use the Scoutpost to do so.

They depart from one another.

## Outro - Temples

Nikignik reflects on temples, and how just because things are bigger or stronger than you doesn't mean they deserve worship. Nikignik wishes the dreamers well, leaving them for the night.