piratejournal | Prayer 1- Voice

The voice is a little wavering and unsteady, but quiet and reverent all the same.

Are you there, Heavenly Father?

It's me, Kevin.

I know I've done the unthinkable, abandoning Elder Cunningham in Uganda and breaking rule seventy-two- and I understand that it's Your righteous judgement that I've not done enough to be forgiven. I thought at first that- well, that's not important. He clears his throat. I should never have questioned You, and this is my punishment-

No, not my punishment. This is the opportunity that You've granted me to redeem myself.

I read the words on the fountain, thanks to the guide You placed in my path. 'What once was whole, now 'tis shattered'- I understand! Now, his voice steadies. It's been my mission all along, to do something so incredible- to gather together these tortured souls that have been shattered from beneath Your sight and make them whole again. Make all of us whole again.

'It's power is great, true depths untold'- it's the power inside of me. I understand now.

So, Lord- if You could see fit to put a patient, forgiving crew in my path as well, I would really appreciate it- I understand You help those who help themselves, but growing up in Utah didn't really prepare me for sailing- not that I'm complaining, mind you, it's just an observation.

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Yeah, I'm familiar with it. And you don't need to go into your whole speech or programmed dialogue or whatever, I don't need to be enlightened. You should probably keep all of that to a minimum here.

He sounds taken aback- but just slightly. Mormons are used to this kind of reception, after all.

I had no intention. An educated man like yourself wouldn't be swayed by some sort of pre-written speech, anyone can see that.

Walt sounds smug, just slightly. He hasn't gotten a compliment like that in quite a while.

Anyway, I wouldn't go around trying to talk like that here. You should probably find a crew as soon as possible. Wandering around alone is a bad idea.

Is there any reason talk of God should be avoided? You seem particularly concerned. He sounds vaguely nervous.

And I had hoped for someone to take pity on me. I don't have any seafaring skills, but I can make myself useful. I hope.

It might rub someone the wrong way. And then you'd get killed.

At least you sound pretty honest. Finding one probably won't be a problem for you. And being on a ship isn't bad. I didn't have any experience being on one myself, but we get by.

Well, respectfully, sir, I run the same risk wherever I go. My last post was in Uganda where a man listening to me speak was shot in the face for the impertinence of wanting to hear of the Lord. I shouldn't be afraid.

That doesn't mean he's not.

That's... unfortunate.

He conveniently leaves out that he himself has done something similar to that. This kid didn't need to know.

Even if you're not afraid, you should still tread lightly.

I... appreciate the warning, sir.

His voice wavers. Just slightly. Something about those words makes him nervous.

I'm Elder Kevin Price, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

...Heisenberg. It's nice to know you, Kevin.

And it's no problem. I've been stuck here for... two months or so. I lost track of it. But most have been here a lot longer.

That's... an interesting name. He shakes it off. Is it German? Anyway... two months isn't that long, I guess, all things considered. I met a man who seems to have been here since the seventeen-hundreds.

I have no idea how long I'll be here. I have a big mission to accomplish.

I think there are people from many different worlds. Not sure if you can believe that.

...I'm almost afraid to ask what kind of mission it is.

Oh, I believe that. He sounds quite sincere. There are many different worlds, many different planets. It only makes sense that those who are here have come from different places, even different realities. The Heavenly Father is more powerful than many give him credit for.

And I'm glad you asked! Even though he didn't. As a soldier in the army of the Church, it is my duty to gather the souls that have been lost here back into the arms of the Lord. I know that not everyone will be receptive, but it's my duty.

If you could see him, he would be rubbing his temples. He'd heard this sort of thing before.

Well, I don't know how much success you're going to have with that here, but I can wish you luck.

Well, thank you, sir. I appreciate your candor.

He hesitates for a moment.

I hope you aren't offended by my saying so, but... there's a real sadness in your voice. You'll be in my prayers.

He was quiet for a long moment after hearing that. This kid was more perceptive than he'd originally thought.

I appreciate that, but there's no need. If that's what you heard, it wasn't intentional. I guess you could say I'm just really tired. I'm not as young as I used to be, and running around to all of these islands starts to wear on a person.

Of course.

He knows better than to question. He knows an excuse when he hears one. Turn it off, Heisenberg.

But it's no trouble at all.

At that, he even smiled a little, and Kevin could probably tell if he listened closely enough.

Thanks, Kevin. If you need anything while you're here... I can try and help.

At that, Kevin's voice lights up with a smile of his own.

Well- thank you! And I might not be nearly as useful as you, but if I can ever return the favor, I will. God bless you, Heisenberg, sir.

God certainly wouldn't bless him, but he appreciated the words nonetheless.

Everyone can be useful in their own way. I'm sure you will find the right path here. Just be careful.

Prayer 1- Voice

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