Episode 19 - Devils

## Devils

A white umbrella on a black background with red eyes that are on fire, the image is framed in four jagged arrows labelled Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4.

### Author

William A. Wellman

*The bonus episode/liveshow, "Spirits in the Spring", takes place before this episode*

Barb makes a toast, Diggory celebrates the Spring Solstice at the Scoutpost, and Rick Rounds gets an unexpected visit. The theme of tonight’s episode is Devils.

***Content Warnings:** Static, blood, smoking, alcohol use, religion, body horror, death + injury, homophobia, violence, gun mention*

## Intro - Special Assignment

Nikignik tells the story of Polly as an office worker, addressing him in second person. Each of his days have been the same for all eternity, and each day in the office will likely be the same in the future. He promises himself that he will not be here forever. The Industry's finances are in bad shape and new office closures are announced daily. Polly has been here since the Industry started working on Earth, and has worked hard for every bit of profit. He finds a new assignment buried under seventeenth century audits, and decides to take it himself rather than delegating it to someone else. He needs to get out of the office. What could go wrong?

Nikignik is speaking from the lobby of the worst, and only, hotel in the Hallowoods. The normally unruly guests are peaceful and civil for the moment, because the hotel's proprietor is about to give a speech.

## Story One - Cheers to the End

Barb raises a toast at his hotel bar, to his terrible patrons, his awful hotel, and the horrible swamp around them. As distasteful as they all are, he would always choose to be here with them. He thanks them for their friendship, their patronage, and all the fun they had at the world's end.

When conversation resumes in the bar, Barb is pleased with the community he's built. He invites the Countess to go to the roof with him when she mentions that this is not a happy occasion, and she follows him there. She is concerned that the woods are moving south and the cosmic North is getting worse. The Faceless King's domain is growing, and she feels out of place in the new world. Barb tries to brush this off, as the world has always faced doom from one source or another, but the Countess insists that this is an older, unnatural danger. This is not how the world is supposed to end. Barb says there was never any plan for the world, that the Industry's devils are just fighting for scraps at this point. He's grateful to have gotten away from that, despite losing his eyes in the process.

The Countess points out that their superiors no longer care about them, and will not offer them any help. Her days of glamor and decadence are over, and she is alone in a dying world. Barb agrees with her, but points out that she isn't alone. She plans to leave the planet before it dies rather than trying to flee south. She knows Barb won't accompany her. He has plans to stay, drinking and celebrating in the one place he feels he belongs for as long as he's able to. They toast the end of the world together.

### Interlude One - Scream at the Stars

Nikignik explains that there's multiple ways to express spirituality in the Hallowoods. The Scoutpost has groups of Muslim, Buddhist and non-denominational faiths; Webequie First Nation has an Anglican church and three sweat lodges; and finally the Church of the Hallowed Name is home to those for whom religion is a mask for deep hatred. Nikignik then suggests the purest form of connecting with the universe, which is screaming at the stars. They are so far away and you are so small. Your existence is inconsequential, so you might as well scream as long as you live.

## Story Two - Shadows of Devils

Diggory is happier than they have ever been in their life, sitting with the residents of the Scoutpost with a hot bowl of soup that they have no plans to eat. Percy is sitting in the chair next to them, invisible. Riot asks them about Evie, who wrote most of Valerie's songs. Diggory shares some scattered memories and feelings, and asks about Valerie, who was taken by Botco. Violet asks Riot why Botco is so intent on capturing Valerie, and Riot explains that Lady Ethel Mallory has had a grudge against her since her first album was released. It was openly against the Dreaming Boxes. Riot blames herself for her mother's capture, and says Violet would be justified in sending her away if she chose to.

Walt, who has been drawing and taking notes on Diggory, speaks up and insists that Botco has no quarrel with the Scoutpost. If they have anything against Riot, they can talk it out reasonably. Right now they need to focus on the Instrumentalist. Riot is going to help take him down, and Walt asks if Diggory would be willing to help.

Diggory looks to Percy and finds that he is visible now, shining intensely. Percy reveals that the Instrumentalist is his father, that he trapped Percy and the other ghosts, and says they must destroy him. Violet, Riot, and Walt are horrified at this revelation, and Percy fades away shyly at the attention. Walt, Riot, Diggory, and Percy plan to face the Instrumentalist, while Violet and Bern protect the Scoutpost.

Violet suggests that they focus on the celebration tonight. For now, they are safe and happy and in good company. Conversations turn to lighter topics, and Diggory tells Percy they are proud of him. Suddenly a truck's headlights shine through the night, and Riot runs towards it, hoping that Bern has found Clara and brought her back.

### Marketing - Ascendant Product

Lady Ethel Mallory reminds the Botco Marketing Representatives that they should be utilizing the power of fear. Humans have been afraid of many things, as long as they have existed. They believe that as long as they follow the rules and don't make trouble, they will be rewarded with eternal happiness. Botco can use this.

The Dreaming Box's brand persona is heavenly. It connects generations of singular thought into hoping for something better and ignoring reality. Heaven is the freedom to rest and play with friends and family. Heaven is the perfect dream, and heaven is what Botco is marketing.

### Story Two, Continued - Shadows of Devils

Nikignik explains that they have seen true evil and terrible power, but hearing Lady Ethel Mallory speak leaves them deeply troubled.

The members of the Scoutpost approach the RV, but only Bern exits. Bern tries to reassure Riot that Clara may still be alive somewhere, but Riot runs away, distraught. Diggory and Percy follow her through the woods to sit next to her on a log. Diggory asks if she would like them to search for Clara, and Riot asks them just to help kill the Instrumentalist, as she believes he killed Clara.

A corpse rises out of the water, with glowing green eyes and a crown of waterlilies. It crawls towards Diggory, and says it has to tell Walt that the heart is north.

### Interludes Two - Play With Fire

Nikignik speaks about how the universe is full of fire. Space is full of fiery stars, and worlds burn internally as well. Every living thing contains the fire of a soul. These souls can be used or corrupted if one knows how. Fire is a resource that can burn out and be transformed into other forms. When the fire of souls dies, the Industry dies as well, and its employees must seek new occupations.

## Story Three - Old Scratch

Rick Rounds and Buck are in Rick's bed. Rick examines the umbrella that he took from Polly and reflects on the strange group it came from. Buck tries to start a conversation a few times, but is rebuffed each time. Rick tells him to put his clothes on and leave, and he finally does. When Buck is gone, someone opens the tent. Rick is about to tell Buck to leave again, but he sees Polly standing in the darkness.

Rick asks who Polly is and why he is here. Polly describes himself in the most impressive, intimidating way possible, and says he wants his umbrella back. Polly looks just like the biblical devil he was always taught to fear, and Rick wonders if he's here because Rick has been sleeping with Buck.

To demonstrate what the umbrella does, Polly summons it to him and fills the room with fire. When the fire goes out Polly is gone, but he has put the fear of the devil in Rick Rounds.

## Outro - Bones

Nikignik speaks about the nature of devils and the impotence of damnation as a tool for moral guidance. Humans often respond more strongly to negative feelings than positive ones, but why should a reward only be offered after the threat of punishment? A life without love and joy is the worst punishment Nikignik can imagine.